Cache-aside pattern in Redis - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the Cache-aside pattern?

The Cache-aside pattern is a way to keep data in a cache and a database. When data is needed, the app first looks in the cache. If it's not there, it loads from the database and then saves it in the cache for next time.

beginner

In the Cache-aside pattern, what happens when data is not found in the cache?

The application loads the data from the database, then stores it in the cache for future requests.

beginner

Why use the Cache-aside pattern instead of always reading from the database?

Because reading from cache is much faster than reading from the database, so it improves app speed and reduces database load.

intermediate

How does the Cache-aside pattern handle data updates?

When data changes, the app updates the database first and then removes or updates the cache entry to keep data consistent.

beginner

What is a cache miss in the Cache-aside pattern?

A cache miss happens when the requested data is not found in the cache, so the app must get it from the database.

In the Cache-aside pattern, where does the application look first for data?

A Cache

B Database

C File system

D Network

The application first checks the cache to find the data quickly before going to the database.

What should the application do after a cache miss in the Cache-aside pattern?

A Load data from the database and update the cache

B Return an error

C Clear the cache

D Restart the application

After a cache miss, the app loads data from the database and stores it in the cache for future use.

How does the Cache-aside pattern help improve application performance?

A By storing data only in the database

B By increasing database writes

C By reducing database reads using fast cache access

D By disabling the cache

It reduces the number of database reads by serving data from the faster cache.

When data is updated, what must happen to keep cache and database consistent?

A Only update the database

B Only update the cache

C Do nothing

D Update the database and then invalidate or update the cache

The database is updated first, then the cache is cleared or updated to avoid stale data.

Which of these is NOT a benefit of the Cache-aside pattern?

A Faster data access

B Automatic cache refresh without app control

C Reduced database load

D Better app scalability

Cache-aside requires the app to manage cache updates; it does not refresh cache automatically.

Explain how the Cache-aside pattern works step-by-step when an application requests data.

Think about what happens when data is found or not found in cache.

Describe how data updates are handled in the Cache-aside pattern to keep cache and database consistent.

Consider the order of operations for data changes.