Cache impact on memory utilization

The maximum size of the cache is dependent on cache parameters. The server cache grows in size to reach a maximum specified by cache sizing parameters. Java does not provide a good means to estimate the memory usage of objects. Therefore, it is difficult to reliably estimate the maximum size of a cache. If the cache size exceeds the maximum heap size, the application eventually runs out of memory.

Larger caches increase memory starvation issues. Larger caches expand the memory footprint of the application. Performance decreases as garbage collection becomes more frequent and analyzes more objects.

Set the cache as large as needed, but no larger. Monitor garbage collection to extrapolate memory usage patterns and garbage collection statistics.