# Caching

PHPFast includes a powerful caching system that helps store and retrieve data efficiently. The framework provides a RedisCache class, offering essential methods like `set()`, `get()`, and `delete()` for interacting with a Redis server. This caching mechanism significantly improves performance, especially when handling data that doesn't change frequently.

## Caching in Controllers

To enable caching in your controllers, use the **RedisCache** class or other (see more at [Cache](https://docs.cmsfullform.com/documents/drivers/cache)). Cache settings are configured in `application/Config/Config.php`

Here's how you can implement caching in `HomeController`. Simply uncomment the relevant caching lines to activate the functionality:

```php
<?php

namespace App\Controllers;

use System\Core\BaseController;
use System\Libraries\Render;
use System\Drivers\Cache\RedisCache;

class HomeController extends BaseController
{
    protected $usersModel;
    protected $cache;

    public function __construct()
    {
        // Load cache configuration and initialize Redis cache
        $config = config('cache');
        $this->cache = new RedisCache($config);
    }


    public function index()
    {
        $cacheKey = 'home_page';

        // Check if cached content is available
        if ($cachedContent = $this->cache->get($cacheKey)) {
            echo $cachedContent;
            echo 'Loaded from cache.<br />';
            return;
        }

        // Generate the full page content
        $content = $this->render('themes', 'home/home');

        // Store the rendered page in cache for 10 minutes
        $this->cache->set($cacheKey, $content, 600);

        // Display the generated content
        echo $content;
    }
}
```

## Configure Cache Settings

**Modify** `application/Config/Config.php` **to enable caching:**

```php
'cache' => [
    'cache_driver'  => 'redis',     // Use Redis as the caching system
    'cache_host'    => '127.0.0.1', // Redis server address
    'cache_port'    => 6379,        // Redis default port
    'cache_username'=> '',          // Leave blank if authentication is not required
    'cache_password'=> '',          // Set password if needed
    'cache_database'=> 0,           // Default Redis database
],
```

## Using Cache

### Setup in Controller

```php
use System\Drivers\Cache\RedisCache;

class HomeController extends BaseController {
    protected $cache;

    public function __construct() {
        $config = config('cache'); // Load cache configuration
        $this->cache = new RedisCache($config); // Initialize Redis caching
    }
}
```

### Store and Retrieve Cached Data

```php
// Store data
$this->cache->set('home_page_data', $data, 600); // Cache for 10 minutes (600 seconds)

// Retrieve data
$cachedData = $this->cache->get('home_page_data');
```

### Clear and Delete Cached Data

```php
// Delete a Specific Cache Entry
$this->cache->delete('home_page_data');

// Clear All Cache
$this->cache->clear();
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Note

* **Best for Static Content** – Use caching for data that doesn’t change often, like homepage content or user lists.
* **Set Expiration Time** – Always define a cache expiration time to avoid showing outdated information.
* **Customize as Needed** – Adjust caching settings based on your application’s needs for better performance and efficiency.
  {% endhint %}