Using PHP caching in IPB

By default, IPB will store all cached data in the database. But if you would like to take advantage of a PHP accelerator or content cache, there is support for APC, eAccelerator, Memcache and XCache, as well as for storing data in files.

Admins of larger sites will likely want to take advantage of using an external cache source, but even smaller forums will certainly benefit. I've seen performance improvements on all of my sites as a result of this simple change.

Your first step will be to make sure you have one of the PHP cache systems installed on your server. If you make the selection to use a cache sytem and the extension is not available, IPB will simply revert to the default cache store method.

Once you are sure you have the cache system installed, you will need to add a line to your conf_global.php file, to enable the system.

For APC:

Code:

$INFO['use_apc'] = '1';

For eAccelerator:

Code:

$INFO['use_eaccelerator'] = '1';

For Memcache:

Code:

$INFO['use_memcache'] = '1';

For XCache:

Code:

$INFO['use_xcache'] = '1';

For disk storage:

Code:

$INFO['use_diskcache'] = '1';

Once you have saved the edited conf_global.php file to your server, IPB will begin using the chosen cache method.

If you have more than one IPB forum installed on your server, you may need to use an identifier with the cache method you have selected. You will need to edit the ips_kernal/classCache/*.php (the file you edit will depend on the cache storage you are using) file.

Find this line -

Code:

private $identifier    = '';

Add whatever value you prefer, such as:

Code:

private $identifier    = 'forum1';

I hope you will find some performance improvement by using this tip.

 

Wow Mike! Great stuff!

Other than us going to our hosting provider and asking, is there a way to check what sort of accelerator program they have installed?

 

It just came to me that some of you may not know how to verify the installation of a PHP cache system on your server. It is actually quite simple.

Method number one is to log into your IPB 3.0 Admin CP and select the Support tab. Under Syatem Overview, you will see PHP Version information, followed by (PHP INFO). Click on that last bit and your server's PHP information will be displayed for you.

Method number two (in case you are not yet running IPB) will require you to write a very short PHP file, to store in your server's root. Copy the following into a simple text editor -

Code:

<?php 

phpinfo (); 

?>

Now save the file as phpinfo.php and then you will be able to FTP the file to your server's root directory.

Now you will be able to point your browser to yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php and you will be able to see the same information.

WARNING: Once you have retrieved the information you wanted, delete phpinfo.php from your server, to prevent any security risks. You have been forewarned.

I have attached a snippet from one of my own sites in the attached image and you will see I am utilizing eAccelerator.

Once again, I hope this information will help someone. I may need to pick your brain some day.

 

I was posting the solution as you posted the question.

 

Thanks Mike! I added the line based on the accelerator that I have setup for my server

Every little bit of help, helps!

 

Just a note to say we have some information on using caching engines and Sphinx on our site: Database and Server Operations

 

Great info, Mike - thread stuck. I'm going to have to create an "IPB" section in the Articles area soon if you keep going at this rate. :lol: Please do continue to share your wealth of knowledge.

 

Nick, I'm just trying to share what I have been finding on my own. I just hope others will be able to benefit from the odd bits I have posted.

 

Great info Mike, IPB will need to start paying you before to long

 

I use eAccelerator, but I used the same technique. Get things the way you want and then turn on the caching.