APC, or Alternative PHP Cache, is a PHP module which caches the output code of database-driven script software apps. Dynamic PHP sites keep their content in a database which is accessed whenever a visitor opens a webpage. The content which needs to be displayed is gathered and the code is parsed and compiled before it is delivered to the site visitor. These actions take some processing time and require reading and writing on the hosting server for every single page which is opened. While this can't be avoided for Internet sites with constantly changing content, there're many websites which offer the exact same content on a lot of of their webpages at all times - blogs, informational portals, hotel and restaurant websites, and many others. APC is quite useful for this type of sites since it caches the already compiled code and displays it whenever visitors browse the cached pages, so the code doesn't need to be parsed and compiled all over again. Not only will this reduce the server load, but it will also increase the speed of any site a few times.
APC (PHP Opcode Cache) in Semi-dedicated Servers
APC is installed on the state-of-the-art cloud web hosting platform where all semi-dedicated server accounts are created, so you'll be able to use it whatever the plan you choose. Activating the module is done through the Hepsia Control Panel and takes just a mouse click, so you will not need any skills or prior experience in order to take full advantage of it. Since you will be able to use several releases of PHP simultaneously, you will be able to customize the software environment for each and every site you host in the account if necessary. A php.ini file with a few lines in it placed in a domain folder will permit you to set what version of PHP this particular Internet site will use and whether APC needs to be on or off for it. These settings will have priority over the ones for the account as a whole, so you can run various scripts and take advantage of different web accelerators for Internet sites that are in the same account.