Caching is the process of collecting duplicates of original data values, that are then stored in a location that is easier to access for enhanced performance.

The following are just a few examples of the different types of cache:

• CPU cache—a small area of fast memory used by the central processing unit
• Database cache—temporary storage of database content in multi-tier applications
• Query cache—temporary storage of query data and metadata to increase performance
• Web cache—temporary storage of web documents to increase performance