What are the differences between LRU and FIFO cache algorithms?

What are the differences between LRU and FIFO cache algorithms?

LRU (Least Recently Used) evicts the least recently accessed item, while FIFO (First In First Out) evicts the oldest item.

Can you give me an example of how each algorithm works?

Sure! In LRU, if you access items A, B, C, and then A again, A will be the most recent. In FIFO, if you add A, B, C, and then D, A will be the first to be evicted.

Which algorithm is more efficient in terms of performance?

LRU is generally more efficient for workloads with temporal locality, while FIFO can be simpler and faster to implement.

Are there any scenarios where FIFO might be preferred over LRU?

Yes, FIFO can be preferred in systems with predictable access patterns or when memory overhead for tracking usage is a concern.