The locality principle

Locality of reference, which is a fundamental principle of computing with many applications, is studied. The locality principle helps in designing robust replacement algorithms, compiler code generators, and thrashing-proof systems. It directly influences the design of processor caches, disk controller caches, storage hierarchies, network interfaces, database systems, Web browsers, and edge caches for Web-based environments, and computer forensics. It is predicted that the locality principle may help in overcoming problems with brittle, unreliable software.