What is a Session?
When a visitor browses your website, there’s a need to remember certain information about them, like their login status or items in a shopping cart. This is done using “sessions”. In essence, a session is like a locker: the visitor gets a key (a cookie), and their data is stored safely inside the locker (on the server). This ensures that only they can access their data with their unique key.
Where is the Session Data Stored?
By default, PHP (the language WordPress is built on) stores this session data in a file on the server. But, just like choosing between different types of lockers, we can choose where to store this data.
File-based Storage (PHP’s Default)
- Pros: Simple and quick for small websites.
- Cons: Can be slower for larger sites, potential security issues, and might face issues if the server storage directory can’t be accessed or written to.
Database-backed Storage (Memberium’s Custom Option)
- Pros: Faster for larger sites, centralized and more secure storage, better compatibility across different server setups.
- Cons: Might increase database usage.
Should You Use Database-Backed Sessions?
For most Memberium users, storing session data in the database can offer performance and security advantages, especially for larger sites. It’s like choosing a sturdier, more secure locker for your belongings. However, if you’re concerned about database usage or have specific compatibility issues, you might opt for the default file-based storage.
Recommendation: Turn “ON” the Database-Backed Sessions option for better performance and security, unless you have specific reasons not to.
When working with conditional shortcodes it’s often useful to have a series of tests, one after another, where each test determines if the user is qualified to continue to the next test.