Which cache setting should I use?
Conservative caching is safe for most sites. Add the Page Cache plugin only if your pages are the same for every visitor.
What the options do
Joomla can cache modules, component views and whole pages for visitors who aren't logged in. More caching is faster but less flexible.
The settings
- OFF: while you build or test, or for very personalised sites.
- ON - Conservative caching: caches views and modules that allow caching. The safe choice for most sites.
- ON - Progressive caching: caches all modules for guests, even those set to "No caching". Faster, but dynamic modules can show stale content.
- System - Page Cache plugin: stores whole pages for guests. Biggest gain for mostly static sites; exclude forms, carts and member pages in its Advanced tab.
Where
- System → Global Configuration → System → Cache Settings: System Cache, Cache Handler (File is fine) and Cache Time (default 15 minutes).
- Page Cache: System → Manage → Plugins, search "Page Cache".
Good to know
- Editing an article doesn't clear the page cache for pages that show it; clear it in System → Clear Cache.
Sources
- Cache – Joomla User Guide
