Android: what is the dalvik cache?

When installing new Android custom ROMs, you can always read that the Dalvik cache should be wiped. But what exactly is the Dalvik cache? We'll explain it to you.

What is the Dalvik cache on Android?

• Simply put, the Dalvik cache contains the directory tree of all the apps installed on your android.
• This is comparable to the MFT (Master File Table) from Windows.
• This is created when an app is installed so that the program runs optimally.
• The Dalvik cache also serves as a temporary cache for apps that require a lot of resources.
• The Dalvik cache takes up about 80 MB of storage space. However, that also depends on how many apps you have installed on your smartphone.

Can I clear the Dalvik cache?

Clearing the Dalvik cache only works if you have serious problems with an app and all other solutions have failed. When installing custom ROMs, it is also sometimes necessary to clear the Dalvik cache.

• Storage space cannot be gained as a result. When the Android smartphone is restarted, the Dalvik cache is rebuilt.
• This is also the reason why the first boot process takes longer after a ROM change.
• For example, you can reset the Dalvik cache with a tool like Clockwork Mod.

Is it worth moving the Dalvik cache to the SD card?

In general, it is hardly worth exporting the Dalvik cache to an SD card.

• Moving the Dalvik cache is only worthwhile if your smartphone has very little internal memory and moving the apps using App2SD is no longer sufficient.
• In any case, you should note that the SD card is sufficiently fast (at least class 6).
• Otherwise it can happen that your Android smartphone becomes quite sluggish.
• An app that allows you to move the Dalvik cache is Link2SD, for example.
• To do this, however, you need root rights on your smartphone.