What is the role of cache in system performance?

Can you explain what cache is and why it's important for system performance?

Cache is a small-sized type of volatile memory that provides high-speed data access to the processor. It's important because it stores frequently accessed data, reducing the time it takes to retrieve information from the main memory.

How does cache improve the speed of applications?

Cache improves application speed by storing copies of frequently used data, allowing the CPU to access it much faster than if it had to fetch it from the slower main memory.

Are there different types of cache?

Yes, there are several types of cache, including CPU cache (L1, L2, L3), disk cache, and web cache, each serving different purposes in improving performance.

What happens if the cache is full?

When the cache is full, the system uses a cache replacement policy to decide which data to remove, making space for new data. This can lead to cache misses, which may slow down performance.