While this release includes several technical improvements under the hood, two enhancements stand out: Automatic LCP Optimization (Premium) and our expanded UCSS detection logic. These additions aim to simplify performance tuning and provide more consistent results without requiring extra effort from you.

Below is a quick look at what’s new.

Automatic LCP Optimization

This release introduces automatic handling for Largest Contentful Paint elements. The goal is to reduce manual tuning by detecting key LCP elements and applying targeted optimizations where supported.
It’s designed to integrate naturally with your existing setup while keeping configuration simple.

Improved UCSS Detection

The UCSS system can now identify template files and parent templates more accurately. This enhancement helps produce more consistent unused CSS coverage across layouts and theme variations.

Smarter Delayed JavaScript Handling

• Refined dependency chain resolution for increased reliability, especially with complex script structures.
• Delayed JS execution now supports DOMContentLoaded, offering more flexibility for script timing.
• Defer.js updated to 3.9 which brings in the latest upstream improvements.

Ajaxified Cache Purge Dismissal

Cache purge dismissal is now handled via AJAX, reducing admin friction and improving responsiveness and UX.

Updated Redis Drop-in

The bundled Redis object cache drop-in has been refreshed for improved stability and compatibility.

Minor Adjustments & Quality Refinements

• Dependency updates.
• Missing i18n text domains fixed.
• General compatibility improvements.
• Fully tested with WordPress 6.9.

Powered Cache 3.7 focuses on making performance optimization feel smoother and more predictable. The new LCP and UCSS enhancements in Premium work quietly in the background to support a consistent front-end experience, while the core plugin receives several refinements to keep everything running efficiently.

Whether you’re managing a high-traffic site, running WooCommerce, or developing your next WordPress project, this version introduces features designed to give you more flexibility without compromising speed.

Let’s explore what’s new in Powered Cache 3.6.

Referrer-Based Cache Exclusions

Ever wanted to exclude caching for traffic coming from a specific source, like a social campaign, newsletter, or third-party site? With Powered Cache 3.6, you can now define cache exclusions based on specific HTTP referrers.

This is especially useful for:

• Bypassing cache for A/B tests or personalized campaigns.
• Ensuring fresh content delivery for key marketing sources.
• Avoiding cache pollution from bot traffic with spoofed referrers.

You’ll find this feature under the Advanced > Exclusions tab. Simply enter the referrer patterns/referrers you want to exclude, Powered Cache will take care of the rest.

Dev Mode: Disable Caching While Developing

The new Dev Mode is a developer’s best friend. With a single switch, you can disable all caching and optimization features across the site.

When Dev Mode is enabled:

• No cache is served or generated
• Page and asset optimizations are turned off
• You can test site changes in real time

It’s perfect for staging environments, theme/plugin development, or testing critical changes without interference from cached files.

Smarter Preloading with Load-Aware Behavior

Preloading helps you serve cached content proactively, but if not managed well, it can strain your server, especially on shared hosting. With the Powered Cache 3.6 update, we’ve made the preloader smarter and safer.

New Improvements:

• Queue dispatch now happens after shutdown, minimizing impact on user experience.
• Automatic pause during high server load using dynamic load average checks.
• Spike detection logic prevents aggressive cache generation when traffic suddenly increases.

This ensures your site stays fast without compromising server health. Please check our preloading documentation to learn more about how to control server load and preloader behavior.

Updated Object Cache Drop-ins

Object caching is essential for scaling WordPress. In this release, we’ve updated all bundled object cache drop-ins to their latest versions:

• Redis
• Memcached
• APCu

These updates improve compatibility with popular hosts, resolve minor bugs, and ensure long-term stability.

Using persistent object caching? You’ll benefit from faster admin pages, lower database load, and improved site responsiveness.

PHP 7.4+ Is Now Required

To keep up with modern coding standards and deliver secure, efficient performance, Powered Cache 3.6 now requires PHP 7.4 or higher.

Most quality hosts already support PHP 8.x, so if you’re still on older versions, this is the perfect time to upgrade. Not only will this keep your site compatible, it will make it faster and more secure, too.

Premium Improvements: Link Prefetching and License Warnings

If you’re using Powered Cache Premium, this release includes two targeted enhancements:

Link Prefetch Fix for Logged-in Users

We’ve resolved an issue where link prefetching wasn’t working correctly for logged-in users. This bug was unintentionally slowing down navigation for logged-in sessions, especially since they often trigger numerous background requests—and those pages typically aren’t cached (unless you’ve enabled caching for logged-in users).

Plugin License Visibility

A new license warning appears in the WordPress Plugins table when the premium version is unregistered. No more guessing whether you’re receiving updates, you’ll see the status clearly.

