MariaDB Query Cache Setup for Better Performance in CloudPanel

• What Is MariaDB Query Cache?

• MariaDB Query Cache Commands in CloudPanel

• MariaDB Query Cache Setup Process for Ready-Heavy Applications in CloudPanel

• CloudPanel's Best Practices for MariaDB Query Cache Setup

• Troubleshooting MariaDB Query Cache Issues in CloudPanel

• FAQs

• Summary

What Is MariaDB Query Cache?

The MariaDB query cache stores the results of 'SELECT' queries in memory. When someone runs the same query, MariaDB uses this result instead of running the query again.

The MariaDB query cache setup process makes repeated queries much faster. Here's how it works:

1. A query runs for the first time.
2. MariaDB stores the result in memory.
3. When the same query runs again, MariaDB returns the saved result.

This approach works well for some websites but not all. The query cache might slow things down for busy sites with many data changes or servers with many CPU cores. It happens because MariaDB locks the cache during updates.

MariaDB Query Cache Commands in CloudPanel

Command/Variable	What It Does	Good Starting Value	Notes
query_cache_type	Turns cache on/off	2 (DEMAND) for most sites	Only queries using SQL_CACHE get stored in the cache, giving you control over what gets saved.
query_cache_size	How much memory to use	64MB-128MB	Alter the 'actual value' based on your workload.
query_cache_limit	Max size per result	1MB-4MB	Prevents large queries from monopolizing the cache. Adjust as needed for your data size.
query_cache_min_res_unit	Smallest memory chunk	4KB for most websites	4KB is a typical starting value. Adjust based on workload to balance fragmentation and memory usage.
RESET QUERY CACHE	Clears the cache	Use when testing	This command clears the entire query cache, useful during testing or troubleshooting.

MariaDB Query Cache Setup Process for Ready-Heavy Applications in CloudPanel

1. Check Query Cache Availability

i. Navigate to your database section & run this query using the integrated SQL terminal:

SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'have_query_cache';

ii. If it shows "YES," you are all set. If "NO," you might need to reinstall MariaDB with query cache support.

2. Enable Query Cache

CloudPanel makes editing MariaDB configuration simple. Follow the steps given below:

i. Go to Server Settings > Database Configuration. ii. Locate your MariaDB configuration file. iii. Add these lines under the [mysqld] section:

query_cache_type=2

query_cache_size=67108864 # 64MB

The query_cache_type setting works in this way:

• 0: Cache turned off
• 1: Cache all queries (except those marked with SQL_NO_CACHE)
• 2: Cache queries marked with SQL_CACHE

Note: You must start with "type 2" (selective caching) rather than "type 1" (cache everything). This process helps you avoid many performance problems.

After saving your changes, use CloudPanel's one-click service restart to apply them. Follow these steps:

i. Go to Services > MariaDB. ii. Click "Restart Service".

3. Optimize Query Cache Settings

CloudPanel makes it easy to adjust these important settings:

Parameter	Description	Recommended Value	Example Setting	Notes
query_cache_size	"Total memory" allocated for query cache	64MB to 128MB	query_cache_size=67108864	'Too large' wastes memory; 'too small' is ineffective
query_cache_limit	"Max size of a single result" for caching	1MB	query_cache_limit=1048576	Prevents 'large queries' from filling the cache
query_cache_min_res_unit	"Least chunk size" for storing results in cache	4KB	query_cache_min_res_unit=4096	Controls 'memory allocation granularity'

Note: Smaller values waste less memory but cause more fragmentation. Start with "4KB" for most websites and adapt based on your monitoring results.

4. Track Cache Performance

CloudPanel's database monitoring tools make it easy to check query cache performance. Run this query in your SQL terminal:

SHOW STATUS LIKE 'Qcache%';

The platform's dashboard helps you interpret these key metrics:

• Qcache_hits: How many queries got answers from the cache
• Qcache_inserts: How many queries got added to the cache
• Qcache_lowmem_prunes: How many cached items got removed because of low memory

A good cache has many more "hits" than inserts. If you see many prunes, try increasing query_cache_size through CloudPanel's configuration interface. To improve PHP website performance, use optimization tools for faster database performance.

5. Make Your Queries Cache-Optimized

Not all queries work with the cache. Consider the following practices:

1. Avoid functions like NOW()/RAND()/UUID() in queries.
2. Ignore/remove temporary tables/queries with SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS.
3. When using query_cache_type=2, add SQL_CACHE to queries via:

SELECT SQL_CACHE * FROM users WHERE active = 1;

Note: CloudPanel’s query analyzer highlights queries that miss the cache.

6. Use MariaDB MaxScale

For larger sites, CloudPanel can help you configure MariaDB MaxScale. You can add the SQL_CACHE hint to queries when you cannot change your application's code. Follow the steps given below:

1. Navigate to Advanced Configuration > MaxScale and add:

[QueryFilter]

type=filter

module=qlafilter

pattern=.*SELECT(?!.*SQL_NO_CACHE).*FROM.*

rewrite=SQL_CACHE

ii. You can add SQL_CACHE to 'SELECT' statements that don't have SQL_NO_CACHE.

