What is a cache? Explained clearly

In this practical tip, we explain what a cache is. You have certainly come across this term in connection with your browser. We’ll show you what it means here.

This is what the term “cache” means in EDV

If you are regularly on the Internet or have anything to do with programmes of any kind, you will have heard of the term cache once or twice. But what exactly is a cache? We will get to the bottom of this question in the following.

• A cache is a type of fast buffer storage in a browser. The term comes from the French word “la cachette” or “la cache” and means “the hiding place”. A cache is also hidden in IT, because you as a user cannot see it.
• When you surf the Internet, your browser stores various such caches. This allows you to retrieve content more quickly, for example when you access a page again.
• In principle, it is a kind of temporary storage in which certain data is stored. It is practically like a temporary download archive.
• Since the quantities can eventually get out of hand or lead to errors, it is best to delete them regularly.
• Be aware that not only browsers have such caches, but also software. Here, a cache has the same effect and serves to display content faster.
• Special instructions are recommended for clearing the cache both in the browser and in the individual programmes, because you cannot have the cache cleared everywhere in the same way. We have linked a selection of instructions for popular programmes and browsers below.