# Using APC or OPcache with WordPress

> Find out how OPcache and the older APC speed up WordPress, and check whether they are enabled in cPanel's Select PHP Version tool.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/using-apc-or-opcache-with-wordpress/

Opcode caching improves WordPress performance by storing precompiled PHP code in memory, reducing the need for repeated parsing and compilation. On **ruachost.com**, you can use **APC** (Alternative PHP Cache) or **OPcache** to speed up your WordPress site.

## About APC and OPcache

- ### APC (Alternative PHP Cache)

  - A PHP extension available for PHP 5.4 and earlier.
  - Provides opcode caching and user data caching.
  - May or may not already be installed on your server.
- ### OPcache

  - A drop‑in replacement for APC.
  - Built into PHP 5.5 and later as a core component.
  - No separate installation required.

## Using APC or OPcache with WordPress

- When APC or OPcache is installed on your server, **no additional configuration is required** in WordPress.
- They operate at the **web server level**, so WordPress automatically benefits from faster page delivery.
- WordPress itself does not need special settings to take advantage of opcode caching.

> **Note:**
- APC is only supported on older PHP versions (≤ 5.4).
- OPcache is recommended for modern PHP versions (≥ 5.5).
- To check if APC or OPcache is enabled:

  - Log in to **cPanel → Select PHP Version → Options**.
  - Look for APC or OPcache in the list of extensions.
- For more details on OPcache, see the [official PHP documentation](https://www.php.net/manual/en/book.opcache.php)