Caching Layer
A caching layer is a system or component in software architecture that stores frequently accessed data in a fast-access storage medium to reduce latency and improve performance. It acts as an intermediary between an application and its primary data source, such as a database or external API, by temporarily holding copies of data to serve future requests more quickly. This helps minimize redundant computations or data fetches, enhancing scalability and user experience.
Developers should implement a caching layer when building high-traffic applications, such as web services, e-commerce sites, or real-time systems, to handle increased load and reduce response times. It is crucial for optimizing performance in scenarios with repetitive queries, slow backend systems, or when serving static or semi-static content, as it can significantly lower server costs and improve reliability by reducing database strain.