ElastiCache

ElastiCache is a fully managed in-memory caching service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that enhances the performance of applications by allowing data retrieval from fast, managed in-memory data stores, instead of relying on slower disk-based databases. It supports two popular open-source in-memory caching engines: Redis and Memcached.

Key terms related to ElastiCache include:

Cache Node: A single in-memory data store that is part of an ElastiCache cluster, used to store data temporarily for fast access.
Cache Cluster: A collection of one or more cache nodes that work together to provide scalability and high availability.
Replication Group: A group of cache nodes that replicate data across different nodes, ensuring durability and fault tolerance.
Data Eviction: The process by which ElastiCache removes less frequently accessed data to make room for new data when the cache reaches its size limit.

ElastiCache significantly improves the performance of web applications by reducing latency and increasing throughput, allowing for quicker data retrieval. By integrating ElastiCache, developers can enhance user experiences and optimize resource utilization, making it a valuable tool for high-performance applications. Understanding these concepts is essential for leveraging the full benefits of ElastiCache in your architecture.