What is the difference between cache and buffer?

What is the difference between cache and buffer?

Cache is a small-sized type of volatile memory that provides high-speed data access to the CPU, while a buffer is a temporary storage area that holds data while it is being transferred between two locations.

Can you give me examples of where each is used?

Sure! Cache is often used in CPUs to speed up data retrieval, while buffers are commonly used in streaming applications to store data before it's processed.

Why is cache faster than buffer?

Cache is faster because it is located closer to the CPU and uses faster memory technologies, whereas buffers may use slower storage.

Are there any downsides to using cache?

Yes, cache can be expensive to implement and may lead to cache misses, which can slow down performance if the data isn't found.