What are the limitations of in-memory caching?

What are the limitations of in-memory caching?

In-memory caching can be very fast, but it has several limitations. For instance, it is limited by the amount of RAM available, which can restrict the size of the cache. Additionally, data stored in memory is volatile, meaning it can be lost if the system crashes or restarts.

What happens if the cache exceeds the available memory?

If the cache exceeds available memory, it can lead to cache eviction policies being triggered, where older or less frequently accessed data is removed to make space for new data. This can result in cache misses and reduced performance.

Are there any security concerns with in-memory caching?

Yes, in-memory caching can pose security risks, especially if sensitive data is stored. If an attacker gains access to the memory, they could potentially retrieve this data. It's important to implement proper security measures.

How does in-memory caching compare to disk-based caching?

In-memory caching is generally faster than disk-based caching because accessing RAM is quicker than accessing disk storage. However, disk-based caching can handle larger datasets and is more persistent, as it retains data even after a system restart.