Prerequisites :- Check list and Guide

🖥️ Server Requirements

PHP Requirements

• PHP Version: PHP 5.4 or higher (minimum requirement)
• PHP Extensions:
  • GD Extension: Required for image processing and optimization
  • WebP Support: imagewebp() function available for WebP image
    conversion
  • AVIF Support: imageavif() function available for AVIF image
    conversion (optional but recommended)
  • cURL Extension: For external resource caching
  • JSON Extension: For data processing
  • File System Functions: fopen(), fwrite(),
    file_get_contents() available

Web Server Requirements

• Apache Server:
  • mod_expires module: Must be enabled for browser caching functionality
  • mod_headers module: Required for cache control headers
  • mod_deflate module: Required for GZIP compression (Pro feature)
• Alternative Servers:
  • Nginx: Compatible but requires manual configuration
  • LiteSpeed: Compatible with proper configuration

File System Permissions

• WordPress Root Directory: Write permissions (755 or 644)
• .htaccess File: Read/write permissions (644 recommended)
• Plugin Cache Directory: Write permissions for
  /cache/ folder
• External Cache Directory: Write permissions for
  /external-cache/ folder
• Upload Directory: Write permissions for optimized images

🔧 WordPress Requirements

WordPress Version

• WordPress Version: 4.5 or higher (minimum requirement)
• WordPress Multisite: Compatible but may require additional
  configuration

WordPress Configuration

• Pretty Permalinks: Enabled (required for proper .htaccess
  functionality)
• WordPress Cron: Enabled for scheduled tasks
• Memory Limit: At least 128MB (256MB recommended for image
  optimization)
• Execution Time: At least 30 seconds for batch operations

🗄️ Database Requirements

MySQL/MariaDB

• Database Version: MySQL 5.6+ or MariaDB 10.1+
• Database Permissions: Full access to WordPress database
• Storage Space: Additional space for plugin options and cache
  metadata

🌐 Network & Connectivity

Internet Connectivity

• Outbound HTTP/HTTPS: Required for external resource caching
• DNS Resolution: Working for external domains
• SSL Certificate: Valid SSL certificate for HTTPS sites
• CDN Compatibility: If using CDN, ensure proper configuration

🔒 Security Requirements

File Security

• Secure File Permissions: Proper file ownership and permissions
• Firewall Configuration: Allow necessary outbound connections
• Security Headers: Compatible with existing security plugins

📦 Plugin Dependencies

Required Libraries

• Freemius SDK: Included in plugin (for licensing and updates)
• MatthiasMullie Minify: Included for CSS/JS minification
• Mrclay HTML Minify: Included for HTML minification

WordPress Hooks & Functions

• WordPress Hooks: plugins_loaded,
  wp_ajax_*, admin_init available
• WordPress Functions: get_option(),
  update_option(), wp_verify_nonce() available

⚙️ Configuration Requirements

Server Configuration

• Allow URL Fopen: allow_url_fopen = On (for
  external resource caching)
• Max Execution Time: Sufficient for batch operations
• Memory Limit: Adequate for image processing
• Upload Limits: Sufficient for optimized images

Browser Compatibility

• Modern Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge support
• JavaScript Enabled: Required for admin interface
• Cookies Enabled: Required for cache management

🚫 Conflicts to Avoid

Plugin Conflicts

• Other Caching Plugins: Deactivate conflicting cache plugins
• Minification Plugins: Avoid duplicate minification
• Image Optimization Plugins: Prevent conflicts with image
  features
• Security Plugins: Ensure compatibility with security measures

Theme Conflicts

• Page Builders: Test compatibility with Elementor, Divi, etc.
• Custom Themes: Verify theme compatibility
• Child Themes: Ensure proper inheritance

📊 Performance Requirements

Server Resources

• CPU: Adequate processing power for image optimization
• RAM: Sufficient memory for batch operations
• Storage: Extra space for cached files and optimized images
• Bandwidth: Adequate for external resource downloads

🔍 Testing Requirements

Functionality Testing

• Cache Functionality: Test browser caching with different file
  types
• Minification: Verify CSS/JS minification works correctly
• Image Optimization: Test WebP/AVIF conversion
• External Caching: Verify external resource caching
• Admin Interface: Test all admin features and settings

Compatibility Testing

• Theme Compatibility: Test with active theme
• Plugin Compatibility: Test with other active plugins
• Mobile Responsiveness: Verify mobile functionality
• Cross-Browser Testing: Test in different browsers

📋 Pre-Installation Checklist

Before Installation

• Backup Website: Complete backup of files and database
• Deactivate Conflicting Plugins: Temporarily disable similar
  plugins
• Check Server Logs: Review error logs for potential issues
• Test Site Performance: Baseline performance measurements

Post-Installation

• Verify .htaccess Updates: Check .htaccess file modifications
• Test All Features: Verify each plugin feature works
• Monitor Performance: Check for performance improvements
• Review Error Logs: Monitor for any new errors