What is cache consistency in distributed systems?

What is cache consistency in distributed systems?

Cache consistency refers to the mechanism that ensures all copies of data in a distributed system are up-to-date and synchronized.

Why is cache consistency important?

It's crucial because it prevents stale data from being served to users, ensuring data integrity and reliability across the system.

What are some common strategies for maintaining cache consistency?

Common strategies include write-through, write-back, and invalidation methods, each with its own trade-offs.

Can you explain the difference between strong and eventual consistency?

Strong consistency guarantees that all reads return the most recent write, while eventual consistency allows for temporary discrepancies.

What challenges do developers face with cache consistency?

Developers often struggle with latency, network partitions, and the complexity of implementing consistency models.