Intersystem

Cache
B Y: A K R S H I T A S H A R M A
 Cache : a high-
performance object
database.

• Intersystem Cache® is a high-performance

database that powers transaction processing
applications around the world.
• It is used for everything from mapping a
billion stars in the Milky Way, to processing a
billion equity trades in a day, to managing
smart energy grids.

.
Intersystem Cache is a high-
performance object database that also
supports multi-dimensional arrays. It
combines the capabilities of both a
traditional database and an application
server and is particularly used for
building complex, high-availability
applications that require real-time data
.
 CACHE?
While there isn't an explicit "cache" like a traditional cache layer, Intersystem Caché performs several
optimizations under the hood. The database engine likely uses memory-based caching for frequently accessed
data to reduce latency and improve query performance.
TITLEand
This caching is internal FOR X
managed TITLE FOR
by the system automatically, meaning developers don'tXhave to configure
or handle caching explicitly.

•Performance Optimization:
What are the most important things that …from another contrasting or competing
differentiates
•Caché your subject
uses techniques likeor big idea… (JIT) compilation of SQL
just-in-time subject or idea.
queries, smart indexing, and in-memory
data handling to make transactions and queries faster. The caching of compiled code or query plans can be
seen as part of its optimization strategy.

•Distributed Architecture:

•In a distributed setup, Caché can mirror data and use replication techniques to ensure that frequently
accessed data is available across nodes, which can serve as another form of "caching" from a high-availability
perspective.
• Multi-Model Database:
• Object Database: You can store and retrieve objects directly in the
database, making it a great fit for object-oriented programming.
• Relational Database: Cache supports SQL, so data can be accessed
using standard SQL queries, enabling the use of relational models
when needed.
• Multi-dimensional Arrays: Also known as global arrays, they allow
for very efficient storage and retrieval of hierarchical or complex
data structures
Object-Oriented Database
•Functionality: The database allows you
to store, retrieve, and manipulate objects
directly. This means data can be modeled
using object-oriented principles, reducing
the gap between application models and Technology
database structures.

•Benefits: This design enables developers

to work with complex data structures
more naturally without needing to
transform them into relational tables.
2. SQL Query Engine
•Functionality: Caché supports
standard SQL queries, which allows
relational access to data even when
stored as objects or multi-dimensional
arrays. Technology
•Benefits: Flexibility in how data is
queried—developers can use either SQL
for relational-style queries or object-
oriented queries, depending on their
needs.
3. Multi-Dimensional Arrays (Global
Arrays)
•Functionality: Cache uses multi-
dimensional arrays (global) to store data
efficiently, especially hierarchical and complex
structures. This mechanism optimizes both
storage space and retrieval speed. Technology

•Benefits: This data model is highly

performant for applications with structured,
hierarchical data or those needing fast access
to complex datasets.
 Multi-Model Complexity
•Challenge: Caché supports multiple data models
(relational, object-oriented, and hierarchical). While
this flexibility is powerful, it can introduce
complexity in design. Deciding which model to use
for each data structure requires careful
Design consideration of performance, scalability, and ease
of access.

Challenges Efficient Use of Multi-Dimensional Arrays (Globals)

•Challenge: Caché’s multi-dimensional arrays
(globals) are a core feature, but they require a
different approach compared to traditional
relational databases. Misuse of globals can lead to
inefficiencies in data storage and retrieval.
 Learning Curve for ObjectScript
•Challenge: Caché uses ObjectScript, a proprietary
language, which can pose a learning curve for developers
unfamiliar with it. This could delay development or
introduce inefficiencies if not handled correctly.

Design Optimization of Queries

•Challenge: Although Caché supports SQL, its

Challenges performance may differ from traditional SQL databases,

especially with complex joins or queries on object-oriented
data.

Performance Tuning
•Challenge: Optimizing performance, particularly with
large datasets or high-volume transactions, can be difficult
without careful system tuning.
TOOLS
Caché offers a broad set of tools, which include:

▪ ObjectScript, the language in which most of Caché is written.

▪ Native implementations of SQL, Multivalue, and Basic.
▪ A well-developed, built-in security model
▪ A suite of technologies and tools that provide rapid development for database and web
applications
▪ Native, object-based XML and web services support
▪ Device support (such as files, TCP/IP, printers)
▪ Automatic interoperability via Java, JDBC, ActiveX, .NET, C++, ODBC, XML, SOAP, Perl, Python,
and more
▪ Support for common Internet protocols: POP3, SMTP, MIME, FTP, and so on
▪ A reusable user portal for your end users
▪ Support for analyzing unstructured data
▪ Support for Business Intelligence (BI)
▪ Built-in testing facilities
Installation
To get started, you need to install the InterSystems IRIS software. The installation process
can be done on various platforms such as Windows, Linux, or Docker.

Steps:
Download the appropriate version of InterSystems IRIS from the official InterSystems
website.

Install using the provided setup instructions. During installation, you'll need to define the
instance and select the proper configuration based on your environment.
Database Configuration
Once the system is installed, you need to configure the database to match your application’s
needs.
Key Configuration Aspects:

Memory Allocation: Ensure that enough memory is allocated for caching frequently
accessed data.

Journaling: Enable journaling to ensure data durability and to maintain an audit log of all
database transactions.

Namespaces: Set up namespaces, which are logical data partitions used to organize data in
InterSystems IRIS. They map database storage locations to the system.
. Data Modeling
3
InterSystems IRIS allows multiple types of data models including relational,
object-oriented, and document-oriented. You can choose the data model
based on the application requirements.

Implementing Application Logic

You can implement business logic in InterSystems IRIS using ObjectScript or a
combination of different programming languages such as Java, Python, or .NET,
depending on the specific needs of your application.
Data Caching
InterSystems IRIS offers robust caching mechanisms. By default, the system automatically
caches frequently accessed data in memory. You can configure cache settings manually to
optimize performance further.

Security
Implementing security features is critical for any database.

Key Security Features:

Authentication: Set up authentication mechanisms (OAuth, LDAP, etc.) to ensure only

authorized users can access the system.
Monitoring and Maintenance
InterSystems IRIS comes with several monitoring tools to ensure the health of your database.
Steps:

Use Management Portal: The InterSystems Management Portal provides tools for monitoring database
performance, checking cache hit rates, and managing disk usage.

Backup and Recovery: Set up regular backups and establish recovery procedures in case of failure.

Scaling
InterSystems IRIS is designed to be highly scalable. As your data grows, you can scale your system horizontally
or vertically. You can also implement a sharded architecture for handling very large datasets.
Steps:

Horizontal Scaling: Add more database nodes (servers) to distribute the data and workload.

Sharding: Divide large datasets into smaller pieces called shards, which can be distributed across multiple
servers for parallel processing.
•Deployment
Once your system is configured, tested, and optimized, you can deploy it to production.

Use Docker/Kubernetes for Containerized Deployment: InterSystems

IRIS supports deployment in containers, which makes scaling, updating, and
management easier.

CI/CD Pipelines: Integrate with CI/CD pipelines for automatic

deployment and updates of your system.
Thank You