What is cache memory and what is its purpose?
2. How does cache memory work? 3. What does this mean for different types of data structures? 1. First of all cache memory is very fast memory that the processor can access much more quickly than main memory or RAM. Currently processors can operate at speeds much greater than affordable, reliable memory can supply the necessary data. Cache memory, is much like other memory, except it can operate much faster, and much more expensive. Cache memory attempts to bridge the gap between fast, expensive memory that can be made in limited quantities, and the large amounts of RAM needed for modern applications. By giving the processor a small amount of fast memory to used, and then having that memory read in and write to main memory in “spare” time, the processor can operate at full speed much of the time. 2. The details of how cache memory works vary depending on the different cache controllers and processors, so I won’t describe the exact details. In general, though, cache memory works by atte