Upgrade to Powered Cache 3.6 Today

The Powered Cache 3.6 release delivers thoughtful improvements for both casual users and advanced developers. With smarter caching behavior, more control during development, and improved reliability under load, this is the most refined version of Powered Cache yet.

You can update directly from your WordPress dashboard, or download the latest version from WordPress.org.

Need the premium features? Learn more and get started at poweredcache.com.

Want to see the full list of changes? Check out the detailed changelog here →

Purge Image Optimizer Cache

At the heart of this update is the highly anticipated Image Optimizer purge option. This feature empowers premium users to effortlessly purge the cache for optimized images on their websites.

Focus on Image Optimization

This release emphasizes image optimization. Last month, we silently started utilizing BunnyCDN for faster content delivery, initially announced only on Twitter. This integration has significantly boosted the speed and efficiency of content delivery for all our users. (You can learn more here.)

With the new Image Optimizer purge feature, premium users now have even more control over their website’s performance. By purging the cache for optimized images, you can ensure that your visitors always see the most up-to-date versions, enhancing both the visual appeal and loading speed of your site.

Image Optimizer PRO Updated!

Great news! If you’re not using Powered Cache Premium, you can still benefit from our advanced image delivery and optimization features. We’ve rolled out the same enhancements in our standalone Image Optimizer PRO plugin, ensuring top-tier performance for all your images.

Ready for WordPress 6.6!

WordPress 6.6 is set to be released later today. We’ve tested our plugins with the new version to ensure they continue to provide smooth and fast websites, just as before. Feel free to update!

Upgrade to Powered Cache Premium

If you’re not already using Powered Cache Premium, now is the perfect time to upgrade. With advanced features like the Image Optimizer purge option, enhanced performance, and dedicated support, Premium users can take their website optimization to the next level.

We hope you enjoy the new features and improvements in Powered Cache & Powered Cache Premium 3.5. As always, we appreciate your feedback and support. For any questions or support, feel free to reach out.

Follow us on X for the latest updates and announcements!

Let’s dive into the key highlights of this release.

Replace YouTube videos with Thumbnails

In our quest to make your pages load faster without compromising user engagement, we’ve introduced a new feature that replaces YouTube videos with thumbnails until they’re actively clicked. This not only speeds up page loads but also conservatively uses bandwidth, ensuring a swift browsing experience.

More Control Over Lazy Loading

Understanding the need for flexibility, we’ve added an option to exclude specific images and iframes from being lazy-loaded. This ensures that critical visuals and content are immediately available to your visitors, providing a seamless browsing experience.

Improved Object Cache Management with a Critical Alert System

For those of us leveraging memcached for object caching, we’ve introduced an essential update to help navigate around a common challenge that could inadvertently slow down your site.

Given that memcached has a maximum allowed object size limit of 1MB, it becomes a critical point of concern when the alloptions value exceeds this threshold. Instead of boosting your site’s performance, an oversized alloptions can significantly degrade it by not fitting into memcache. To address this, we’ve implemented a warning system that alerts you when alloptions approaches or exceeds this size. (700KB for warning, 900KB for alerting)

This feature is designed to safeguard your site’s performance by preventing such a critical issue from going unnoticed, ensuring our caching strategy truly optimizes your site’s speed and efficiency. You may also want to use the Performance Lab plugin; it provides a health check for autoloaded options, and you can easily see which option(s) causes the most problems.

Preloader Enhancements

Preloader Request Interval

By adjusting the interval between requests, you can prevent your server from being overwhelmed by too many simultaneous requests. This is particularly beneficial during peak traffic times or on shared hosting environments where server resources are at a premium.

If your site is hosted on a robust server, you might opt for shorter intervals to speed up the caching process. Conversely, if you’re working with limited server resources, setting a longer interval can help mitigate the load.

Previously, adjusting the preloader’s behavior required technical knowledge of hooks and coding. With this feature, control over the preloading process is made accessible to users of all technical levels through a simple settings option, making optimization efforts more inclusive.

Preloader Feedback Message

We know how the preloader has been tirelessly working away in the background, like a silent ninja, optimizing your site’s performance without much fanfare. But, let’s face it, not knowing what’s going on behind the curtain can be a bit unsettling.

That’s why we decided to bring some light to the backstage with a feature that gives you a peek into the preloader’s journey as it processes URLs. Now, while it’s diligently running, you’ll receive friendly nudges, letting you know about the progress being made.

Preloader Cache Footprint

With the “Preloader Cache Footprint” feature in Powered Cache 3.4, we’re adding a sprinkle of clarity to the caching process. Imagine this feature as a gentle whisper, telling you the tales of which pages the preloader has brought to life in the cache.

