OPcache, also known as PHP OPcode cache, is a built-in caching system in PHP that dramatically improves the performance of websites and applications. It works by storing precompiled script bytecode in shared memory, eliminating the need for PHP to parse and compile scripts on each request. This significantly reduces server load and speeds up execution, leading to faster page loading times for users.

Here’s a breakdown of how OPcache works:

1. Compilation: When a PHP script is executed for the first time, PHP parses it and converts it into an intermediate representation called bytecode.
2. Caching: OPcache stores this bytecode in shared memory, which is accessible to all PHP processes running on the server.
3. Subsequent requests: When the same script is executed again, instead of re-compiling it, PHP retrieves the precompiled bytecode from the cache. This significantly reduces the processing time and resources required.

The benefits of using OPcache include:

• Faster page loading times: Websites can be up to 3 times faster with OPcache enabled.
• Reduced server load: By pre-compiling scripts, OPcache frees up CPU and memory for other tasks, making the server more responsive.
• Improved scalability: Applications can handle more concurrent requests efficiently with OPcache.
• Reduced disk I/O: Pre-compiling scripts eliminates the need to read and parse files on each request, reducing disk usage.

How to install OPcache in Linux?

$ /opt/lampp/lampp stop
$ apt-get update -y
$ php --version
$ apt-get install php8.2-opcache
$ cd /opt/lampp/etc

$ vi php.ini
zend_extension=opcache.so
[opcache]
zend_extension=opcache.so
opcache.enable=1
opcache.memory_consumption=128
opcache.max_accelerated_files=10000
opcache.revalidate_freq=200


$ /opt/lampp/lampp restart

Rajesh Kumar

I’m a DevOps/SRE/DevSecOps/Cloud Expert passionate about sharing knowledge and experiences. I am working at Cotocus. I blog tech insights at DevOps School, travel stories at Holiday Landmark, stock market tips at Stocks Mantra, health and fitness guidance at My Medic Plus, product reviews at I reviewed , and SEO strategies at Wizbrand. 

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