About Cached Database Files

This is applicable to Graphical Mode.

Also see Global Settings Global General Settings where you can set the default database directory path. There is also an option to clear the database cache, which may be helpful if you are having issues.

The first time you open a database in Graphical Mode it can take a little while for it to load, especially if it is one of the large databases such as TCFE or TCNI. However, the next time the database opens quickly because the databases are now cached, or stored, in Graphical Mode.

Think of a cache as an intermediate storage area. Once a database cache is established the file is made easily accessible, even if you close the software program. It is the same concept as when you load a web page for the first time. The next time the page opens faster. This is also how it works for the databases in Thermo‑Calc Graphical Mode.

Thermo‑Calc caches the database files, both encrypted and unencrypted types, at two points—when you first open a database, sometimes called an in-memory cache, and then as a disk-based cache. The disk-based cache is what speeds up database loading and it is at this point that Thermo‑Calc refers to the database initialization file for information. The disk-based cache uses a lookup key to find the abbreviated database name (e.g. TCFE or TCNI) contained in this initialization file.

It is important to understand the way databases are cached in Graphical Mode to ensure best practices for those who also use Console Mode, especially if the database initialization file is edited. If you plan to edit this file, see Editing the Database Initialization File or Unencrypted Database File.