As a technical support engineer at BuddyBoss, one of the most frequent types of support tickets we encounter is related to caching. While caching is essential for website performance, it can also be a source of frustration when things go wrong—especially for sites that blend static and dynamic content, like online communities, eLearning platforms, and membership sites.
In this post, I’ll explain what caching is, the different types of caching commonly used, why caching-related issues happen, and—most importantly—how you can fix and prevent them.
What is Caching ?
Caching is the process of storing frequently accessed data in a temporary storage layer (cache) to reduce server load and improve page load times. When a user visits your site, instead of generating the page from scratch every time, the server delivers a pre-saved version, making the site faster.
Why Caching is Important ?
- Faster page load times (improves user experience & SEO)
- Reduces server resource usage (handles more traffic efficiently)
- Improves scalability (better performance under high traffic)
However, improper caching can cause stale content, broken dynamic features, and user-specific data not updating correctly.
Types of Caching (And Their Stack Position)
| Type | Description | Common Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Browser Cache | Stores assets (images, JS, CSS) locally in the user’s browser | Controlled via HTTP headers |
| Page Cache | Stores entire HTML output of a page | WP Rocket, LiteSpeed Cache, Server cache |
| Object Cache | Caches results of database queries (e.g., user meta) | Redis, Memcached |
| Opcode Cache | Stores compiled PHP bytecode in memory | OPcache |
| CDN Cache | Serves static assets from global edge servers | Cloudflare, BunnyCDN |
| Fragment (Partial) Cache | Caches only sections of a page | WP Rocket ESI, LiteSpeed ESI |
| Transients API | Temporary data storage in DB | WooCommerce sessions, short- |
Why Caching Causes Issues on BuddyBoss Sites
BuddyBoss is a dynamic platform, designed for interactive communities, real-time messaging, user-specific content, and learning management systems. Unlike static sites, BuddyBoss relies on logged-in sessions and user roles to deliver personalized content.
Caching often assumes content is the same for all users—which is not true for dynamic platforms. Here’s how caching can break things:
Common Caching-Related Issues:
| Issue | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Logged-in users see cached content meant for someone else | Page cache not configured to bypass for logged-in users |
| Activity feed or profile info not updating | Object or page cache delay |
404 errors on dynamic pages (e.g., /members/username/) | CDN or server-level caching outdated URLs |
| Broken logout/login redirection | Caching interferes with session or nonce values |
| Layouts broken (e.g., CSS/JS not loading) | Minification or aggregation conflict |
| Scheduled tasks not running | Object cache or OPcache holding outdated hooks |
Caching Issues
- Clear All Cache Layers
- Plugin Cache (via plugin dashboard)
- Server Cache (via host panel or support)
- Browser Cache (clear or use incognito mode)
- CDN Cache (e.g., purge from Cloudflare)
- Test in Incognito Window
This helps avoid browser and login-based cache effects. - Disable Plugins Temporarily
Deactivate caching plugins to rule out plugin-specific issues. - Check for “Vary: Cookie” Headers
Important for distinguishing logged-in vs logged-out users. BuddyBoss relies on user cookies. - Use Developer Tools (DevTools > Network Tab)
Look for:X-Cache: HITorMISS(from CDN)Cache-Control,Expires, andETagheaders
✅ Best Practices to Avoid Caching Conflicts
🔒 Exclude Logged-In Users from Caching
Ensure any caching plugin or server-level cache bypasses cache for logged-in users. In BuddyBoss, most interactive features are for members, so this is critical.
How to do it:
- WP Rocket: Enable “Never cache pages for logged-in users”
- W3 Total Cache: Disable page caching for logged-in users
- LiteSpeed: Use ESI (Edge Side Includes) to separate dynamic widgets
Exclude Specific Pages or URL Patterns
Some pages must be dynamic, e.g.:
/members/*
/groups/*
/activity/*
/my-account/*
/courses/*
Exclude these from page and CDN cache. In WP Rocket or Cloudflare Page Rules, you can configure URL patterns to bypass cache.
Don’t Cache Admin-AJAX and REST Endpoints
If your site uses live features (like real-time chat or notifications), make sure these endpoints are not cached:
/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php
/wp-json/*
Keep OPcache and Object Cache Fresh
Some hosting providers enable PHP OPcache and Redis/Memcached object caching. If custom code or plugins update database values, you might need to clear this cache.
Add a plugin like Redis Object Cache and periodically clear the cache via cron or after updates.
Helpful Tools and Plugins
| Tool/Plugin | Use |
|---|---|
| Query Monitor | Debug caching, DB queries, object cache issues |
| Redis Object Cache | Manage object cache with CLI or dashboard |
| WP Rocket / W3 Total Cache | Fine-tuned caching control |
| Health Check & Troubleshooting | Isolate plugin conflicts |
| Cloudflare Plugin | Purge cache + bypass rules from WordPress |
| Server Logs | Check for 500/403 errors due to stale OPcache or conflict |
Checklist for Caching Harmony on BuddyBoss type dynamic Sites
✅ Exclude logged-in users from page caching
✅ Exclude dynamic URLs from cache
✅ Don’t cache AJAX/REST endpoints
✅ Clear server-level and object cache during troubleshooting
✅ Test with different user roles and in incognito mode
✅ Coordinate with hosting support if using server-side cache layers
Caching is a powerful performance booster—but with great power comes great responsibility. Especially on dynamic WordPress sites like BuddyBoss, misconfigured caching can do more harm than good.
If you’re still facing caching issues, reach out to your hosting provider or contact BuddyBoss support. We’re here to help you strike the perfect balance between speed and functionality.
