Where Is the ccache Cache Directory?
ccache compiler cache directory on Windows, macOS and Linux, plus stats and cleanup commands.
Last updated
ccache caches compilation objects in a single directory, defaulting to the OS cache location. Hits turn rebuilds into near-instant replays.
The directory is disposable by design. Size caps and LRU cleanup keep it bounded, and wiping it never breaks a build.
Where ccache stores this, by platform
%LOCALAPPDATA%\ccache
Default cache home. Override with CCACHE_DIR. Manage with ccache -s, -C and -M rather than deleting by hand.
~/Library/Caches/ccache
Same role. Confirm with ccache -s which prints the effective cache directory.
~/.cache/ccache
Follows the XDG cache home. Custom XDG_CACHE_HOME values relocate it automatically.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check or clear the ccache cache?
Run ccache -s for hit rates and size, ccache -C to wipe, ccache -M to resize. The cache dir holds hashed objects; wiping only costs rebuild time, never correctness.
How do I move the ccache directory?
Set CCACHE_DIR before compiling. Useful for redirecting cache to faster or larger drives, or sharing one cache across containers with proper namespacing.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.