Table of Contents
The lock
As the word itself says, produces a “lock” that prevents multiple copies of the same cache file from being generated when multiple users simultaneously access the same page. In this way, the use of server resources is optimized and the loading speed of your website is improved.
What is cache and why is it important?
Flash Cache is a WordPress plugin that allows you to create cache files to optimize the performance of your website. 🚀
The cache is a HTML copy of your web page that is saved on the server (it work with PHP too). This way, when someone visits your website, they don’t have to load all the information from scratch, but can see the saved version of the cache. This makes your website load faster and consume fewer resources. ⚡
For example, when a user visits a page on your website for the first time, Flash Cache generates a cache of that page. Then, if that same user or another visits the same page, it will show it from the cache, saving time and bandwidth. 🕒
But there is a problem: what happens if several users enter the same page at the same time? Are multiple copies of the same cache created? Isn’t space and time wasted? 😱
Flash Cache has a solution: the lock
The lock is a system that blocks access to other users when one is generating the cache. This way, only one copy of the cache is created and conflicts and errors are avoided. 🔒
Flash Cache offers you two ways to activate the lock: by File or by DB. Both work the same, but they have some differences:
- by File: creates a protected file in the cache directory. It is the fastest and simplest, but it can cause problems on some servers that do not allow you to create protected files. 📁
- by DB: creates a locked record or table in the cache database. It is the most secure and compatible, but can be slower and consume more resources. 🗄️
Which is the best for you?
It depends on your type of server, the size of your website, the number of visitors and the type of content.
To help you make a decision, we give you some general recommendations:
- If your server allows you to create protected files in directories, we recommend that you use Lock by File, as it is the fastest and most efficient.
- If your server does not allow you to create protected files in the directories, or if you have compatibility problems with other plugins, we recommend that you use Lock by DB, since it is the most secure and stable.
- If your website is very large, has a lot of dynamic content or receives many visits, we recommend that you use Lock by DB, as it prevents server overload and reduces the risk of errors.
- If your website is small, has little dynamic content or receives few visits, we recommend that you use Lock by File, as it offers faster loading speed and a better user experience.
Don’t forget that you can change the lock type at any time from the Flash Cache settings. You can also activate or deactivate the lock according to your needs. 🛠️
We invite you to test the different options and tell us your results.
Flash Cache is a FREE WordPress plugin that helps you improve the speed and security of your website thanks to the lock and other advanced functions. If you want to know more about this plugin, you can take a look at the articles on our website or download it for free from the WordPress repository.
You can also take a look at the PRO version to get more information about all its features and benefits. 🙌
