What is memcached?

Definition

memcached is a free, open source, distributed memory object caching system designed to accelerate applications on Unix-like and Windows operating systems. Its primary purpose is to speed up data-base driven websites, though it also sees broader use for any applications dependent on a database. Users of memcached include WordPress, Wikipedia, Twitter, Youtube, and Flickr, among others.

Function

memcached reallocates memory away from system areas with a surplus to the areas with a greater need.  Like all caching software, the decreased database load results in quicker load times and more efficient resource usage.

For more information, visit the memcached website.