Caching refers to the process of temporarily storing frequently optimizing application performance. This reduces database load and enhances response times. To make this process even more efficient, different caching strategies exist, each serving different purposes. The most common caching strategies include:
- Cache-Aside (Lazy Loading): In this strategy, the application retrieves data from the database when needed and stores it in the cache for later use.
- Write-Through Caching: In Write-Through caching data is first written to the cache and then to the database.
- Write-Behind Caching: In Write-Behind caching data is written to the cache first and asynchronously persists to the database.
- Read-Through Caching: With this caching strategy the cache retrieves data from the database itself on a cache miss, simplifying data access for applications
What is Read-Through?
Read-through caching is a strategy where the cache automatically fetches data from the underlying data source if it is absent in memory. This approach eliminates the need for application-level logic to handle cache misses, making it more efficient and reducing application code complexity.
Benefits of Read-Through Caching:
Here are some key benefits of using this mechanism in applications:
- Automated Data Retrieval: The cache seamlessly fetches missing data from the database.
- Simplified Application Code: The application does not need to check the cache and then fetch data from the database manually.
- Improved Performance: Reduced direct database access minimizes latency and enhances application responsiveness.
- Consistency: Ensures that data retrieval follows a standardized approach, reducing redundancy.
Read-Through vs. Cache-Aside Caching
Feature | Read-Through Caching | Cache-Aside Caching |
Data Retrieval | Cache fetches data automatically | Application manually fetches data |
Complexity | Lower (handled by cache) | Higher (handled by application) |
Use Case | High-read applications | Simple caching scenarios |
Implementing Read-Through Caching in NCache
NCache supports Read-Through caching allowing applications to benefit from automated data retrieval without additional coding efforts.
Configuring the Provider
To use Read-Through caching in NCache, follow these steps:
- Create a Read-Through Provider: Implement a class that extends the IReadThruProvider interface in .NET or the ReadThruProvider interface in Java.
- Register the Provider in NCache: Configure the Read-Through provider using the NCache Management Center or PowerShell commands.
- Enable Read-Through in Cache Configuration: Modify the cache settings to use the registered provider.
Example: Implementing a Read-Through Provider
Below is a basic implementation of a Read-Through provider in .NET:
Using Read-Through Provider in NCache
Once the provider is implemented and configured, applications can leverage Read-Through seamlessly:
Forced Read-Through
NCache also provides a forced Read-Through option, ensuring that the latest data is retrieved directly from the data source, bypassing the cache:
Bulk Read-Through
NCache supports bulk data retrieval using Read-Through for improved efficiency:
Conclusion
Read-Through caching with NCache simplifies data retrieval by automating cache misses and fetching data directly from the data source. It enhances performance, reduces application complexity, and ensures consistency in caching strategies. By leveraging Read-Through caching, developers can build scalable and efficient applications with minimal effort.
For more details on configuring and using Read-Through caching in NCache, refer to the official documentation.