Introduction
Many users confuse Memcache with Memcached. Although their names are similar, they are in fact two different things related to the same caching system. At Konet we recommend that our customers know these differences, especially when choosing caching for WordPress, WooCommerce or custom applications.
What is Memcache?
Memcache is the PHP extension (i.e. library) that allows PHP applications to communicate with the Memcached server.
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It provides the commands and functions your application needs to store or retrieve data from memory.
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It is simple to use, but it is now considered older and less efficient than the newer extension (php-memcached).
Usage example (PHP with the Memcache extension):
What is Memcached?
Memcached is the server daemon (service) that runs on the server and stores data in RAM. It is the caching software itself that does the "heavy lifting".
At the same time, Memcached is also the name of the newer PHP extension (php-memcached), which is considered more efficient and compatible with modern applications.
Usage example (PHP with the Memcached extension):
Memcache vs Memcached: The key differences
| Feature | Memcache (PHP extension) | Memcached (server & PHP extension) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | PHP extension | Server daemon + newer PHP extension |
| Status | Older, less support | Newer, widely supported |
| Performance | Better for smaller workloads | More efficient for larger workloads |
| Support | Limited on new PHP versions | Continuous development and support |
| Recommended for | Legacy projects | New installations and modern CMSs (WordPress, Magento, Joomla) |
Which one should I use?
At Konet we clearly recommend using Memcached (both as a server and as a PHP extension) because:
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It is faster and more stable.
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It is compatible with all modern PHP versions (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4).
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It is supported by most CMSs and frameworks (WordPress, WooCommerce, Drupal, Laravel).
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It has an active community and frequent updates.
The Memcache extension should only be used in cases where a very old application does not support Memcached.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are Memcache and Memcached the same thing?
No. Memcached is the caching system itself (server), while Memcache is an older PHP library that lets the application communicate with the Memcached server.
2. Which one does WordPress use?
Most modern WordPress caching plugins support Memcached.
3. Is there a compatibility issue with new PHP versions?
Yes. The Memcache extension has limited support on new PHP versions, while the Memcached extension is fully compatible.
4. What is provided on Konet hosting plans?
All Konet hosting plans provide Memcached free of charge, fully ready to use.