Question

Techopedia  defines disk cache as;

A disk cache is a cache memory that is used to speed up the process of storing and accessing data from the host hard disk. It enables faster processing of reading/writing, commands and other input and output process between the hard disk, the memory and computing components.

A fundamental principle of programming is that any system interacting with multiple components requires the use of buffers. Buffers insulate components from each other’s duty cycles, but too many buffers can impede the performance of the system.

Let’s discuss the use of cache and buffers considering the following:

• What are the performance considerations?
• What is stored in the disk cache memory? What is a soft disk cache?
• What are the characteristics that differ between cache and buffers?
• Given an example where buffering and cache usage would have an impact.
• What is a buffer overflow? When might this happen?

Answer 1