templateCache

The templateCache is a built-in service in AngularJS that stores compiled HTML templates. When you use directives like ngInclude or ngRepeat, or when you define templates for routes, AngularJS compiles these templates and stores them in the templateCache. This caching mechanism prevents the need to recompile the same templates repeatedly, significantly improving the performance of your application.

When a template is requested, AngularJS first checks the templateCache. If the template is found, it's used directly. If it's not found, AngularJS fetches the template from its source (e.g., a file on the server), compiles it, stores it in the templateCache, and then returns it. This process ensures that templates are only fetched and compiled once, leading to faster rendering and a smoother user experience.

The templateCache can also be accessed and manipulated directly by developers. You can pre-populate the cache with templates during the application's build process, which can further enhance performance by eliminating the need for client-side fetching altogether. This is often achieved using build tools that convert template files into JavaScript code that populates the cache. Understanding and utilizing the templateCache is a key aspect of optimizing AngularJS application performance.