Question

I use Enterprise library caching application block. The specifics of our requirements required me to add dynamic keys into the cache that depend on different parameters. The keys also have a prefix to group them easily. For example:

AccountsStaffMark1234
AccountsStaffPeter0123
AccountsStaffHenry1111
ScienceStaffRuth2222
EnglishStaffSimon3333

I need to be able to search for all AccountsStaff cache entries and remove them when fresh data is available.
I cannot use the Flush() keyword as it clears all the data, including Science and English. The cached data is stored in a caching DB and I can make wildcard queries on the CacheData table to filter AccountsStaff. Along these lines

1. Is there a way to search for keys in the Enterprise Library Framework?
2. If not, is it possible to extend the caching library for my requirement, and how?

Answer 1

Ok, figured one way out.
Cache object exposes the Hashtable with all the keys stored in it. I will build custom logic around the keys to remove specific instances.
So, in the above case, search for all keys starting with AccountsStaff and remove them explictly.