thread_cache_size

Tuning thread_cache_size variable

Basic Details

Thread_cache_size is the system variable that determines the value of thread cache size. These threads are freed after 5 minutes of idle time.

Its minimum value is 0 because it represents no caching. Moreover, the 0 value is set for every new connection. It ends instantly as the connection does so.

When a client disconnects, the threads are out in the cache if they are less than the system variable thread_cache_size. The requests are satisfied by reusing threads taken from the cache. But, it is only possible if the cache is empty, so it creates a new thread.

The thread_cache_size variable has a changeable value. It can be increased to improve performance, which is suitable for multiple new connections. However, you will not see an improvement in performance if your thread implementation is already good.

The value of thread_cache_size should be adjusted depending on the number of new connections. If there are hundreds of them, you should set the value high enough.

thread_cache_size – Usage

It is recommended to set thread_cache_size to a value that makes it easier for new connections to use threads from the cache. Otherwise, they have to create new threads, which can take some time.
Here's how you can set the thread_cache_size in MySQL:

Mysql> set global thread_cache_size = 16;
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.00 sec).

You can also change it in the my.cnf file. Go through the variables to find:
Thread_cache_size = 16

When should thread_cache_size be changed?

The default value of thread_cache_size is based on this formula:

8 + (max_connections / 100)

The number of 100 can be increased or decreased, but the limit is capped to 100.

Here's how to initialize and change the thread_cache_size values:
  • Show Global Status Like 'Connections';
  • Show Global Status Like 'Threads_created';
  • Show Global Status Like 'Max_Used_connections';

The values of thread_cache_size must be set according to max_used_connections. It should neither be set higher nor lower. That's because you can not keep more threads in your cache than your server's requirement.
MySQL does not put or allow that many threads in the cache. The threads are not put pre-emptively in the cache. Instead, they are only put after a client creates a thread and disconnects. Thus, the thread loses simultaneously.

For instance, if you do not have up to X clients connecting the server at the same time, you will not have X threads in the cache either.

To ensure efficient results, make sure to examine the difference between the Connections and Threads_created. These status variables will show you whether your thread_cache_size values are accurate or not.

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