AgilePress

Tag: Caching

  • The Caching Strategy: Stop Installing W3 Total Cache (And What to Use Instead)

    We see it every day. A client complains their website is slow. We log in and find W3 Total Cache installed with 20 checkboxes ticked at random, fighting against SG Optimizer, while the server gasps for air.

    Caching is not magic. It is physics. If your server takes 3 seconds to think (TTFB), no plugin will make your site load in 0.5 seconds.

    At AgilePress, we believe in Hierarchy: First, fix the server. Second, fix the code. Third, cache everything.

    Here is our “White List” of caching solutions, categorized by real-world scenarios.

    The “Black List”: Please Delete These

    Before we tell you what to use, let’s clarify what we avoid to prevent “bloat.”

    • W3 Total Cache: The Villain. Ideally, it’s powerful. In reality, it has hundreds of confusing options, breaks easily, and is overkill for 99% of sites.
    • WP Super Cache: The Dinosaur. It works, but its code is ancient, and its file management (mod_rewrite rules) is messy by modern standards.
    • WP Fastest Cache: The Adware. The dashboard is full of “Buy Premium” banners. We don’t deliver ad-filled backends to professional clients.

    Scenario A: The “LiteSpeed” Server (The Native Choice)

    If your hosting uses LiteSpeed Web Server (like Hostinger, GreenGeeks, or some SiteGround plans), you have a Ferrari engine. Don’t put bicycle wheels on it.

    • The Plugin: LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache).
      • Why: It is not a normal PHP plugin. It talks directly to the server kernel. It caches at the server level, which is faster than anything else.
    • The CDN: QUIC.cloud.
      • It integrates natively with LSCache to serve images and static files globally.
    • Verdict: If you are on LiteSpeed, use LSCache. Nothing beats it.

    Scenario B: The “Set & Forget” (Blogs & Corporate)

    If you are on Nginx or Apache and have a simple site (Portfolio, Blog, Brochure), you don’t need a complex suite. You need HTML generation.

    • Option 1: Surge.
      • The Philosophy: Zero configuration. You activate it, and it generates static HTML files.
      • The Warning: It is so minimal that on some specific hosting setups, it might cause conflicts.
    • Option 2: Cache Enabler (The Reliable Backup).
      • If Surge gives you trouble, Cache Enabler (by KeyCDN) is our standard. It supports WebP, clears cache on publication, and is rock-solid.
    • Verdict: Keep it simple. Don’t use a rocket launcher to kill a mosquito.

    Scenario C: The Performance Kings (Complex / E-commerce)

    For high-traffic sites, WooCommerce, or membership platforms where Core Web Vitals are a struggle.

    • FlyingPress: Our current favorite. It goes beyond caching; it cleans your database, generates Critical CSS, and delays JavaScript intelligently. It replaces 5 other plugins.
    • WP Rocket: The industry standard. Excellent UI and reliability.
    • Note: These cost money because they do the hard work of code optimization, not just caching.

    The Hidden Engine: Object Caching (Database)

    This is where most “slow” WooCommerce sites fail. Page Caching (HTML) stops working when a user logs in or adds an item to the cart. We need to cache the Database Queries.

    • Option A: Redis (The King).
      • Available on VPS, Cloudways, and premium hosting. It stores SQL results in RAM. It is mandatory for serious e-commerce.
    • Option B: Memcached (The Prince).
      • If your host doesn’t have Redis but offers Memcached (common in older cPanel hosts), use it. It is lighter than Redis and still vastly better than nothing.
    • Option C: SQLite Object Cache (The Savior).
      • The Secret Weapon: What if you are on cheap shared hosting with no Redis/Memcached?
      • Use the SQLite Object Cache plugin. It creates a local high-speed database file to mimic Redis. It is a game-changer for low-budget dynamic sites.

    The Global Layer: The CDN

    Your server is fast in New York. But what about your visitor in London?

    • Cloudflare (Free/Pro): The default choice. It acts as DNS, Security (WAF), and CDN.
      • Pro Tip: Their “APO” (Automatic Platform Optimization) service for $5/mo is incredible for WordPress.
    • BunnyCDN: If you want pure speed without changing your DNS. It is cheap and loved by performance developers.

    Conclusion: The AgilePress Stacks

    We don’t have a single tool. We have a strategy for each environment.

    1. The “Native” Stack (Hostinger/GreenGeeks):
      • LiteSpeed Cache + QUIC.cloud + Redis.
    2. The “Pro” Stack (Cloudways/Kinsta):
      • FlyingPress (or WP Rocket) + Redis + Cloudflare APO.
    3. The “Minimalist” Stack (Shared Hosting):
      • Cache Enabler + SQLite Object Cache + Cloudflare Free.

    Stop looking for the “best plugin.” Look for the right stack for your server.