What is the difference between IMemoryCache and IDistributedCache?

IMemoryCache and IDistributedCache are both interfaces in ASP.NET Core used for caching data, but they differ in terms of scope and storage.

IMemoryCache

• Scope: Local to the application instance.
• Storage: Caches data in the memory of the local application.
• Usage: Ideal for scenarios where data needs to be cached within the same application instance and doesn't need to be shared across multiple instances or servers.
• Pros: Faster access since it operates within the application's memory.
• Cons: Limited to a single instance and doesn't support sharing data between different instances or servers.

IDistributedCache

• Scope: Allows caching to be shared across multiple instances or servers (distributed environment).
• Storage: Can use various distributed storage mechanisms like Redis, SQL Server, or other external stores to cache data.
• Usage: Useful for scenarios where data needs to be shared among multiple instances of the application or across a server farm.
• Pros: Supports scalability and sharing of cached data across multiple instances or servers.
• Cons: Might have slightly slower access compared to in-memory caching due to the network or external storage latency.

In summary, IMemoryCache is local to the application and is suitable for single-instance scenarios, while DistributedCache is designed for distributed applications where caching needs to be shared across multiple instances or servers.