A small, yet mighty feature to keep you informed.

One-Click Update and Cache Purging

In previous iterations, updating settings and purging the cache were separate steps, but we’ve combined them into a single, efficient action. With just one click, you can now save your new configurations and simultaneously clear the cache. This ensures that changes take effect immediately across your site, and that visitors will be accessing the freshest content without any outdated cache data interfering.

This new button not only saves time but also reduces the complexity of site maintenance, making it an essential update for both novice users and experienced webmasters. It may seem like a small step, but for user experience, it’s a giant leap, reinforcing our dedication to providing practical, user-friendly solutions. (Props @emreerkan, for bringing this idea)

Performance and Strategy Improvements

We’ve refined the page cache purging strategy to be more efficient, ensuring that your cache is always fresh and relevant.

Refined Cache Purging Strategy

With our improved approach to page cache purging, it is more intuitive and effective. The goal is to ensure that your cache reflects the most current and relevant content without holding onto outdated information. This refined strategy intelligently identifies which cached pages need refreshing, reducing the overhead on your server and keeping your site’s content fresh for your visitors.

Optimized Preloading Process

The preloader, an unsung hero in the background, has received a significant tune-up. By minimizing unnecessary requests, it now works more judiciously, focusing its efforts only where needed. This optimization means your server resources are used more efficiently, leading to faster page loads and a smoother experience for your users.

Enhanced Security: Cloudflare Extension Updates with Advanced Encryption

In an era where security is paramount, the Cloudflare Extension within Powered Cache has received pivotal updates to provide even stronger defenses for your digital presence.

Encrypted Cloudflare Credentials

In a significant advancement for data protection, this release introduces robust encryption for Cloudflare API keys and tokens within the database. This pivotal update ensures these vital credentials are fortified against unauthorized access, setting a new standard in safeguarding sensitive information. It addresses a common concern across many plugins, where API credentials were previously stored in plaintext, including in some official solutions.

Exercise caution if a WordPress plugin (including our own) requests Cloudflare’s Global API key; we advocate for the use of API tokens instead of global API keys. Consider a scenario with 100 sites; compromising a single site could potentially endanger the control over the rest. Given that Cloudflare’s Global API keys are now regarded as legacy, it’s smarter to opt for API tokens that offer limited access, particularly as Cloudflare offers a streamlined interface for managing these settings.

I highly recommend to fellow plugin developers to read Felix’s blog post about Storing Confidential Data in WordPress.

Cloudflare IP Verification

In addition to encryption, we have also implemented a stringent IP verification process. This process cross-checks incoming IPs to confirm they are indeed part of the Cloudflare network and restores the client’s real IP when needed.

Revamped Delayed JS Execution

The handling of JavaScript dependencies is more sophisticated, utilizing the defer.js library for improved performance. Certain elements, such as interactivity and image blocks, are exempt from delayed JavaScript execution to maintain compatibility with WordPress core functionalities. Users also gain the ability to set delay JS timeout preferences, offering control over script loading based on timing or user interaction.

Fixes and Updates

• A fix has been applied to the CDN dropdown width, ensuring a better user interface experience.
• We’ve addressed a compatibility issue with the core image blocks lightbox feature in lazyload, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
• Various dependency updates have been made to keep Powered Cache secure and stable.

Moving Forward Together

Powered Cache 3.4 represents our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower you to build faster, more reliable websites. We’re excited for you to experience the improvements and look forward to your feedback.

Upgrade to Powered Cache 3.4 today and elevate your website’s performance to new heights!

Here is the changelog if you want to see the list of changes.

Understanding Back-Forward Cache in Detail

Back-forward cache, often referred to as bfcache, stands out in the realm of browser optimizations. It is a sophisticated in-memory cache system that stores a complete snapshot of a webpage, encompassing everything from the JavaScript heap to the user interface state. When a user navigates away and later returns, the browser can quickly restore the page from this cache, making transitions between pages exceptionally swift​​.

You can test it on Chrome Devtool. (Background services > Back/forward cache > Test back/forward cache)

The Broad Impact of Back-Forward Cache

Chrome’s usage data sheds light on the significant role of back-forward cache in user navigation: 10% of desktop and 20% of mobile navigations are back or forward movements. With the activation of back-forward cache, browsers have the potential to eliminate data transfer and loading times for billions of web pages daily, dramatically enhancing the browsing experience​​.

Distinguishing Back-Forward Cache from HTTP Cache

Grasping the nuances between back-forward cache and traditional HTTP cache is key to understanding their distinct roles in web performance. The HTTP cache is designed to store responses to specific resource requests, such as images or scripts. However, it often doesn’t include the entire HTML document, leading to the necessity of re-downloading it for each page visit.

