What are the differences in performance between LFU and LRU caching algorithms?

What are the differences in performance between LFU and LRU caching algorithms?

LFU (Least Frequently Used) caches items based on their usage frequency, while LRU (Least Recently Used) caches based on recency. LFU can be more efficient for stable access patterns, but LRU often performs better in dynamic scenarios.

Can you explain how LFU and LRU handle cache eviction?

Sure! LFU evicts the least frequently accessed item, while LRU evicts the least recently accessed item. This means LFU focuses on usage frequency, whereas LRU prioritizes recency.

Which algorithm is better for a web application?

It depends on the access patterns. If your application has stable and predictable access, LFU might be better. For more dynamic access patterns, LRU is generally preferred.

Are there any scenarios where LFU outperforms LRU?

Yes, in scenarios where certain items are accessed much more frequently than others, LFU can outperform LRU by retaining those high-frequency items longer.