Performance issues, tuning of hosting server for Medium Magento Stores
Magento stores dealing in a few thousands of products with reasonably good number of images can undergo issues while the store becomes popular and the number of hits increases. The final result will be store crashing with the below error message.
“SQLSTATE[08004] [1040] Too many connection”
The possible, easiest and most common solution for this issue is to increase the server’s connection limit. By default the max_connections will be set to a low value by the hosting in order to get the maximum server resources for the other memory requirements of the store. At this point, the most important thing to remember is to increase the max_connections step by step and at a time when the server is free from its load. The connection increasing done at the peak load will cause the server unable to withstand with the memory requests and will crash finally.
Another threat is the increase in server load when the site is having lot of products with images to be displayed. The product images listed in the page will be resized by the GD and will capture a good amount of the server memory. This can increase the server load and hence the store can slow down.
Few steps to avoid crashing / slow down
1. Properly set the MySQL query_cache_size: This is the directive which instructs the MySQL to store the query results in memory for further use. Query caching is an extremely effective and simple method to improve the Magento performance in minutes. You can check the query cache’s state by using the MySQL command SHOW VARIABLES LIKE ‘have_query_cache’. For a standard MySQL binary, this command can provide a false result “Yes” even if it is disabled. You can ensure it by checking the cache size by using the command SHOW VARIABLES LIKE ‘query_cache_size’. This command will return 0 if cache is disabled and the size of the cache otherwise.
Even though this is having an extremely good side, the cache configuration is something to be done with proper experiment and care. An improperly set query cache can make loading issues to the store. The cancellation of any section from the big cache will take time which will make the store frozen during this.
2. Properly set the max_connections depending upon the possible no. of simultaneous visitors. A high value for the max_connections will save the store from crashing with a “Too many connections” error; but will make the store deadly slow. So, handle this step with care by increasing the value step by step and stop the process once the saturation point reaches.
3. A medium store always prefers a dedicated server rather than a shared one. Some specific settings depending on the nature and memory requirements of the store can raise the loading speed. A shared hosting environment will have its own limitations and restrictions. For e.g., a MySQL restarts performing on a shared server will clear the query cache of all the sites in that server and thus will lose the results saved in it.
4. And finally, when your business grows and the no of products crossed above 5000 with 5000 -10000 users per day, its time for you to think about server options available. The possibilities for expansion are vast.
Please feel free to contact www.ecommercesoftwaresolutionsonline.com for any of your Magento performance issues or for Magento performance tuning of Magento store
