What is Redis

Redis stands for Remote Dictionary Server. It is an in-memory storage system that is open for anyone to use and modify. Redis is used as a database, cache, and message broker, storing data in memory for quick access. This makes it very fast for reading and writing data, which is great for caching. Redis is the most popular NoSQL database and one of the most popular databases overall.

Redis supports a variety of data structures, including,

• Dictionary / Hashes
• Lists
• Strings etc.

Why You Should Use Redis for Query Caching

Redis is an in-memory data store, renowned for its caching capabilities. By using Redis, you can lighten the load on your primary database and accelerate database read operations.

In e-commerce applications, one query type stands out as the most frequently requested: product searches. To enhance product searches, consider using the following caching strategies:

• Cache Prefetching: Preload the entire product catalog into Redis, allowing the application to perform any product queries on Redis, just like with the primary database. 
• Cache-aside Pattern: Populate Redis on-demand, based on the search parameters requested by the frontend.

Advantages of Using Redis

Redis offers numerous benefits for your application, and some key advantages are listed below.

1. Large Key-Value Pair Storage: Redis can store key-value pairs up to 512 MB in size, allowing for entries as large as 1 GB.
2. Data Replication: Redis supports master-slave replication. Slave nodes automatically update when the master node is updated, and replication can be asynchronous for better performance.
3. High Availability: Redis can handle failures and continue providing service without interruption. Efficient replication ensures the cache service remains operational even if some nodes fail.
4. Multi-language Support: Redis has client libraries for many popular programming languages, including C, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, and Python. You can find a complete list of supported languages on the Redis Wikipedia page.
5. Simple Protocol: Redis uses the Redis Serialization Protocol (RESP), which is simple to implement and human-readable, making client-server communication straightforward.
6. Mass Data Insertion: Redis allows for the easy insertion of large amounts of data, facilitating the loading of millions of data entries into the cache quickly.

How to install Redis on Ubuntu 22.04

Step 1: Update System Packages

Update your local apt package cache if you haven’t done so recently by using the following command:

 sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Redis

Install Redis by using the command:

sudo apt install redis-server

Step 3: Check Redis Version

Verify the version of the installed Redis by executing the redis-server command with the -v

redis-server -v

Step 4: Start Redis Service

Once the installation is complete, check if the Redis instance is running. To test connectivity, use the following command

sudo systemctl status redis

If Redis hasn’t been started and the status is inactive, you can start the Redis server by entering the following command

 sudo systemctl restart redis-server

How to Configure Redis on Ubuntu 22.04

Step 1: Edit Redis Configuration File

The default Redis configuration file is located at /etc/redis/redis.conf. By default, the Redis server listens for all available connections. Open the configuration file with your preferred editor. In this example, we are using the vi editor

sudo vi /etc/redis/redis.conf

Locate the line bind 127.0.0.1 ::1.

Change the IP address to the values of the connections you want the Redis server to listen for. For example

bind 45.245.177.70

Set a Password: Locate the requirepass directive under the SECURITY section and uncomment it (by removing the #). Replace it with the password of your choice:

requirepass yourpassword

Step 2: Restart Redis Service

Once you have made the necessary changes, save and close the file. Then restart the Redis service to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart redis-server

sudo systemctl restart redis-server

Summary

Redis stands out as a robust solution for caching in applications due to its impressive speed, flexibility, and advanced functionalities. To fully leverage Redis for enhancing performance and optimizing resources, it is essential to plan, implement, and monitor your caching strategies diligently. By adopting the approaches discussed, you can maximize Redis’s benefits and deliver a faster, more efficient experience for your users