Caching Proxy Server

This project is a CLI-based Caching Proxy Server built in Java.

Features

• Acts as a caching proxy server that forwards requests to the specified origin server.
• Caches the responses to minimize network traffic and reduce server load.
• Distinguishes between cache hits and cache misses using the following headers:
  • X-Cache: HIT — Response served from the cache.
  • X-Cache: MISS — Response fetched from the origin server.
• Supports clearing the cache via a simple command.

How It Works

• The user starts the server by specifying the port and the origin URL.
• When a request is made to the caching proxy server, it checks if the response is already cached.
  • If cached, the response is served with the header X-Cache: HIT.
  • If not cached, the request is forwarded to the origin server, the response is cached, and the header X-Cache: MISS is added.
• Cached data can be cleared through a command.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Java JDK installed (version 8 or higher recommended)

Running the Server

Compile and run the application:

javac CachingProxyServer.java
java CachingProxyServer

Input Configuration

• You will be prompted to enter the port number and the origin server URL via the terminal.

Example Usage

1. Start the server:

Enter the port number: 3000
Enter the origin server URL: http://dummyjson.com

2. Make a request:

http://localhost:3000/products

3. Clear the cache:

Type '--clear-cache' in the terminal to clear the cache.

Response Headers

• X-Cache: HIT — Indicates the response is from the cache.
• X-Cache: MISS — Indicates the response is fetched from the origin server.

Future Improvements

• Support for more complex request methods (POST, PUT, DELETE).
• Advanced cache expiration and invalidation strategies.
• Configurable cache size limits.