Memcache vs Memcached: Which PHP Memcached Library Should You Choose?

Memcache vs Memcached: Choosing the Right PHP Memcached Library

Introduction

PHP offers two seemingly similar memcached libraries: memcache and memcached. This article aims to clarify the differences between these libraries and guide you in selecting the appropriate one for your project.

Memcache: Legacy or Current?

Memcache has a longer history and gained popularity for its simplicity and ease of installation. It does not require additional libraries and offers pre-compiled binaries for various platforms, including Windows. However, memcache may provide fewer features and updates compared to its counterpart, memcached.

Memcached: Features and Benefits

Memcached, a more recent library, offers a wider range of features and capabilities that address some of the limitations of memcache. Key advantages of memcached include:

• Cas Tokens: Prevent stale data by using cas tokens to verify if a value has been updated since it was retrieved from the cache.
• Read Through Callbacks: Simplify code by allowing you to fetch data from Memcached and then load it from an external data source if it does not exist.
• getDelayed(): Improve script performance by reducing wait times for server responses.
• Binary Protocol: Enhance speed by utilizing binary protocol instead of ASCII for faster interactions with the Memcached server.
• igbinary: Optionally use igbinary to serialize complex data efficiently, potentially improving performance.

Choosing the Right Library

The best choice between memcache and memcached depends on your specific requirements:

• Simplicity and Ease of Installation: Memcache is likely the better option if you prioritize ease of setup and a stable library.
• Advanced Features: If you require cas tokens, read through callbacks, and other advanced features, memcached is the recommended choice.
• Development Environment: Check the compatibility of each library with your development environment and ensure you have the required dependencies.
• Platform: Consider the platforms you will be deploying on and whether pre-compiled binaries are available.

Conclusion

Both memcache and memcached offer valuable capabilities for caching data. Memcache offers simplicity and stability, while memcached provides a wider range of features and advanced functionality. By comparing the key differences and carefully evaluating your requirements, you can make an informed decision and choose the library that best suits your project's needs.

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