Redis is in-memory object cache storage (not a query cache) that operates at the WordPress level and available with all of our VPS solutions, free. Redis is a part of our advanced caching umbrella catered towards Optimizing your WordPress Site Performance.
What Is An Object Cache?
An object cache sits between the WordPress application and the database. Once your data is accessed for the first time, it automatically caches that data so any subsequent requests can access that same data quicker, instead of querying your Database several times. Reusing these objects stored in cache is not only computationally inexpensive but lets us avoid making excessive complex queries for fetching that same data.
How Is Objecting Caching Different From Page Caching?
Both page caching and object cache work towards accomplishing the same goal – deliver results faster – only at different stages. Page cache stores the HTML/asset (images/js/css) content to be return to the visitor, so a PHP Worker doesn’t have to re-generate the same content for every visitor. Example: what shows up on their screen when they search domain.com. Object cache stores the serialized PHP objects, so the same queries don’t need to be made again for every PHP function that uses the data. Think: the returned output of a SQL query.
How Redis Improves Performance:
If you’re running a WooCommerce store or membership website, those logged-in sessions are going to bypass page caching and invoke PHP. Object cache helps cut down on the communication between the web server and the database, accelerating the output of those dynamic requests.
Another example where Redis becomes extremely beneficial is if your WordPress site is making external API calls to load specific data. This creates added time for endpoints to respond and retrieve that external data for your visitor. What can use some internal tools accompanied with Redis to minimize the potential for your PHP worker count to build up or adding any additional workers which can use up resources more quickly.
Incorporating Redis On Your Web.Eng Server
Caching is the #1 mechanism we use to improve performance to waive as much added hardware spend as possible. Given there are sane default settings in place, we can be flexible and work with you in fine-tuning that list for optimization purposes as necessary. Redis runs on the same instance as your webserver, configured by our Operations experts. It’s only used by your WordPress site with the data in Redis coming from your WordPress application exclusively. There’s an instance used for PHP only, sessions (if you are using them) and the object cache.
If you’re seeing extended response times and limited scaling for your WordPress website, Redis can be just one of the many benefits Web.Eng can offer you. Chat with our sales team to find out how we can reach your goals together.