On the other hand, back-forward cache operates differently. It captures a comprehensive in-memory snapshot of the entire webpage, including the JavaScript heap and dynamic content. This holistic approach allows back-forward cache to swiftly restore full pages, providing a noticeable speed advantage over HTTP cache, particularly for repeat visits.

Furthermore, Google notes the rarity of having all requests for a page being fulfilled solely from the HTTP cache. This limitation highlights where back-forward cache excels – in its ability to bypass these gaps.

Another pivotal difference lies in the storage methods. While HTTP cache relies on disk storage, back-forward cache utilizes in-memory caching. Loading resources from the disk cache can be faster than network requests, but back-forward cache takes this a step further. It avoids the latency associated with reading from the disk entirely, fetching the entire page directly from the browser’s memory. This distinction not only speeds up navigation but also enhances the overall user experience by providing instant access to previously visited pages.

Implementing Back-Forward Cache Effectively

Effectively implementing back-forward cache requires attention to specific development practices. One critical aspect is choosing the right events, such as pagehide over unload, to ensure that the page’s state is correctly saved for bfcache​​.

When a website uses bfcache, it stores a complete snapshot of the page as the user navigates away. This is incredibly efficient for quick navigation, but it can pose challenges for dynamic content and user state, especially when sensitive information is involved.

Updating Stale or Sensitive Data After Bfcache Restore

• Scenario 1: E-commerce Shopping Cart: Consider a user navigating to a checkout page, updating their shopping cart, and then navigating away. If they navigate back, bfcache might restore the old, outdated page. This could show the user incorrect information about their shopping cart contents.
• Scenario 2: User Account Security: A more critical situation arises in the case of user logouts, particularly on public computers. If a user logs out and another user later navigates back to a previous page, bfcache could restore a version of the page with the previous user’s data still visible, posing a serious privacy and security risk.

Handling Dynamic Content with bfcache

To address these challenges, developers should implement strategies to refresh or update the page content when it’s restored from bfcache. One effective approach is using the ‘pageshow’ event. This event fires when a page is loaded, including when it’s restored from bfcache.

Using the pageshow Event:

window.addEventListener('pageshow', (event) => {
  if (event.persisted) {
    // Perform updates to the page here
  }
});

In this code, event.persisted is true if the page is being loaded from bfcache. Developers can use this opportunity to update any stale data or ensure sensitive information is not displayed.

Forcing a Page Reload:

In some cases, simply updating content in place might not be sufficient, especially for sensitive changes like user logins or logouts. Here, forcing a full page reload might be necessary to ensure the integrity of the user experience and data security.

window.addEventListener('pageshow', (event) => {
  if (event.persisted && !document.cookie.match(/my-custom-cookie/)) {
    // Force a reload if the user has logged out
    location.reload();
  }
});

This code checks for a specific cookie (indicative of user state) and forces a reload if the cookie is not present, such as when a user logs out.

A reload maintains the browser history, allowing forward navigation, but in some cases, a redirect might be more appropriate, depending on the specific needs of the site and the nature of the user interactions.

Advanced Techniques for Optimizing Back-Forward Cache

To fully leverage back-forward cache, there are advanced strategies that developers can adopt:

1. Browser Compatibility: Understanding and catering to the specific bfcache behaviors of various browsers.
2. Testing and Monitoring: Regularly using browser-specific tools to test and monitor the functionality of bfcache on your site.
3. JavaScript Optimization: Streamlining JavaScript code to minimize the memory footprint, which enhances the efficiency and reliability of bfcache.

Real-World Benefits of Back-Forward Cache

The adoption of back-forward cache can lead to significant improvements in user experience. Websites that have optimized for bfcache report a noticeable reduction in load times during back and forward navigation, leading to higher user engagement and satisfaction. This optimization is particularly beneficial for e-commerce sites, where quick navigation between product pages can significantly impact conversion rates.

The Future of Web Navigation with Back-Forward Cache

Back-forward cache is paving the way for a future where web navigation is seamless and incredibly fast. As web technologies continue to evolve, bfcache stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance the speed and efficiency of the web, making it more user-friendly and accessible, especially for those on slower connections or less powerful devices.

As of 2024, approximately 98% of browsers support bfcache.

The integration of back-forward cache into your website’s optimization strategy is more than a technical upgrade – it’s a commitment to superior user experiences. By embracing this technology, web developers and site owners are setting new standards in web performance and user satisfaction. The age of instant web experiences is here, and back-forward cache is at its forefront.

How do you plan to integrate and optimize back-forward cache in your web development strategy? Discover more tips by reading our other posts about Page Speed and Caching.

