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modcache

Modcache is a generic term used to describe a cache that stores modular software components, such as libraries or plugins, to speed up builds, deployments, and runtime initialization. It functions as a local repository of artifacts that have been downloaded or built previously, enabling subsequent processes to reuse them instead of re-fetching from remote registries or repositories. A modcache improves build performance, reduces network usage, and enhances reproducibility across environments.

How a modcache works varies by ecosystem, but common principles apply. When a module is required, the

Structure and usage patterns vary, but mod caches are usually organized as a directory structure with modules

Examples and scope: The term modcache appears across different ecosystems to describe module caches. In the

build
system
consults
the
modcache
for
a
valid
artifact
matching
the
requested
version
and
integrity
checks.
If
present,
the
artifact
is
loaded
from
disk;
if
absent,
the
system
downloads
it
from
a
configured
registry
or
version
control
system,
verifies
its
integrity,
stores
a
copy
in
the
cache,
and
uses
it
for
the
current
or
future
builds.
Caches
typically
employ
content-addressable
storage,
with
keys
derived
from
the
module’s
content
hash,
and
may
separate
sources,
compiled
artifacts,
and
metadata.
Eviction
policies
such
as
LRU
or
size
limits
manage
cache
growth.
and
version
subdirectories.
Toolchains
expose
configuration
options
or
environment
variables
to
locate
and
control
the
cache,
and
some
implementations
allow
sharing
caches
across
projects
or
machines
to
minimize
duplication.
Caches
may
also
support
offline
builds
and
deterministic
artifacts
by
relying
on
stable,
hash-verified
content.
Go
programming
language,
the
module
cache
(GOMODCACHE)
stores
downloaded
modules
by
path
and
version,
typically
under
a
dedicated
cache
directory.
Other
ecosystems
use
analogous
caching
mechanisms
with
similar
goals,
though
the
exact
naming
and
layout
differ.
Security
and
maintenance
considerations
include
ensuring
integrity,
preventing
cache
corruption,
and
managing
stale
or
compromised
dependencies.