C#: How to implement a smart cache

Question

I have some places where implementing some sort of cache might be useful. For example in cases of doing resource lookups based on custom strings, finding names of properties usi

Answer 1

You could use a WeakReference but if your object is not that large than don't because the WeakReference would be taking more memory than the object itself which is not a good technique. Also, if the object is a short-time usage where it will never make it to generation 1 from generation 0 on the GC, there is not much need for the WeakReference but IDisposable interface on the object would have with the release on SuppressFinalize.

If you want to control the lifetime you need a timer to update the datetime/ timespan again the desiredExpirationTime on the object in your cache.

The important thing is if the object is large then opt for the WeakReference else use the strong reference. Also, you can set the capacity on the Dictionary and create a queue for requesting additional objects in your temp bin serializing the object and loading it when there is room in the Dictionary, then clear it from the temp directory.