Deep Dive into Performance Budgeting in Web Development

Performance Budgeting involves establishing specific limits on various performance metrics of a website. This approach ensures a seamless user experience by balancing speed and rich features. Key metrics in this regard include Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). These metrics are pivotal in assessing how users interact with and perceive a website. For developers and site owners, focusing on these metrics from the project’s inception can streamline the development process, ensuring a focus on essential website elements without sacrificing speed.

Exploring Key Metrics in Performance Budgeting

To optimize site speed, focusing on metrics like LCP, which measures the speed of content loading, and FID, which assesses the time taken for a site to become interactive, is essential. Additionally, CLS measures the visual stability of a page, providing insights into the user’s visual experience. By optimizing these metrics, you directly enhance the overall performance and user experience of your site, leading to better engagement and potentially higher search engine rankings.

Strategic Steps in Setting Your Performance Budget

The process begins with comprehensive research into competitors and similar sites to establish realistic performance benchmarks. Tools like WebPageTest and Google’s Lighthouse are invaluable for establishing a baseline of these metrics. Implementing rule-based metrics, derived from performance scores in tools like Lighthouse, adds a layer of refinement to your budgeting strategy. This step is crucial for understanding the current landscape and setting achievable, yet ambitious, performance goals.

Leveraging Powered Cache for Optimal Performance Budgeting

Powered Cache plays a significant role in achieving performance budgets by optimizing key aspects like caching, minification, and image optimization. Its advanced features, such as lazy loading and resource optimization, ensure that your site not only meets but exceeds performance benchmarks. Powered Cache improves scores in crucial metrics like LCP, TTI (Time to Interactive), and CLS, which are essential for a seamless user experience and for achieving higher search engine rankings.

Maintaining Your Performance Budget: The Role of Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment

Performance budgeting is an ongoing, dynamic process. It’s not a one-time setup but rather requires constant monitoring and adjustments. Factors such as changes in content, user behavior, or technological advancements can significantly impact your website’s performance. As such, it’s crucial for site owners to regularly monitor their site’s performance using available web analytics and performance measurement tools.

This continuous oversight allows for timely identification of areas that need optimization or adjustment. By conducting regular performance audits and making necessary changes, you ensure that your site consistently meets its performance benchmarks, maintaining optimal speed and user experience. This vigilant approach is key to keeping a website within its set performance thresholds, thus ensuring it operates at peak efficiency.

The Impact of Performance Budgeting on SEO and User Engagement

A well-implemented performance budget not only enhances the user experience but also plays a significant role in SEO. Search engines like Google prioritize sites that load quickly and offer a stable, interactive experience. By optimizing for performance metrics, you improve your site’s visibility and attractiveness to both users and search engines. This leads to higher traffic, better engagement rates, and, ultimately, increased conversions.

Best Practices for Implementing Performance Budgets with Powered Cache

Incorporating WordPress optimization plugins such as Powered Cache into your performance budgeting strategy is a smart move to ensure your website stays within its desired performance parameters. Start by identifying the critical areas where your site can benefit from performance enhancements.

Utilize the robust features of Powered Cache to address these areas effectively. Advanced caching, resource optimization, and content delivery improvements are key functionalities of Powered Cache that can significantly reduce load times and optimize overall site performance. These optimizations are crucial in helping your website adhere to its performance budget, ensuring it remains fast and responsive.

By proactively applying the optimization features provided by Powered Cache, you can maintain a high level of efficiency for your website. This approach not only aids in keeping your site within the set performance thresholds but also contributes to a superior user experience, vital for engaging and retaining visitors.

Ensuring your website is optimized effectively is more than just a technical necessity; it’s a vital component of your online presence. With WordPress optimization plugins like Powered Cache, you can seamlessly blend performance excellence with the rich functionalities of your site, striking the perfect balance for success in the digital realm.

Let’s delve into the host of enhancements that Powered Cache 3.3 brings to elevate your website’s performance.

Rewrite Support for File Optimizer

The hallmark of Powered Cache 3.3 is undoubtedly the Rewrite Support for File Optimizer. This feature is a game changer in how file optimization is handled on your website:

• Enhanced CDN Compatibility: Some CDN services may sidestep requests with a “.php” in the resource URL. The rewrite support resolves this issue, ensuring optimal CDN functionality.
• Bypass WAF Rules: If your Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules obstruct file-optimizer.php from executing, the rewrite support effectively circumvents this limitation, ensuring seamless file optimization.
• Improved Resource Naming: With rewrite rules, organizing and naming related resources becomes more intuitive, contributing to better resource management and website performance.

PHP 8.2 Compatibility

We’ve addressed the partially supported deprecated callable issue for PHP 8.2, ensuring that Powered Cache remains at the forefront in maintaining high performance and security standards with the latest PHP versions.

