Memcached is an open-source, high-performance distributed memory caching system. It is primarily used to speed up dynamic web applications by alleviating database load.
In essence, Memcached stores data in memory and allows for lightning-fast retrieval. It operates by caching frequently accessed data, such as database query results, API responses, or page rendering outputs, in a distributed cache across multiple servers. This helps reduce the time and resources required to fetch the same data repeatedly from slower data storage systems, such as disk-based databases.
Memcached follows a client-server architecture, where client applications communicate with Memcached servers over a network. It employs a simple key-value storage mechanism, where data is stored and retrieved using unique keys.
Key features of Memcached include its simplicity, scalability, and high-performance capabilities. It is widely used in various web applications, content delivery networks (CDNs), and caching layers in distributed systems to improve overall performance and scalability.
