The Smartstore feature "Output Caching" allows caching of your web pages to ensure maximum performance and the best possible loading speed. By storing cached page contents efficiently, repeated requests can be processed faster. This leads to a noticeable reduction in server load and an improved user experience for your visitors.
Although Smartstore is already optimized for high speed in its default configuration, actual performance strongly depends on the amount and type of dynamic information that is loaded and displayed on a page. The more interactive or data-dependent content is integrated, the more server resources—such as memory and computational power—are required. This can have a direct impact on the loading times of your web pages. By using the "Output Caching" feature, your pages are stored in a cached state after they have been fully processed. This allows the web server to access an already pre-rendered version of the page upon repeated visits instead of dynamically generating it again. The result is a significant performance boost that comes very close to that of a static website. Page requests are processed faster overall, and system resources are used more efficiently, enabling higher scalability for your shop.
Output Caching for Maximum Performance
The Output Caching plugin from Smartstore is an extremely powerful performance tool specifically designed to significantly improve the loading speed of your online shop. It ensures ultra-short response times and prevents noticeable delays during peak periods, such as Christmas time or specific times of the day in industries with increased ordering activity, such as office supply shops. Especially during high traffic periods, server load can rise dramatically, leading to longer loading times or even system overloads without appropriate measures. By strategically using Output Caching, speed can be significantly optimized. Depending on the database used and the current system load, speed improvements in the range of 2x to 50x can be achieved with the caching function enabled. This results in a significantly enhanced user experience for your customers, as page loads occur almost instantaneously, reducing potential cart abandonments caused by long loading times.
In a typical online shop or content management system—such as the CMS Page Builder—web pages are always generated dynamically. This involves retrieving and assembling all relevant content, including images, templates, and other elements, from various sources like file storage and databases. Although modern systems have optimized this process, dynamic generation still takes some processing time, even if only a few seconds. One downside of this method is that even when multiple users access the same page simultaneously, the system regenerates the page dynamically each time. This leads to unnecessary server load, potentially slowing down the overall shop performance. With Output Caching, however, this process is made significantly more efficient. Once a page has been accessed by a visitor, the caching plugin stores this fully rendered version of the page in a cache. For subsequent requests to the same page by other users, the system does not need to re-query the database or load template files. Instead, the already cached, optimized version of the page is delivered immediately. This eliminates redundant database queries and template loading, drastically reducing page load times.
A key advantage of the Output Caching plugin is its highly flexible configuration options. Caching can be enabled selectively for specific sections of a page, allowing precise control over which content is cached and which must always be loaded dynamically. This ensures that critical content requiring constant updates—such as shopping carts or dynamic price information—is delivered in real-time, while static elements are efficiently cached. Additionally, you can define exact intervals for cache renewal. Once a page is loaded for the first time, a corresponding cache file is generated and stored in the application's cache folder. When the same page is accessed again, the system no longer has to go through the entire rendering process. Instead, the already stored version is instantly delivered to the requesting user's browser. When the cache expires after a set period, the file is automatically deleted and replaced with a new version. This way, the website remains always up-to-date while still ensuring optimal performance.
Another key aspect of the Smartstore Output Caching plugin is the ability to update the cache either at predefined intervals or in response to specific events. This allows for even finer control over how often content needs to be refreshed. This function is especially useful for websites with continuously changing content—such as news sites with constantly updated articles or online shops with frequently changing product prices and special offers. With this setup, you can ensure that the most current data is always cached and ready for use in a short period. The intelligent control logic of the plugin ensures that your shop's performance is maximized while always providing your customers with the latest and relevant content.
More Information:
http://docs.smartstore.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=37912925
The Output Caching plugin is an in-house development by Smartstore AG for the Smartstore Shop and is included from the Smartstore Premium Edition. https://smartstore.com/en/premium-edition/
Ready to Get Started?
If you have any further questions about the Smartstore Output Caching plugin or would like to schedule a live demo, we are happy to assist you. You can reach us via the contact form, by email at info@smartstore.com, or by phone from Monday to Friday between 10 AM and 4 PM at +4923153350.
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Email: info@smartstore.com
Phone: +4923153350
SmartStore AG
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D-44135 Dortmund