Based on our rigorous testing, we can confidently affirm that Powered Cache is fully compatible with PHP 8.2, ready to deliver a seamless, high-speed experience on the updated PHP platform.

WPS Hide Login Compatibility

The integration of WPS Hide Login compatibility in Powered Cache 3.3 is a significant enhancement towards ensuring optimal functionality with security plugins.

Our update now automatically detects the changed login URL generated by the WPS Hide Login plugin and excludes it from being cached, requiring no additional configuration or adjustments from the user. This ensures that your custom login URL remains secure and functions seamlessly, all while maintaining the cache performance of your website.

DOM Optimization for HTML Minification

The introduction of the DOM Optimization option for HTML Minification in Powered Cache 3.3 is a calculated move towards offering more control and effectiveness in HTML minification. While HTML minification can be a double-edged sword, altering the HTML output and potentially causing regressions on a page, its utility without DOM optimization is significantly diminished, especially on servers employing gzip or brotli compression techniques.

The new DOM Optimization feature is a boon for those who are keen on HTML minification and are looking to extract every ounce of performance by reducing their page’s byte size. This feature takes HTML minification a step further by intelligently analyzing and optimizing the Document Object Model (DOM), ensuring that while the HTML is minified, the structural integrity and functionality of the page remain intact.

By enabling DOM Optimization, users who are fixated on HTML minification can now achieve a more refined and effective minification process, squeezing out those extra bytes, all while maintaining a stable and visually intact webpage rendering.

Under the Hood

Dependency Updates

With the release of Powered Cache 3.3, we’ve ensured that all dependencies are updated to their latest versions. This is a step towards ensuring that Powered Cache continues to deliver optimal performance by staying in sync with the latest technological advancements.

Tested with WordPress 6.4

In anticipation of future updates, we have tested Powered Cache 3.3 with the upcoming major version of WordPress, 6.4. This proactive approach ensures that your website remains compatible and continues to deliver a seamless performance, fully prepared to leverage the advancements that WordPress 6.4 will bring.

Premium Enhancements (Powered Cache Premium 3.3)

In Powered Cache Premium 3.3, we’ve made a thoughtful adjustment by disabling link prefetching for logged-in users. Since the pages for logged-in users are rendered dynamically, link prefetching would not be beneficial and could potentially affect the performance. This change ensures a more efficient use of resources, delivering a faster and more responsive user experience for logged-in users.

Powered Cache and Powered Cache Premium 3.3 are more than just updates; they represent significant leaps towards superior website performance. With a spotlight on file optimization through the Rewrite Support for File Optimizer, along with other performance-centric enhancements like DOM optimization and smarter resource management, this release is set to redefine what’s possible in website speed and efficiency. Upgrade to Powered Cache 3.3 today and step into a realm of unparalleled performance and resource optimization. Explore the documentation to delve deeper into the Rewrite Support for File Optimizer feature and harness its full potential for your website.

At the heart of this upgrade is a laser focus on JavaScript (JS) optimization. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where every millisecond impacts user experience and SEO, achieving peak website performance is non-negotiable. This article will explore in detail the powerful JS optimization features that distinguish Powered Cache 3.2, along with other significant enhancements.

Improved JavaScript Optimization for Turbocharging WordPress Performance

The core functionality has been refactored to provide an enhanced set of JavaScript optimization and execution options.

In this version, activating the “Combine JavaScript” feature requires you to first enable the “Minification” option. However, regardless of your minification settings, the “Combine JavaScript” feature will be automatically disabled if “Delay JS” is enabled, in order to maintain compatibility.

Defer JS & Delay JS

In this version, you have the capability to enable both ‘Defer’ and ‘Delay’ options simultaneously. This is a significant change from the previous version of the plugin, which only permitted one method for JavaScript execution. That option has now been entirely revamped.

In addition to being able to enable both “Defer” and “Delay” options together, the latest version of our plugin introduces the ability to defer inline JavaScript, specifically when jQuery is detected. This addresses the often fragile nature of inline JavaScript, aiming to improve both performance and compatibility.

Disable JavaScript Execution method for a specific post

Selectively control how JavaScript is executed on individual posts within your website. This means that while your global settings will apply to the rest of your website, the particular post where this feature is enabled will follow its own set of rules for JavaScript execution.

For a real-world example; if the contact form is not working as expected after enabling defer or/and delay js, simply disable it for a particular page.

Add Missing Image Dimensions

Is your website suffering from layout shifts due to images loading without predefined dimensions?

Powered Cache Premium 3.2 addresses this by automatically injecting missing width and height attributes into your images. By defining these dimensions ahead of time, the browser knows exactly how much space to allocate for images, resulting in a smoother, more stable rendering process. This not only enhances your visitors’ experience but also positively impacts your Core Web Vitals, a crucial metric for performance.