7. Conduct Other Caching Strategies

The query cache works for some sites. But CloudPanel offers other optimization options, such as:

• Redis/Memcached: CloudPanel makes setting up the dedicated caching solutions easy.
• Application caching: The system supports various application-level caching frameworks.
• Materialized views: CloudPanel helps you create and manage these pre-calculated results.

CloudPanel's Best Practices for MariaDB Query Cache Setup

Best Practice	What It Means	How to Set It/What to Watch For	Why It Matters (Real-World Impact)	CloudPanel Angle/Tools
Use query_cache_type=2 (DEMAND)	Only cache queries you mark with SQL_CACHE; don’t let MariaDB decide for you.	Use query_cache_type=2 in the config and SQL_CACHE in SELECTs.	Stops the cache from filling up with junk. Only cache what gets hit often and rarely changes.	Use regex filters in 'MaxScale' to auto-add SQL_CACHE if needed.
Watch the numbers	Track cache hit/miss rates, memory usage, and fragmentation.	Use CloudPanel’s built-in monitoring tools.	You see if the cache is helping or consuming RAM. Adjust before things go sideways.	CloudPanel dashboard for real-time stats.
Size it right	Don’t starve the cache, but don’t starve the rest of your server.	Start with "64MB–128MB" via query_cache_size=67108864	Too small ( Cache is useless). Too big ( MariaDB slows down from lock contention and wasted memory).	Adjust based on data.
Limit big queries	Prevent one massive result from evicting all the good stuff.	query_cache_limit=1048576 (1MB)	Keeps cache balanced; no single query can take up all the space.	Tune based on your biggest common SELECTs.
Tune the least result unit	Controls how memory gets chunked for cached results.	query_cache_min_res_unit=4096 (4KB)	Too small ( More overhead and locks). Too big (Wasted memory for small results.)	Test with real traffic.
Test both ways	Benchmark with and without query cache enabled.	Use CloudPanel’s benchmarking tools.	Proves if the query cache is helping your workload.	Use data-driven decisions.
Know your site	Query cache works best for read-heavy, rarely-changing tables (e.g., "product catalogs").	Analyze if your workload is 'SELECTs'.	Query cache slows you down.	Let CloudPanel show you query patterns.
Disable when not needed	For write-heavy/high-concurrency environments, turn it off.	query_cache_size=0/query_cache_type=0	Avoids mutex bottlenecks and wasted resources.	Don’t be afraid to go cache-less if it’s not a fit.

Troubleshooting MariaDB Query Cache Issues in CloudPanel

1. Not Enough Cache Hits

If CloudPanel's monitoring shows low cache hits:

• Check if your queries match exactly (even "spaces" and "case" matter).
• See if 'tables' change often (this clears the cache).
• Make sure results aren't bigger than your query_cache_limit.

2. Database Getting Slower

If enabling cache seems to slow your database:

• Your site might change data too often (try turning "cache off").
• Your server might need 'RAM' for other things.
• Try query_cache_type=2 to cache only specific queries.
• Set up 'MySQL' incremental backups to keep your data safe & adjust performance settings.

FAQs

1. How do I check the performance of my Query Cache in CloudPanel?

Run SHOW STATUS LIKE 'Qcache%'; in the SQL terminal. Pay attention to Qcache_hits, Qcache_inserts, & Qcache_lowmem_prunes. An effective cache should have more hits than inserts.

2. How do I optimize my SQL queries with the MariaDB Query Cache?

Avoid using dynamic functions like NOW(), RAND(), and UUID(). With query_cache_type=2, add SQL_CACHE to queries you want cached. For instance, run SELECT SQL_CACHE * FROM users WHERE active = 1;. Avoid temporary tables & SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS in queries you want stored in the query cache. CloudPanel's Query Analyzer can highlight queries that don't use the cache.

3. When should I not use the MariaDB Query Cache?

Avoid using the MariaDB Query Cache with write-intensive systems using many CPU cores. The cache can degrade performance as MariaDB locks the cache during updates. Set query_cache_size=0/query_cache_type=0. Websites with frequent data changes/high concurrency often suffer from mutex bottlenecks. The cache configuration causes this problem, impairing system performance.

4. How can I add SQL_CACHE to queries using MaxScale?

Configure MariaDB MaxScale in CloudPanel. This step adds SQL_CACHE to 'SELECT' statements that do not contain SQL_NO_CACHE. Finally, add SQL_CACHE to queries when you cannot change the application code.

5. What alternative caching strategies does CloudPanel offer for MariaDB?

CloudPanel supports Redis/Memcached as dedicated caching solutions & application-level caching with various frameworks. Advanced features also include materialized views for pre-calculated results. These options can complement or replace the Query Cache. It is especially true when your use case isn't suitable for the query cache.

Summary

MariaDB's query cache setup can improve the performance of the right websites. CloudPanel makes setting up, monitoring, & optimizing this feature easy. The platform's intuitive interface:

• Removes the complexity of database management.
• Makes server management accessible to administrators of all skill levels.
• Simplifies database optimization.
• Helps set up good indexes, optimize queries, and configure your server in a proper way.

Optimize MariaDB query caching with CloudPanel to boost performance in read-intensive PHP workloads.