6 Tips to Reduce Inode Usage On WordPress Websites
The exceeding inode limit is a big problem for entrepreneurs and small businesses when developing a WordPress website. Furthermore, as soon as they notice the problem, they begin looking for solutions but have no idea what inodes are or what they signify.
However, the CMS’s ease of use has allowed even technically inexperienced users to obtain the cost-effective interface. They can design unique and engaging interfaces that are also SEO-friendly, thanks to WordPress customization. The complexity is faced when technological issues like excess inode use arise.
But, before we explore any of the inode effects on the WordPress website or how to work around them, let’s review what an inode is.
Inode Defined
In Unix or Linux file systems, an inode is defined as a data structure that consists of all the file information. The name of the file and its information are the only pieces of information that inodes lack.
An inode’s metadata includes information such as the file’s physical location and size. It also contains data on the file’s access rights, owners, and so on. Additionally, the inodes consist of the information on the file creation, past changes, and most recent access.
Tips to Reduce Inode Usage on WordPress Websites
A user’s inodes are fixed by the website hosting service providers. Most people believe that inodes are associated with storage. However, this is not the case. Inodes can be used far more quickly than any other allocated available storage space.
So, let’s speak about several strategies that website owners can use to reduce inode usage.
1). Embed Images on Website Carefully
To make a website appealing, website designers or business owners prefer to use a lot of graphic elements. On the other hand, this approach can exhaust the inodes.
Many individuals use image compression software to resize their images, which is a reasonable technique.
The plugin saves multiple repetitions of the same image in various sizes. There will be a separate inode for each render. As a result, if all of the pictures on a website are analyzed, the overall amount of inodes will be enormous.
Also, it’s crucial to use the photos wisely and keep the inodes in mind. Remove the unnecessary images from the WordPress uploads section. Further, when using images, ensure they come from reputable sources.
2). Delete Cache
Several backup and caching plugins help in improving website performance, but when it comes to inodes, they deplete them as well.
Cache files and security reports, in addition to the plugins, add a lot to the inodes.
The solution is to clear the cache regularly. To do so, navigate to the WordPress admin dashboard and hit enter on the ‘Delete Cache’ option.
3). Delete Deactivated or Unused Plugins and Themes
The WordPress Content Management System (CMS) is largely considered the most user-friendly and dynamic platform for building custom websites. However, many people are altering their user interfaces to drive visitors’ interest in their company.
They also use a lot of extensions and plugins to enhance the operation of the site. Furthermore, people preserve the themes and plugins they have installed on their WordPress even after they are done using them.
As a result, these utilities’ files continue to use inodes.
So, reducing inode use requires uninstalling any deactivated extensions, plugins, or themes.
Now, you may be thinking that this is a time-consuming operation, which is correct. However, you can use the WP reset tool that can do everything for you in a matter of minutes, and your website will be up and running in no time.
4). Empty the Email Accounts
When it comes to inodes, web designers were surprised to learn that email boxes are also linked to the use of inodes.
You might also be wondering how?
This is because the emails you receive or send are saved as a file on your hosting server. Furthermore, it consists of Spam, Inbox, Sent, and many other folders.
As a result, if you used any email accounts for email marketing campaigns and didn’t clean the sent folder, you risk wasting hundreds of inodes.
In addition, inode usage could be affected by email accounts that you haven’t used in a long time and that have hundreds of messages in their spam folder.
The solution is to declutter the mailbox and remove the unwanted emails through cPanel.
5). Remove Temporary Files
Temporary files, such as cache files and traffic logs, are created in your root server to store information temporarily. Because these utilities lose their usefulness over time, it is vital to delete them.
Unfortunately, these files remain on the server even when their need is over, resulting in the usage of a lot of inodes for no good.
Hence, the answer to eliminating these temporary files is to use cron to schedule jobs to clear the temp files regularly. Also, to do it manually, go to the ‘tmp folder’ in the root directory and perform the required operations.
6). Delete All Log Files
Log files can be referred to as a root directory that stores all of the information about past operations on your server. The number of files in the server’s log folder varies depending on how many applications you have installed.
As a result, you are unusual about how many hundreds or thousands of the inodes are being used.
So, to keep inode consumption to a minimum, delete them, especially if you aren’t sure of log files on the server. However, before you clear the logs, make sure you take a backup on your system.
Wrapping Up
It is recommended that people take the essential steps to keep their websites up and operating. However, if you’re running a small business or are new to WordPress website design, you shouldn’t be concerned with inodes. Because hosting service providers provide an adequate inode limit, resulting in company sites running well for the first few years. Also, you can employ the WordPress development services if you are unable to deal with the inodes concern.
However, do consider and keep a focus on these mentioned tips so you may quickly discover and handle inode issues.
Thanks for Reading!!
