How do I work with distributed caching in ASP.NET Core?

Question

Sadika · Accepted Answer

Distributed caching is a technique used to store frequently accessed data in a distributed and shared cache, allowing applications to retrieve this data quickly and reduce the load on data sources like databases. ASP.NET Core provides built-in support for distributed caching using libraries such as Redis, SQL Server, and in-memory caching.
Key Concepts for Working with Distributed Caching:

IDistributedCache: In ASP.NET Core, the IDistributedCache interface is used for distributed caching. It provides methods for storing and retrieving data in a distributed cache.

Cache Providers: ASP.NET Core supports various cache providers, including Redis, SQL Server, and in-memory caching. You can choose the provider that best suits your application's needs.

Cache Keys: Data is stored in the cache with unique cache keys, allowing you to retrieve it using the same key.

Cache Expiration: You can set expiration policies on cached data, ensuring that data is removed from the cache after a specified time or when it's no longer needed.

Cache Dependencies: Distributed caching can have dependencies on other data, and it can be configured to expire when those dependencies change.

Working with Distributed Caching in ASP.NET Core: Step-by-Step
Let's break down the process of working with distributed caching in ASP.NET Core into clear, actionable steps:
Step 1: Add Cache Provider

Start by adding a cache provider to your ASP.NET Core project. For example, you can use the Microsoft.Extensions.Caching.Redis package for Redis caching or Microsoft.Extensions.Caching.SqlServer for SQL Server caching. Install the package relevant to your chosen provider.

Step 2: Configure Caching in Startup.cs

In the Startup.cs file, configure the caching provider in the ConfigureServices method. You can set options such as the cache type, connection details, and cache expiration.

csharp

public void ConfigureServices(IServiceCollection services) { // Add caching with the chosen provider (e.g., Redis) services.AddDistributedRedisCache(options => { options.Configuration = "your-redis-connection-string"; options.InstanceName = "your-instance-name"; }); // Other service configurations }

Step 3: Inject IDistributedCache

In your controllers, services, or other components, inject the IDistributedCache interface to access the caching capabilities.

csharp

private readonly IDistributedCache _cache; public MyController(IDistributedCache cache) { _cache = cache; } public IActionResult GetDataFromCache() { // Retrieve data from the cache var cachedData = _cache.GetString("my-cache-key"); if (cachedData == null) { // Data is not in the cache; fetch and cache it // ... } return View(); }

Step 4: Cache and Retrieve Data

Use the IDistributedCache methods to store and retrieve data from the cache. You can set cache keys, specify data expiration, and handle cache misses by fetching and caching data.

csharp

// Cache data with a key and set expiration _cache.SetString("my-cache-key", "cached-data", new DistributedCacheEntryOptions { AbsoluteExpirationRelativeToNow = TimeSpan.FromMinutes(15) });

Benefits of Distributed Caching in ASP.NET Core:

Improved Performance: Caching frequently accessed data reduces the need to fetch data from slow sources, improving application performance.

Scalability: Distributed caching allows multiple application instances to share cached data, enhancing scalability.

Reduced Load: Caching reduces the load on data sources like databases, minimizing the risk of overloading them.

Configurability: You can configure cache expiration and dependencies to control how data is stored and removed from the cache.

In summary, working with distributed caching in ASP.NET Core is a valuable technique for optimizing application performance and scalability. By choosing a cache provider, configuring it in the Startup.cs file, and injecting the IDistributedCache interface, you can effectively cache and retrieve frequently accessed data, reducing the load on data sources and enhancing your application's efficiency. If you're interested in mastering distributed caching and other .NET-related concepts, consider UrbanPro.com as a trusted marketplace to find experienced tutors and coaching institutes offering the best online coaching for .NET Training.

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How do I work with distributed caching in ASP.NET Core?

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