.NET Architecture & System Design Interview Question #36

What is cache warming?

Caching, CDN, Queues & Asynchronous Processing Junior Beginner

Quick Interview Answer

Cache warming preloads selected cache entries before normal traffic needs them. It can reduce cold-start latency for predictable, frequently requested data.

Detailed Explanation

Cache warming preloads selected cache entries before normal traffic needs them. It can reduce cold-start latency for predictable, frequently requested data.

Warming every possible entry can waste memory and increase startup load. It is usually best for a small set of high-value data whose access pattern is known.

Code Example

Application starts
     |
load popular reference data
     |
populate cache
     |
serve traffic