As of May 31, 2023, we have updated our Code of Conduct.

A cache can be defined as a component that transparently stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster (no necessity to load from somewhere).

A cache can be defined as a component that transparently stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster (no necessity to load from somewhere). If requested data is contained in the cache (cache hit), this request can be served by simply reading the cache, which is comparatively faster. Otherwise (cache miss), the data has to be recomputed or fetched from its original storage location, which is comparatively slower.

With Android, this term most times refers to the cache created and used by apps – which, when corrupted, might be the cause of "strange behavior" such as "unfortunately X has stopped" (see: ). In such cases it often helps to simply "clear" (empty) the cache of the app-in-question, which can be done in different ways: