Fetching data from external APIs in WordPress is a common task for developers. However, making frequent API calls can slow down your website, especially if the API response time is high. To resolve this, caching the API response is essential. By implementing a caching mechanism, you can significantly improve your website’s speed and user experience.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of adding a cache code in WordPress while fetching data from an external API. We’ll provide a PHP code snippet and explain how it works step by step.

Why Use Caching for External APIs?

When you fetch data from external APIs, every API request involves network latency and server processing time. By caching the response

• You reduce the number of requests made to the external API.
• Your site loads faster, enhancing user experience.
• You decrease dependency on external API availability.
• It helps in reducing server load and improving performance.

Benefits of Adding Cache Code in WordPress

Faster API Response: Reduce waiting time for users.
Lower API Usage: Avoid exceeding API limits or quotas.
Improved SEO: Speedier websites rank higher on search engines.
Better User Experience: Cached data loads instantly for your visitors.
Enhanced Site Performance: Reduces processing load on your WordPress server.

PHP Code to Add Cache While Fetching API Data

function fetch_cached_api_data() {
    // Define a unique cache key
    $cache_key = 'external_api_data';
    // Set the cache duration in seconds (e.g., 3600 = 1 hour)
    $cache_duration = 3600;

    // Check if cached data is available
    $cached_data = get_transient($cache_key);

    if ($cached_data !== false) {
        // If cached data exists, return it
        return $cached_data;
    } else {
        // Fetch data from the external API
        $response = wp_remote_get('https://api.example.com/data');

        if (is_wp_error($response)) {
            // Handle error if API call fails
            return 'Error fetching data from API.';
        }

        // Decode the API response
        $api_data = wp_remote_retrieve_body($response);

        // Cache the API response using set_transient
        set_transient($cache_key, $api_data, $cache_duration);

        // Return the fresh API data
        return $api_data;
    }
}

How the Code Works

1.Define a Cache Key

• Use a unique cache key ($cache_key) to store the API response.
• You can create a unique key for each API endpoint if needed.

2.Set Cache Duration

• $cache_duration determines how long the data should be cached (in seconds).
• For example, 3600 means the data will be cached for one hour.

3.Check for Cached Data

• The get_transient() function checks if cached data is available.
• If the data exists, it returns the cached value.

4.Fetch New Data if Cache is Empty

• If no cached data is available, the wp_remote_get() function fetches fresh data from the external API.

5.Store the Data in Cache

• Use the set_transient() function to save the API response in the WordPress database.

6.Return the Data

• Return either the cached or freshly fetched data to be used in your application.

Key Features of the PHP Cache Code

• Efficient Caching: Uses WordPress transients for temporary storage.
• Customizable Cache Duration: Control how often the API data is updated.
• Error Handling: Ensures smooth functionality even when the API fails.
• Easy Integration: Can be used in themes, plugins, or custom code.

Step-by-Step Implementation

1.Add the Code to Your Theme or Plugin

Copy the PHP function and paste it into your theme’s functions.php file or a custom plugin.

2.Use the Function to Display Data

all the fetch_cached_api_data() function wherever you need the API data.

$data = fetch_cached_api_data();
echo $data;

3.Test the Functionality

• Ensure the API data is displayed correctly on your website.
• Check if the cache is working by verifying the database transient values.

4.Clear the Cache (Optional)

se the delete_transient($cache_key) function to clear cached data manually if needed.

Final Thoughts

Adding a caching mechanism to your WordPress website when fetching API data is essential for maintaining fast load times and a smooth user experience. By using the provided PHP code, you can reduce server load, optimize performance, and improve your site’s SEO.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with your fellow WordPress developers. Have questions or suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!