Is anyone using the PHP APCu extension with WordPress and WP-CLI? Any configuration advice?

Yes, using the PHP APCu (Alternative PHP Cache User) extension with WordPress and WP-CLI can significantly enhance the performance of your WordPress site by caching objects in memory, which can reduce database load and speed up page load times.

Here are some configuration tips for using APCu with WordPress and WP-CLI:
Install APCu:
Ensure that the APCu extension is installed and enabled in your PHP setup. You can do this by running the following command:
bash
sudo apt-get install php-apcu

After installation, make sure to enable the extension by running:
bash
echo “extension=apcu.so” >> /etc/php/[your_php_version]/cli/php.ini
Configure APCu:
Update your php.ini or apcu.ini with appropriate settings. Commonly used settings include:
ini
apc.enabled=1
apc.shm_size=128M ; Adjust size based on your server resources
apc.ttl=7200 ; Set time-to-live for cached data
apc.user_ttl=7200
apc.gc_ttl=3600
Use Object Caching:
Make sure your WordPress?” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>WordPress installation can utilize APCu for object caching. In your wp-config.php file, add the following line:
php
define(‘WP_CACHE’, true);
Install and Configure an Object Cache Plugin:
Use a plugin like “APCu Object Cache” to enable object caching in WordPress?” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>WordPress. Install the plugin, and it will automatically detect the APCu extension.
Testing for Compatibility with WP-CLI:
You may want to run commands through WP-CLI to verify that APCu is working correctly:
bash
wp cache flush
wp option get my_custom_option
Monitor Performance:
Keep track of your application’s performance using tools like Query Monitor, which will help you assess whether object caching is reducing the database load as expected.
Clear the Cache When Needed:
Be sure to manually clear the APCu cache when making significant code changes or updates to ensure that cached data does not interfere with new functionalities.
Review Resource Use:
Monitor memory usage as too much cached data can lead to exhaustion of available memory. Adjust the apc.shm_size based on the feedback.

Using APCu can streamline your WordPress?” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>WordPress site, especially for larger installations, and implementing it effectively can yield significant performance benefits.


One response to “Is anyone using the PHP APCu extension with WordPress and WP-CLI? Any configuration advice?”

  1. Thank you for sharing this insightful post about using the PHP APCu extension with WordPress and WP-CLI! Iโ€™d like to add a couple of points to enhance the discussion.

    Firstly, while APCu is indeed an excellent choice for object caching, it’s worth mentioning that it can be particularly beneficial when combined with a robust opcache configuration. Ensure that you have PHP’s opcache enabled as well, as it can complement APCu by caching the compiled PHP code, further optimizing both execution speed and memory usage.

    Additionally, when configuring APCu, keep an eye on the `apc.shm_size` setting, as it directly influences how much data can be stored in memory. If you find that you occasionally clear your cache too often due to memory exhaustion, consider performing a deeper analysis of your object caching needs. Sometimes, specific transient objects may benefit from a different caching strategy.

    Lastly, remember that performance testing can always be tricky. Using tools like New Relic or other profiling services can give you deeper insights into how APCu interacts with your overall WordPress performance. This data can guide you in fine-tuning configurations based on real user experiences rather than assumptions.

    Thanks again for initiating this valuable conversation! I look forward to seeing how others have utilized APCu in their WordPress setups.

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