Memory caching is a technique used in computing to temporarily store frequently accessed data in a faster storage area, known as cache memory. This allows for quicker retrieval of information, reducing the time it takes for applications to access data from slower storage options like hard drives. When a program requests data, the system first checks the cache to see if it is already stored there. If the data is found, it is delivered quickly, known as a "cache hit." If not, the system retrieves it from the slower storage, which is called a "cache miss," and may then store a copy in the cache for future use.