What is write-through caching and can you give me an example?

What is write-through caching and can you give me an example?

Write-through caching is a caching strategy where data is written to both the cache and the backing store simultaneously. For example, when you save a file, it gets stored in both the cache for quick access and on the hard drive for permanent storage.

Why is write-through caching beneficial?

It ensures data consistency since every write operation is immediately reflected in the backing store. This reduces the risk of data loss.

Can you explain a scenario where write-through caching is used?

Sure! In a web application, when a user updates their profile information, write-through caching allows the update to be saved in the cache for fast retrieval while also updating the database.

Are there any downsides to using write-through caching?

Yes, it can introduce latency since every write operation requires a write to both the cache and the backing store, which can slow down performance compared to other caching strategies.