Answer
Buffer Pool: Stores data and index pages.
Plan Cache: Stores compiled query plans for reuse.
Quick Answer
The Buffer Pool is SQL Server's main memory cache — it holds data pages and index pages read from disk. Reads hit the buffer pool first (logical read); if not found, it fetches from disk (physical read). Plan Cache stores compiled execution plans for reuse. Together they dramatically reduce disk I/O and compilation overhead.
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SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