> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/gridgain8-get-started/learning-paths/cache-centric-foundations.md).

# Cache-Centric Foundations

Start here if you are new to GridGain 8.

Start here if you are new to GridGain 8. You set up a local cluster, work with the cache API, size and expire a cache, put it in front of a database, use transactions, and see how data is distributed.

| Tutorial                                                                                                                                                              | Time   | Level        |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ------------ |
| [Start a Local Cache Development Cluster](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/gridgain8-get-started/quick-start/start-local-cache-cluster.md)                                   | 20 min | Beginner     |
| [Work With the Cache API](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/gridgain8-get-started/quick-start/work-with-cache-api.md)                                                         | 45 min | Beginner     |
| [Cache Sizing and Expiry](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/gridgain8-get-started/learning-paths/cache-centric-foundations/cache-sizing-and-expiry.md)                        | 45 min | Beginner     |
| [Cache-Aside Under Load](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/gridgain8-get-started/learning-paths/cache-centric-foundations/cache-aside-under-load.md)                          | 60 min | Beginner     |
| [Use Transactions With the Cache API](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/gridgain8-get-started/learning-paths/cache-centric-foundations/cache-transactions.md)                 | 60 min | Intermediate |
| [Understand How Your Cache Is Distributed](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/gridgain8-get-started/learning-paths/cache-centric-foundations/understand-cache-distribution.md) | 45 min | Beginner     |