docs/geode/reference/cache/chapter_overview_cache_xml.md

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title:  cache.xml
---

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# {#cache_xml}
Use the `cache.xml` file to set up general cache facilities and behavior and to create and initialize cached data regions. These sections document `cache.xml` requirements; provide hierarchical diagrams of cache.xml elements; and show the specific syntax needed to accomplish typical cache configuration tasks.

**Note:**
You can configure most elements of the `cache.xml` file and apply it to your entire cluster by using the [gfsh](../../tools_modules/gfsh/chapter_overview) and [cluster configuration service](../../configuring/gfsh_persist#using-cluster-config-svc). See [Cluster Configuration Service Overview](../../configuring/gfsh_persist) for more information.

-   **[`cache.xml` Quick Reference](elements_ref)**

    This section documents cache.xml file requirements and variables. It also points you to specific element sections for server, client, and WAN configuration.

-   **[`<cache>` Element Hierarchy](cache-elements-list)**

    This section shows the hierarchy of `<cache>` element sub-elements that you use to configure @@product_name@@ caches and servers.

-   **[`<cache>` Element Reference](cache_xml)**

    This section documents the `cache.xml` sub-elements used for @@product_name@@ server configuration. All elements are sub-elements of the `<cache>` element.

-   **[`<client-cache>` Element Hierarchy](client-cache-elements-list)**

    This section shows the hierarchy of `<client-cache>` element sub-elements that you use to configure @@product_name@@ caches and clients.

-   **[`<client-cache>` Element Reference](client-cache)**

    This section documents all `cache.xml` elements that you use to configure @@product_name@@ clients. All elements are sub-elements of the `<client-cache>` element.