Ccache

Overview

Ccache is a free software build utility that reuses results from repeated compilations. It suits developers whose builds repeatedly compile eligible source files; it is not a whole-build cache, so its value depends on how much time those compilations account for.

Its compiler and platform coverage is broad, and it can work with local or adapted remote storage. The central trade-off is narrow scope: multi-file compilation, linking, and compilations with unsupported flags still run through the compiler.

Key features

Reuse with a defined boundary

Ccache detects repeated single-file compilations, and its direct and depend modes can avoid running the preprocessor. That can reduce work on a hit, while the single-file boundary means projects dominated by linking or other ineligible steps should look elsewhere. Cache misses typically add 5%–20% overhead; with depend mode enabled, the stated range is 1%–3%. Measuring a representative workload is important before relying on it for a speedup.

Toolchains and build systems

Supported compilers include GCC, Clang, MSVC, NVCC, Intel C++, QNX, and EDG-based compilers. Supported languages include C, C++, assembler, CUDA, Objective-C, and Objective-C++; support levels vary, so broad coverage is not a guarantee that every compiler-language combination behaves alike. Make, CMake, Ninja, and Visual Studio are supported build systems.

Storage, operation, and integrity

Ccache supports remote caching through custom backends that can be adapted to remote storage protocols, with helpers for HTTP, HTTPS, Redis, rediss, and redis+unix. That flexibility is useful for teams with storage infrastructure to integrate, but it is not a hosted cache service. Zstandard compression, BLAKE3 input hashing, and XXH3 checksums address storage efficiency, cache keys, and detection of cache-data corruption. Hit and miss statistics and automatic cache-size management help keep the cache operational. Direct mode has a documented corner case that can produce false-positive cache hits, a consideration for workloads where incorrect reuse would be consequential.

Release archives from version 4.12 onward are signed with minisign, and the download page provides verification instructions. Support and community channels include bug reports, issue tracking, discussions, and a mailing list.

Pricing

Ccache is free software under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later. Its Ccache plan costs nothing, with no free trial. The plan covers single-file compilation caching; some compiler flags fall back to the real compiler. There are no paid tiers or seat, quota, or renewal terms to weigh in this offer, making it suitable where a free, self-hosted tool is preferable to a managed service.

Platforms

Runtime support is level A for Linux, macOS, and native Windows, and level B for Windows with MSYS2 and other Unix-like platforms. Downloads include source archives, macOS and Linux binaries, and a Windows x86_64 binary for version 4.14.1. The self-hosted option and support across these environments make Ccache relevant to teams maintaining their own build infrastructure.

Who it's for

Ccache is best for developers and build teams with recurring single-file compilations on supported toolchains who can assess cache misses and configure storage themselves. It is a weaker fit when linking or multi-file compilation dominates build time, or when a team needs a turnkey remote cache rather than adaptable backends.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free, GPL-licensed software with support for major compilers, several languages, and common build systems; useful breadth for teams with mixed development environments.
• Pros: Direct and depend modes, remote-backend flexibility, hit/miss statistics, and automatic size management cover practical cache operation without a hosted plan.
• Cons: It only caches single-file compilation; linking, multi-file compilation, and unsupported flags still use the real compiler.
• Cons: Cache misses add overhead, and direct mode has a false-positive-hit corner case; careful workload measurement and mode choice matter.

Alternatives

Bitrise is worth considering for a small project that needs build credits a few times per month and a free plan for a team of one.

EngFlow Remote Caching may fit better when in-cluster remote caching on one Linux machine with up to 32 CPU cores is the target; its Enterprise plan uses custom pricing.

cachepot is another free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and Windows environments, with Apache-2.0 licensing.

FosterStack offers a full self-hosted cache server on its MIT-licensed Free plan, with security patches and a FIPS image included, for teams seeking that server offering.

NativeLink is a free self-hosted option for teams seeking a distributed scheduler and remote caching across build systems and major cloud providers.

Buildless may suit users seeking a web and API cache service: its Individual / OSS plan is marked coming soon and includes one project, one user, 3GB cache space, and 100GB transfer.

Cachely is a web and API alternative whose Free plan includes 1 GiB managed storage, 500K requests per month, three workspaces, five API tokens, and a build insights dashboard.

Vercel is a web and API platform rather than a like-for-like compiler cache; its Hobby plan is for personal, non-commercial use and includes monthly CDN, transfer, and function-invocation allowances.

For more options, see Build Cache Software.

Verdict

Choose Ccache if repeated single-file compilations are a meaningful part of your builds and you want a free, self-hosted tool with broad toolchain support and adaptable storage. Look elsewhere if your bottleneck is linking or multi-file work, or if you need a managed remote cache rather than a cache whose performance and configuration you will measure and manage.