Caching avoids repeating expensive work by storing computed values, query results, rendered fragments, or configuration data for a controlled lifetime. Laravel’s cache API supports stores such as Redis, database, files, and memory systems, allowing code to use a consistent interface while selecting infrastructure that fits production needs.

Redis is an in-memory data store commonly used for high-speed cache entries, queues, sessions, rate limits, locks, and real-time coordination. Performance gains depend on correct cache keys, TTLs, invalidation, serialization, and monitoring. Cached data must be treated as stale by design, and cache invalidation should be tied to the events that change the underlying data.