What Is OpCache? 8 Benefits of Using OpCache

OpCache is easier to understand when the core ideas are explained in practical terms. This guide covers what it means, how it works, why it matters, and the main details you should know.

Key Takeaways

• Understand what is OpCache.
• Explore how OpCache works.
• Understand what are the benefits of using OpCache.

What Is OpCache?

OpCache (Opcode Cache) is a built-in tool in PHP version 5.5 and later. OpCache acts as a cache, storing PHP bytecode. Instead of having to compile from source code, PHP will use bytecode stored in OpCache to call PHP files to increase processing speed, reduce loading time, and improve performance.

What is OpCache?

How OpCache Works

OpCache works by storing the bytecode of PHP files in shared memory. The server checks OpCache for the file's bytecode when a PHP file is accessed. If it is, the bytecode is used immediately, without having to recompile it from scratch. This reduces the amount of work the CPU has to do and increases processing speed.

What Are the Benefits of Using OpCache?

Improve Website Performance

The compiled PHP bytecode is stored in OpCache, so there is no need to recompile the PHP code when requested. This reduces page load speed and improves the customer's web experience.

Optimize Server Resources

Because there is no need to compile source code, the server will consume less CPU and RAM resources. The server can handle multiple requests at the same time without upgrading hardware, reducing financial pressure and increasing efficiency. The server also operates more stably even when many people access it at the same time. Users will not be interrupted or have problems with system overload.

Improve Overall Application Performance

OpCache helps applications run smoothly, quickly, and meet usage needs, especially for applications that require high speed or performance. The phone will use less energy to access the website, thereby saving battery and having a better experience when the page loading speed is fast.

Save Operating Costs

OpCache reduces the need for hardware upgrades and optimizes server performance, significantly reducing costs associated with system expansion. At the same time, reducing server load also extends the life of hardware, saving maintenance costs.

Improve SEO Rankings

Fast page load speed is an important factor in SEO rankings. Using OpCache makes your website faster, improves search engine visibility, and attracts more users.

Easy Management Support

OpCache can be quickly enabled and configured via the php.ini configuration file. Support tools make it easy for administrators to monitor and tune the cache for maximum efficiency.

Save Battery for Mobile Devices

OpCache helps reduce power consumption when accessing websites on mobile devices such as phones, tablets, etc. Battery life is also reduced when websites load faster.

Meet Security and Stability

OpCache uses compiled and tested bytecode, which reduces the risk of unwanted source code changes. This ensures more stable and secure application performance.

Related Terms You Need to Know

You need to know the commonly used OpCache related terms: This helps you be able to operate OpCache.

• PHP Compiler: Converts PHP code to bytecode.
• Cache: A place to store interpreted bytecode for later use.
• Bytecode: Code interpreted from PHP, which helps OpCache process faster.
• Opcode Optimization: The process of optimizing code for faster compilation.
• PHP Extensions: Additional modules for PHP that help extend and optimize functionality.
• Script Compilation: The process of compiling PHP code into bytecode.
• Hit Rate: The rate at which data in the cache is successfully accessed.
• Latency: Delay in processing, OpCache uses bytecode to reduce latency when processing PHP code.
• CPU Cycles: CPU duty cycles, OpCache reduces CPU Cycles by reusing bytecode in the cache.
• Thread: OpCache's working thread, this is the smallest unit of a processing process.

Simple OpCache Deployment Guide

Follow these steps: This helps you deploy OpCache.

• Install PHP with Opcode Caching support to ensure the PHP compiler on the server has this feature.
• Choose memory type (RAM or hard disk) and cache configuration to optimize performance.
• Clean and improve source code to reduce resource load, use support tools if needed.
• Check your source code thoroughly before enabling Opcode Caching to avoid performance-impacting errors.

Opcode Caching helps speed up server processing when implemented correctly.

How to Install and Enable OpCache

Check OpCache Available on Server

Use the php -v command in the terminal. OpCache is integrated if you see "Zend OPcache".

OpCache is available from PHP 5.5 and above so choose PHP versions from 5.5.

Enable OpCache:

• Step 1: Edit the php.ini file, add or edit the following lines:

• Step 2: Restart PHP server

• Step 3: Check OpCache status

Create a PHP file then type the following code to check OpCache status.

Php

• Step 4: Open the file in the browser to view the OpCache information.

Install Opcache on Directadmin

Step 1. Install OPCache directadmin with CustomBuild 2.0.

Navigate to Directadmin build folder then change OPcache value to Yes.

Cd /usr/local/directadmin/custombuild.

./build set opcache yes

Continue compiling OPcache module with CustomBuild 2.0.

./build opcache

Depending on the PHP version you are using, the results will be different. You need to run the following command to install OPCache if your webserver is using Openlitespeed.

Killall -9 lsphp

Step 2. Check OPcache module after successful OPcache installation.

Use the following command to check the OPcache module.

Php -v

The returned result will be displayed as follows.

PHP 5.6.40 (cli) (built: Mar 27 2019 22:13:46).

Copyright (c) 1997-2016 The PHP Group.

Zend Engine v2.6.0, Copyright (c) 1998-2016 Zend Technologies with Zend OPcache v7.0.6-dev, Copyright (c) 1999-2016, by Zend Technologies.

Depending on your system's PHP version, the returned result will be different.

How Is OpCache Different from Other Cache Tools?

What Are the Precautions When Using OpCache?

Set a Reasonable Amount of Memory

One of the most important things when using OpCache is to set a reasonable memory limit. OpCache will not be able to store enough compiled bytecode, resulting in more frequent recompilation of the code, which reduces performance if the memory size is too small.

On the contrary, if the memory capacity is too large, it can waste resources and affect other parts. Therefore, before using OpCache, research to find the memory capacity suitable for the usage and load level of the application or website.

Configure the Appropriate Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of your source code is also an important factor. Configure the refresh rate accordingly to ensure you are always working with the latest version if you are developing an application and frequently making changes to the source code. On the other hand, if your application is stable and has few changes, you can increase the refresh rate to optimize performance.

Check and Optimize Source Code

Finally, code testing and optimization is also an essential part of using OpCache. An optimized code will help OpCache run more efficiently, thereby improving the overall performance of the application. Regularly test your code and remove unnecessary code or optimize areas that can improve performance.

Conclude

OpCache is a powerful tool for optimizing the performance of PHP applications. With many benefits such as improving page load speed, saving server resources, reducing operating costs and supporting easy management, integrating OpCache into your project is a wise decision.

Final Thoughts

The most reliable way to handle OpCache is to follow the process in order, verify each important setting, and test the result before moving on. Use the guidance above as a practical reference, then adjust the details for your device, software version, or specific goal.

FAQ

What is OpCache?

Many programmers have used OpCache to improve performance and reduce source code processing time. This helps you optimize PHP versions from 5.5 and above in a simple way.

Why is OpCache important?

Understanding OpCache helps you evaluate its purpose, requirements, limitations, and practical impact before you use it or make a related decision.

Who should understand OpCache?

It is useful for beginners who need a clear overview and for experienced users who want to confirm terminology, requirements, or best practices.