geode-docs/basic_config/config_concepts/chapter_overview.html.md.erb

---
title:  Cluster and Cache Configuration
---

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To work with your <%=vars.product_name_long%> applications, you use a combination of configuration files and application code.

-   **[Cluster Members](distributed_system_member_configuration.html)**

    Cluster members are programs that connect to a <%=vars.product_name%> cluster. You configure members to belong to a single cluster, and you can optionally configure them to be clients or servers to members in other clusters, and to communicate with other clusters.

-   **[Setting Properties](../gemfire_properties/setting_distributed_properties.html)**

    <%=vars.product_name%> provides a default cluster configuration for out-of-the-box systems. To use non-default configurations and to fine-tune your member communication, you can use a mix of various options to customize your cluster configuration.

-   **[Options for Configuring the Cache and Data Regions](../the_cache/setting_cache_properties.html)**

    To populate your <%=vars.product_name_long%> cache and fine-tune its storage and distribution behavior, you need to define cached data regions and provide custom configuration for the cache and regions.

-   **[Local and Remote Membership and Caching](local_vs_remote.html)**

    For many <%=vars.product_name_long%> discussions, you need to understand the difference between local and remote membership and caching.