Simple Page Cache

Simple Page Cache is an extremely simple, super-fast page cache for WordPress. The plugin stores full HTML pages on disk for non-logged-in visitors. The cache is automatically cleared when content is updated, ensuring visitors always see fresh content. Ideal for small to medium-sized sites and webshops that want maximum speed without complex settings.

Main features: – Caching for non-logged-in users (GET requests only) – Path-based cache structure for nginx direct serving (/host/path/index.html) – Cache files are stored in /wp-content/uploads/simple-page-cache/ – Drop-in (advanced-cache.php) for maximum speed before WordPress loads – Nginx configuration generation for direct cache serving – Automatic cache clearing when posts/pages are updated – E-commerce integration with intelligent cache clearing for: – WooCommerce (orders, stock updates, product changes) – Easy Digital Downloads (purchases, download updates) – BigCommerce for WordPress (product updates) – Generic e-commerce plugins (product post types) – Automatic detection of dynamic pages (cart, checkout, account, wishlist) for: – WooCommerce – BigCommerce for WordPress – Easy Digital Downloads – iThemes Exchange – Jigoshop – WP-Shop – Detected dynamic pages are automatically excluded from caching – Manual cache clearing via admin bar button – Nginx config regeneration via admin bar button – Performance comments in cached HTML files – No complex settings, no database writes

Nginx Configuration

For maximum performance, you can configure nginx to serve cached files directly without PHP processing:

1. Copy the nginx configuration from /wp-content/uploads/simple-page-cache/nginx.conf
2. Add the configuration to your nginx server block for your domain
3. Test nginx configuration: sudo nginx -t
4. Reload nginx: sudo systemctl reload nginx

The nginx configuration includes: – Internal location block for serving cached files – Automatic cache bypass for logged-in users – Automatic cache bypass for requests with query strings – Debug headers to identify cache hits

Benefits of nginx direct serving: – Faster response times (no PHP processing) – Lower server load – Better scalability – Direct file serving from disk

How it works

• For every non-logged-in visitor and every GET request, a static HTML file is created and served.
• Path-based cache structure: Cache files are organized as /host/path/index.html for direct nginx serving.
• Pages with characteristics of dynamic e-commerce pages (such as cart, checkout, account, wishlist) are automatically detected and excluded from caching. The plugin recognizes WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, iThemes Exchange, Jigoshop, and WP-Shop.
• The list of excluded pages is automatically maintained in a file in the cache directory.
• Automatic cache clearing: When posts or pages are updated, the plugin efficiently clears cache using the new path-based structure and scans for related content.
• E-commerce integration: For WooCommerce, when orders are placed or product stock is updated, the plugin automatically clears cache for the affected products and related pages (categories, tags, shop pages, homepage).
• Performance comments: Each cached HTML file includes a comment with timestamp and host information for debugging and transparency.
• Nginx integration: Generated nginx configuration allows direct serving of cached files without PHP processing for maximum performance.

Clearing the cache

• Click the „Clear Page Cache“ button in the admin bar (visible to administrators only) to remove all cache files.
• Click the „Regenerate nginx.conf“ button in the admin bar to regenerate the nginx configuration file.

Deactivation

• When deactivating the plugin:
  • The drop-in advanced-cache.php is removed.
  • The define('WP_CACHE', true); line (if placed by this plugin) is removed from wp-config.php.