SQLite Object Cache

What is SQLite Object Cache?

SQLite Object Cache is a persistent object cache that stores WordPress data objects using the SQLite3 extension built into PHP. Developed by OllieJones and now four years old, this plugin replaces the default WordPress transient cache with a durable, file-based storage layer. It currently holds 10K+ active installs and maintains a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 50 reviews, with 100% five-star feedback and zero one-star ratings. The plugin reduces database server load by keeping copies of expensive queries between page views. It optionally uses the igbinary and APCu extensions when available, making it a lightweight alternative to dedicated caching servers.

Version 1.6.3, last updated Mar 23, 2026, requires at least WordPress 5.5 and PHP 5.6. The plugin is designed for single-server setups where the SQLite3 extension is present. Unlike page caches that store rendered HTML, this plugin caches internal WordPress objects such as database query results and computed values. It extends WordPress's built-in memoization cache to persist data across page loads, which speeds up content delivery without requiring a separate cache server.

Key Features of SQLite Object Cache

• SQLite3-based storage — Uses the built-in SQLite3 PHP extension, eliminating the need for external cache servers like Redis or Memcached.
• APCu integration — Leverages the APCu in-memory extension when available, creating an apcu object cache backend that accelerates data retrieval.
• Igbinary support — Optionally uses the igbinary serializer for more compact and faster data serialization of cached objects.
• Configurable cache size — Lets you set a cached data size limit (default 16 MiB) with automatic trimming of least-recently-updated entries.
• Statistics dashboard — Provides a dedicated Statistics page showing actual cache usage per group, helping you tune the size setting.
• Multisite compatibility — Works with WordPress multisite installations, with settings accessible from any site in the network.
• No external server required — Runs directly on your web server machine without network connections, reducing latency and complexity.
• Single-server optimization — Designed specifically for single-server configurations, where SQLite performs comparably to server-based caches.

Who Should Use SQLite Object Cache?

This plugin is ideal for site owners running a single web server with the SQLite3 PHP extension already installed. It suits beginners and intermediate users who want a persistent object cache wordpress solution without configuring Redis or Memcached servers. With 10K+ active installs, the plugin serves a broad audience of shared hosting users, VPS operators, and self-managed sites. If your hosting provider offers the APCu extension, you can configure this plugin to use apcu cache for even faster in-memory storage.

For sites that do not have multiple load-balanced web servers, SQLite Object Cache provides a practical alternative to cache-server plugins. Benchmarking results, referenced in the plugin documentation, show promising speed improvements compared to other object caching methods. The developer recommends starting with a 32 MiB cache size for large, busy sites and adjusting based on the Statistics page. If your server lacks Redis or Memcached but has SQLite3, this plugin answers the question of how to use sqlite for object cache in wordpress effectively.

Installation & Setup

Installation is straightforward: search for "SQLite Object Cache" in the WordPress plugin repository or upload the plugin zip file. The plugin activates immediately if your server has the SQLite3 PHP extension installed. No complex configuration is required for basic operation, though you can adjust the cached data size and enable APCu support from the Settings > Object Cache page. The plugin works without igbinary or APCu but performs better when those extensions are present.

Support & Community

Developer OllieJones maintains a responsive support forum with a 100% resolution rate over the past two months, handling 2 open threads and 2 resolved issues. The plugin's rating profile is exceptional: 5.0/5 from 50 ratings, with every single review giving five stars. This perfect record reflects consistent reliability and clear documentation. The FAQ section addresses common questions about multisite compatibility, cache size tuning, and performance expectations. Users can leave benchmark results or comments on the plugin page to help improve future versions.