Deep Dive into WordPress Caching: Exploring Every Layer for Optimal Performance

In this episode of Within WordPress, we feature Christos, a performance engineer at Presidium. Join us as we explore the intricate details of WordPress caching.

From backend layers like Redis and Varnish to the front-end optimizations using plugins such as WP Rocket, we cover it all. Learn about the challenges and strategies for achieving optimal performance in WordPress websites, including handling logged-in users, capacity planning, and more.

Whether you're a developer or a site owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you fine-tune your WordPress site's speed and reliability.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:42 Christos' Background and Early Career
01:23 Getting Serious with WordPress
03:06 Performance Engineering at Presidium
03:54 Load Testing and Capacity Planning
04:28 Understanding K6 and Protocol-Based Testing
05:17 Challenges in Performance Metrics
07:50 Real User Behavior and Testing
09:32 Caching Strategies and Issues
17:49 Advanced Caching Techniques
21:35 Varnish vs. Cloudflare
28:43 Redis and Object Caching
36:16 Cache Invalidation and Browser Caching
40:22 Understanding Static Sites and Caching
40:55 Challenges with Long-Term Caching
41:46 Performance Optimization Insights
42:33 Plugin Warnings and Best Practices
43:27 Caching Solutions and Preferences
44:48 Advanced Caching Techniques
46:15 Client-Specific Performance Strategies
48:50 The Role of CDNs in Performance
54:10 Fragment Caching and Collaboration
57:21 Final Thoughts on Performance Optimization