Prefetch links

Are you aiming to achieve not just fast, but instant subsequent page-loads? Powered Cache 3.2’s Prefetch Links feature is engineered to do just that. By prefetching or prerendering in-viewport links during idle time, this premium function pulls likely-to-be-visited pages into the browser’s cache before the user even clicks on them. The result? When they do, the page loads virtually instantaneously, giving your visitors an unparalleled browsing experience.

Please check our documentation to learn more about prefetching links.

Under the Hood

While the major features often steal the spotlight, it’s the under-the-hood improvements that ensure everything runs like a well-oiled machine. Here’s a peek at the technical tweaks that make Powered Cache 3.2 more stable, compatible, and user-friendly.

Compatibility with Bricks Builder

With this update, Powered Cache is now fully compatible with Bricks Builder. This opens doors for users who rely on Bricks Builder for their site architecture, ensuring smooth performance without any compatibility issues.

New Global Admin Notice for Cache Purging

The addition of a global admin notice prompts users to purge their cache when a new plugin is activated or deactivated. This smart feature aims to prevent any potential conflicts or issues that could arise from stale cache data.

Customizer Preview and Colibri Page Builder Compatibility

The file optimizer now intelligently abstains from running when you’re in the Customizer preview mode. This makes Powered Cache 3.2 compatible with Colibri Page Builder, enabling you to fine-tune your website’s appearance without any hiccups.

Disabled DOM Parser for HTML Minification

We’ve disabled DOM parser-based optimization for HTML minification to prevent any unintended issues. This ensures that your HTML remains clean and streamlined without affecting its integrity.

Diagnostic Modal Glitch Fixed

A glitch that occasionally appeared in the Diagnostic modal has been addressed, making the troubleshooting process smoother and more reliable.

Feedback Messages During Async Tasks

In an effort to keep you informed during key processes, Powered Cache Premium 3.2 now provides admin notices for async tasks like generating used CSS or Critical CSS. These feedback messages appear only on the plugin’s admin page, ensuring you’re always aware of the progress or completion status while these critical tasks are running. This feature enhances the user experience by adding a layer of transparency and real-time feedback, making it easier to manage your website’s performance optimization.

Settings Page DOM Violations Fixed

Any DOM violations that appeared on the Settings page have been resolved. This is part of our ongoing commitment to adhere to best coding practices, ensuring that the plugin remains robust and error-free.

These behind-the-scenes enhancements may not be immediately visible, but they contribute significantly to the overall performance, reliability, and compatibility of Powered Cache 3.2. We believe in a comprehensive approach to optimization, and these changes echo that philosophy.

Important Upgrade Routine for Existing Users

For those of you who are already enjoying the benefits of Powered Cache, please note an essential upgrade routine coming with version 3.2. The JavaScript execution method settings you currently use will be automatically mapped to the new settings introduced in this update. This ensures a seamless transition, maintaining the optimized performance you’ve come to expect while taking advantage of the improved capabilities in Powered Cache 3.2.

We recommend reviewing your JavaScript settings post-upgrade to ensure that everything is aligned with your performance goals. This routine is part of our commitment to offering you a smooth, hassle-free experience while keeping up with the latest in optimization technology.

Powered Cache 3.2 isn’t just another update; it’s a significant leap forward in website optimization technology. With JavaScript optimization at its core, this version aims to offer an unparalleled browsing experience while keeping SEO considerations front and center. Update or upgrade today and experience the difference.

But first things first – what is AVIF and why should you care?

Understanding AVIF

AVIF is an image format derived from the AV1 video codec. It was developed by the Alliance for Open Media and is rapidly gaining ground in the world of web optimization. Offering superior image quality at smaller file sizes compared to older formats like JPEG or even the more recent WebP, AVIF promises to revolutionize the way we handle and deliver images on the web.

The potential benefits of AVIF are immense, particularly for websites with heavy graphics. These advantages include:

1. Better Compression: AVIF can deliver the same quality as JPEG at a significantly reduced file size, often reducing image sizes by more than 50%. This translates to quicker load times, lower bandwidth usage, and a smoother user experience.
2. Improved Quality: AVIF supports a wide color gamut, high dynamic range (HDR), and even transparency. This allows for richer, more vibrant, and versatile images.

The Seamless Integration: AVIF Support for WordPress

One of the standout aspects of the Powered Cache Image Optimizer’s new feature is its complete absence of hassle. With our Powered Cache plugin that brings AVIF support to WordPress, you don’t need to make any configuration changes on your side. The integration takes place seamlessly and automatically, meaning that once it’s available, the AVIF format will be employed to enhance your images, leading to a more streamlined web experience.

