In Linux, 'buff/cache' refers to the memory used by the kernel for buffering and caching data. It is part of the overall memory management system and helps improve system performance. Here's a breakdown:
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Buffers: These are used for temporary storage of data being transferred between two locations, such as between the disk and RAM. Buffers help in managing I/O operations efficiently.
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Cache: This refers to the memory used to store frequently accessed data. The cache allows the system to quickly retrieve data without having to read it from the slower disk storage.
When you check memory usage with commands like free, the 'buff/cache' value indicates how much memory is being used for these purposes. This memory can be reclaimed by the system if needed, so it is not considered "used" in the same way as memory allocated to applications.
