What type of memory stores recently used information for quick access later?

Cache memory is a high-speed type of volatile memory that is used to store frequently accessed data and instructions temporarily. Its primary purpose is to provide faster access to data compared to the slower main memory (RAM). When a processor needs to access data, it first checks whether that data is in the cache. If it is, this is known as a cache hit, and the required information can be retrieved much quicker than if it were to be fetched from the main memory. This capability significantly speeds up the processing time, enhancing overall system performance.

Cache memory typically stores the most recently used information and uses algorithms to manage which data to keep in the cache based on usage patterns. This makes it especially effective for optimizing performance in computer systems, as it reduces the time it would take to access data from other types of memory.

In contrast, RAM is used for general-purpose memory during system operations, storing data and programs currently in use, while ROM is primarily used to store firmware. Flash memory serves a different purpose as non-volatile storage often used for long-term data retention but does not serve the function of quick access to recently used information like cache does.