AVIF vs WebP: A Comparative Look

As we embrace AVIF, it’s essential to understand how it stacks up against WebP, another widely adopted modern image format. Both AVIF and WebP have significant advantages over traditional formats like JPEG, but how do they compare to each other?

(You can use https://squoosh.app to compare different image formats side by side)

File Size and Compression

Both AVIF and WebP offer superior compression compared to JPEG, meaning they deliver high-quality images at smaller file sizes. However, AVIF takes this a step further. It offers the same or better image quality as WebP but at a noticeably smaller file size. This superior compression efficiency can lead to significant performance improvements on image-heavy websites.

A simple comparison with our image optimizer:

Image Quality

WebP already provides a substantial improvement in image quality over JPEG, especially at lower bitrates. However, AVIF again raises the bar. It supports a wider color gamut, higher dynamic range (HDR), and more precise color accuracy, leading to richer and more lifelike images.

Transparency and Animation Support

Both AVIF and WebP support transparency, which is absent in JPEG. Additionally, both formats support animated images, an upgrade from GIFs, which typically have larger file sizes and poorer quality.

However, our image optimizer doesn’t support Animated AVIF. While AVIF offers exciting possibilities, including animations, our current implementation focuses on still images. We recognize the potential and the growing popularity of animated images in engaging website visitors, and we want to be transparent about this aspect of our new update.

Any animated images processed through our system will be seamlessly converted to WebP format as usual.

Browser Support

As of the middle of 2023, WebP boasts wider browser support than AVIF. The support for WebP stands at 96.76%, while that for AVIF is at 85%. This gap in browser support is closing rapidly.

You might be wondering, “What if my website visitors’ browsers do not support AVIF?” Well, we’ve got you covered. In instances where AVIF is not supported by a visitor’s browser, the system will automatically fall back to the WebP format. So, rest assured, we are maintaining our commitment to ensure that every user enjoys an optimized, seamless browsing experience.

AVIF and LCP: Boosting Core Web Vitals Score

One key advantage of the AVIF format we’re excited about is its potential to improve Core Web Vitals scores, as reported by Google’s Lighthouse tool. Core Web Vitals are a set of metrics that Google considers critical in a webpage’s overall user experience.

One of these vitals is the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), which measures the time it takes for the largest content element (usually an image or video) to load on the screen. LCP is important because it gives a real-world view of how fast key web page content loads for users.

By using AVIF, which has superior compression capabilities, images load faster. This quicker loading can significantly reduce LCP times, leading to an improved Core Web Vitals score on Lighthouse.

AVIF is here!

The adoption of AVIF is a leap forward for web performance and optimization. As your trusted partner in delivering a smooth online experience, Powered Cache is proud to be at the forefront of this development.

We remain committed to providing you with the best, and this is just one of the ways we are evolving to meet your needs. As always, we appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to serve you better. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our end!

Welcome to the future of image optimization with AVIF and Powered Cache’s Image Optimizer.

Image Optimizer – Now in Stable Release

With this release, we’re excited to transition our image optimizer from its beta phase to stable status. This vital feature guarantees on-the-fly serving of your images in the webp format. Moreover, in line with our ongoing growth, we’ve expanded our network infrastructure and are now accessible from 10 different global locations.

Learn more about the image optimizer feature here.

Introducing New Lazy Load Capability

One of the most notable features in this update is the introduction of a unique Lazy Load option. You can now bypass the first nth images with lazy load. This option gives you more control over which images load first, so you can prioritize those that are crucial to your user experience.

Enhanced Lazy Load Feature

We’ve also taken the time to make general enhancements to the Lazy Load feature. We’ve fine-tuned it to make sure your images load smoothly and quickly, improving the overall performance and speed of your site.

Under the Hood

Addressed some jQuery Deprecations:

In an effort to keep up with the evolving JavaScript environment, we’ve resolved issues with deprecated jQuery functions. This ensures that your site remains clean, efficient, and free from outdated code that could potentially slow you down or lead to other issues.

Dependency Updates:

Minify, Background Processing, and UI packages have been updated.

Compatibility with WordPress 6.3

As always, we ensure our tools are compatible with the latest versions of WordPress. We’re pleased to report that Powered Cache 3.1 has been successfully tested with WP 6.3.

In conclusion, the 3.1 release of Powered Cache is packed with improvements and features designed to give your website a performance boost. As always, we are ready and willing to assist with any questions or issues you might have during this transition. We are dedicated to providing you with the best tools to make your website faster and more efficient.

Upgrade to Powered Cache 3.1 today and unlock the full potential of your website’s speed and performance!