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Efficient caching is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve the performance and speed of a web application. CodeIgniter 4 offers a flexible caching system that supports multiple caching drivers like File, Redis, Memcached, APC, and Database.

In this detailed tutorial on CodeIgniter 4 Caching Techniques, we’ll explore how to configure and use different caching drivers to enhance application speed, reduce database load, and deliver faster user experiences.

We’ll cover:

Setting up caching in CodeIgniter 4
Using File caching
Redis caching integration
Database caching
Clearing and managing cached data

Let’s get started.

📌 Why Use Caching in CodeIgniter 4?

Caching helps store heavy data temporarily and serve it quickly on subsequent requests without regenerating or re-fetching from the database or external APIs. With proper caching strategies, applications can dramatically reduce server processing time and database queries.

Benefits:

Faster page loads
Reduced database hits
Lower server load
Better scalability

📌 Configuring Caching in CodeIgniter 4

All cache configuration is managed via:

In this file, the $defaultDriver property sets the active caching driver.

Supported drivers include:

file
redis
database
apc
memcached

Example:

public $defaultDriver = 'file';

Ensure the chosen caching system is installed and accessible on your server.

📌 File Cache in CodeIgniter 4

The simplest caching system that saves cached content as files on the server’s filesystem.

Store Data:

$cache = \Config\Services::cache();
$cache->save('user_list', $userData, 600); // cache for 10 minutes

Retrieve Data:

$userData = $cache->get('user_list');

Delete Cache:

$cache->delete('user_list');

👉 Note: Cache files are stored in writable/cache/ directory.

📌 Redis Cache Integration

Redis is an advanced, open-source, in-memory data store known for ultra-fast read and write operations. It’s ideal for applications that need high-speed data access and real-time performance.

For high-performance, in-memory caching, Redis is a great option supported natively in CodeIgniter 4.

Install Redis Extension:

sudo apt-get install php-redis

Configure Cache.php:

public $defaultDriver = 'redis';

Use Cache Service:

$cache = \Config\Services::cache();
$cache->save('site_stats', $stats, 3600);
$stats = $cache->get('site_stats');

👉 Note: Make sure Redis server is running and configured.

📌 Database Cache

CodeIgniter 4 also supports caching using a database table, suitable for shared hosting where file or memory caching isn’t available.

Create a Cache Table:

CREATE TABLE `ci_cache` (
    `id` varchar(255) NOT NULL,
    `data` mediumtext NOT NULL,
    `expiration` int(11) NOT NULL,
    PRIMARY KEY (`id`)
);

Configure Cache.php:

public $defaultDriver = 'database';

Cache Example:

$cache = \Config\Services::cache();
$cache->save('homepage_banner', $bannerData, 300);
$bannerData = $cache->get('homepage_banner');

📌 Clear & Manage Cache

Proper cache management keeps your app fast and fresh.

Delete a Specific Cache:

$cache->delete('cache_key');

Delete All Cache:

$cache->clean();

Check if Data Exists:

if ($cache->get('some_key')) {
    // Cache exists
}

📌 Conclusion

By integrating these CodeIgniter 4 Caching Techniques, we can significantly enhance our application’s performance. Whether using file-based cache, Redis for high-speed memory storage, or database-driven caching for compatibility, each option adds flexibility and speed to web applications.

For best results, combine caching with efficient query management and HTTP caching headers. Regularly clearing outdated caches and choosing the right driver for the environment ensures maximum efficiency.