RocketMVPRocketMVP
Important for many MVPs

Caching for MVP Performance

Implement caching layers to improve response times and reduce database load.

2-4 days
Typical Timeline
$500 - $1,500
Typical Cost

When to Include

  • Repeated database queries for same data
  • Slow API responses
  • High traffic expected
  • Expensive computations

When to Skip

  • Very early MVP with low traffic
  • Mostly unique, personalized data
  • Real-time data requirements

Technology Options

TechnologyProsCons
Redis
In-memory data store
  • Very fast
  • Rich data structures
  • Pub/sub support
  • Widely used
  • Additional infrastructure
  • Memory costs
  • Cache invalidation complexity
CDN Caching
Edge caching for static and API responses
  • Global distribution
  • No code changes
  • Managed infrastructure
  • Cache invalidation
  • Cost at scale
  • Not for personalized content
Vercel/Next.js Caching
Built-in caching for Next.js apps
  • Zero config
  • ISR/SSG support
  • Integrated
  • Vercel-optimized
  • Limited control
In-memory (Node)
Application-level caching
  • Simple
  • No infrastructure
  • Fast
  • Lost on restart
  • Memory limits
  • Single server only

Implementation Steps

1
Identify cacheable data and endpoints
2
Choose caching strategy (read-through, write-through)
3
Set up caching infrastructure
4
Implement cache keys and TTLs
5
Add cache invalidation logic
6
Monitor cache hit rates
7
Handle cache failures gracefully
8
Document caching behavior

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Caching personalized data without user-specific keys
  • Too long TTLs causing stale data
  • Not handling cache failures (fallback to DB)
  • Caching errors
  • Missing cache invalidation on updates
  • Over-caching (complexity for little gain)

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I add caching to my MVP?

When you see slow queries or high database load. Dont pre-optimize. Start with database indexes, then add caching for specific bottlenecks.

How do I handle cache invalidation?

Use short TTLs for frequently changing data. Invalidate explicitly on writes. Consider event-driven invalidation for complex relationships.

Redis vs. in-memory caching?

In-memory for single-server MVPs and session-specific data. Redis when you need persistence, multiple servers, or complex data structures.

Related Features

Database Design

Choosing and designing databases for scalability, performance, and data integrity.

Learn more

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