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# SteamCache2 Overview

SteamCache2 is a high-performance HTTP proxy cache specifically designed for Steam game downloads. It reduces bandwidth usage and speeds up downloads by caching game files locally.

## Key Features
- **Tiered Caching**: Memory + disk cache with intelligent promotion
- **Service Detection**: Automatically detects Steam clients via User-Agent
- **Request Coalescing**: Multiple clients share downloads of the same file
- **Range Support**: Serves partial content from cached full files
- **Garbage Collection**: Multiple algorithms (LRU, LFU, FIFO, Hybrid, etc.)
- **Adaptive Caching**: Learns from access patterns for better performance

## Architecture
- **HTTP Proxy**: Intercepts Steam requests and serves from cache when possible
- **VFS Layer**: Abstracted storage supporting memory and disk caches
- **Service Manager**: Handles multiple gaming services (Steam, Epic, etc.)
- **GC System**: Intelligent cache eviction with configurable algorithms

## Development
- **Language**: Go 1.23+
- **Build**: Use `make` commands (see [Makefile](mdc:Makefile))
- **Testing**: Comprehensive unit and integration tests
- **Configuration**: YAML-based with automatic generation

## Performance
- **Concurrency**: Configurable request limits and rate limiting
- **Memory**: Dynamic memory management with configurable thresholds
- **Network**: Optimized HTTP transport with connection pooling
- **Storage**: Efficient cache file format with integrity verification

## Use Cases
- **Gaming Cafes**: Reduce bandwidth costs and improve download speeds
- **LAN Events**: Share game downloads across multiple clients
- **Home Networks**: Speed up game updates for multiple gamers
- **Development**: Test game downloads without hitting Steam servers

## Configuration
Default configuration is generated on first run. Key settings:
- Cache sizes (memory/disk)
- Garbage collection algorithms
- Concurrency limits
- Upstream server configuration

See [config.yaml](mdc:config.yaml) for configuration options and [README.md](mdc:README.md) for detailed setup instructions.