What is pycache?

Pycache is a directory created by Python to store compiled Python files (.pyc files) that result from running a Python script. These compiled files contain bytecode that is generated by the Python interpreter for faster execution of the script in subsequent runs. Pycache is usually created in the same directory as the Python script being executed.

The purpose of pycache is to improve the performance of Python scripts by avoiding the need to recompile the code every time it is executed. This can be especially useful for large Python projects or when running scripts multiple times.

Pycache can be safely deleted without affecting the functionality of the Python script, as the Python interpreter will recreate the necessary .pyc files when the script is executed again. It is generally recommended to include pycache in the .gitignore file when working with version control systems to avoid unnecessary changes in the repository.