Enabling opcode caching using extensions like APC, XCache, or OpCache, which store the compiled version of PHP scripts in memory, allowing for faster execution. Storing compiled PHP scripts in memory significantly reduces the amount of time required to execute PHP code, improving the overall speed and performance of the website. By caching the compiled version of PHP scripts, the web server can handle more requests with the same amount of resources, reducing the overall load on the server.
To enable opcode caching using extensions like APC, XCache, or OpCache, follow these steps:
- Install the extension:
- APC:
pecl install apc - XCache:
pecl install xcache - OpCache: included with PHP 5.5 and above, just enable
opcachemodule inphp.ini
- Update the
php.inifile to enable the extension:
- For APC:
extension=apc.so
apc.enabled=1
apc.shm_size=64M
- For XCache:
extension=xcache.so
xcache.size=64M
xcache.var_size=64M
- For OpCache:
zend_extension=opcache.so
opcache.enable=1
opcache.memory_consumption=128
opcache.max_accelerated_files=10000
- Restart the web server to apply the changes.
- Verify that the extension is installed and working correctly by creating a PHP file with the following code:
<?php
phpinfo();
?>
And access it via a browser, search for the extension name (e.g. APC, XCache, OpCache) in the output and verify that it’s enabled and working.
- Adjust the size of the memory cache to best suit your server’s resources and the needs of your website.
Note: The specific steps to install and configure opcode caching extensions may vary depending on your web server and PHP setup. It’s recommended to consult the official documentation and seek professional assistance if necessary.