Clearing cache in WordPress

Introduction

Caching plugins can be used to speed up operations in WordPress. However, use of such plugins might require the user to clear cache from time to time. One knows that they are required to delete cache in WordPress when they make changes to their WP but cannot see the changes on the updated WP page. Usually this delay in update is because of the plugin which could still be showing past cache. Deleting cache will force the WP page to show the most recent updates.

There are two methods of clearing cache: W3 total cache and WP Super Cache

 

W3 Total Cache plugin

When using the W3 Total Cache Plugin, one uses the following procedure to clear cache:

• Logging into their word press dashboard
• Stop at performance and the click onto the option dashboard
• Click on the option clear all caches to delete all the caches

WP Super Cache

WP Super Cache is a very fast caching engine that is able to generate static HTML files and can be used on WordPress. This plugin for WordPress Super Cache generates the .html files from the user’s dynamic WordPress blog. The webserver is then able to serve .html files much faster than serving the WP PHP scripts. The static html files can then be served to other users:

• Users who are logged off
• Users who did not leave a comment on the writer’s blog
• Users who did not view a post that is protected by a password

In case Super Caching does not work on one’s server, they can still perform caching by loading a PHP engine on every request. Super Cache can work even when one has heavy traffic or the server that one is using is underpowered. Moreover, in times of heavy traffic, Super Cached files can be served much faster than PHP script files. Three ways in which this plugin can serve cached files:

• Mod rewrite – Apache mod rewrite is the fastest way of using this caching plugin WP. Works by completely bypassing the slow PHP. Can cope with heavy traffic much easier as requests are usually lighter.
• PHP –usually serves supercached files that are static.
• Legacy caching – used when caching files for users that are known to writer that is, users who are logged on and are able to leave a comment.

Process of installing WP super cache:

• Have Apache mod and mod rewrite activated but PHP safe mod inactivated on the WordPress.
• Disable WP cache if it was already installed on the WordPress.
• Add the super cache directory to the existing directory of plugins. Having WordPress Multisite will allow installation of this plugin in a folder.
• Go to the WordPress plugins page and activate at WP super cache.
• Enable caching via the WP settings. Mod rewrite rules will come into play if mod rewrite is the caching method of choice.

Advantages of super cache:

• It is very easy to follow the given instructions and use the Super Cache
• The cache is able to speed up the entire website and all the operations of WordPress.
• It can enable more users view your blog.

To use the Super Cache, one only has to go to the WP Super Cache settings and click on the link “delete cache”.