How does LINQ query caching differ from result caching?

Query caching stores compiled query structure, while result caching stores actual data output.

Query caching (e.g., EF compiled queries) reuses translated expressions to avoid repeated parsing and SQL generation. Result caching stores the final output of a query to avoid execution entirely. Query caching improves execution efficiency, while result caching improves response latency but risks stale data. Both serve different architectural purposes and must be used carefully based on data volatility.