IMemoryCache and IDistributedCache are both interfaces in ASP.NET Core used for caching data, but they differ in terms of scope and storage.

IMemoryCache

• Scope: Local to the application instance.
• Storage: Caches data in the memory of the local application.
• Usage: Ideal for scenarios where data needs to be cached within the same application instance and doesn't need to be shared across multiple instances or servers.
• Pros: Faster access since it operates within the application's memory.
• Cons: Limited to a single instance and doesn't support sharing data between different instances or servers.

IDistributedCache

• Scope: Allows caching to be shared across multiple instances or servers (distributed environment).
• Storage: Can use various distributed storage mechanisms like Redis, SQL Server, or other external stores to cache data.
• Usage: Useful for scenarios where data needs to be shared among multiple instances of the application or across a server farm.
• Pros: Supports scalability and sharing of cached data across multiple instances or servers.
• Cons: Might have slightly slower access compared to in-memory caching due to the network or external storage latency.

In summary, IMemoryCache is local to the application and is suitable for single-instance scenarios, while DistributedCache is designed for distributed applications where caching needs to be shared across multiple instances or servers.