sccache vs ccache: Compiler Caching for CI
ccache is the long-standing local compiler cache for C/C++; sccache adds shared/remote storage and supports more languages, including Rust.
Both cache compiler outputs so unchanged sources are not recompiled. ccache is mature and focused on local C/C++ caching; sccache (from Mozilla) can use remote storage (S3, GCS, etc.) and supports C/C++ plus Rust and others, which suits ephemeral CI runners.
| sccache | ccache | |
|---|---|---|
| Languages | C/C++, Rust, more | C/C++ (and via wrappers) |
| Cache location | Local or remote (S3/GCS/etc.) | Local disk |
| Ephemeral CI fit | Strong (shared remote cache) | Needs cache persistence |
| Maturity | Established | Very mature, widely used |
| Rust support | Yes | Not native |
Where sccache wins
On ephemeral CI runners, local caches vanish between jobs. sccache can point at a shared remote backend (S3/GCS), so cache hits survive across runners and runs. It also caches Rust compilation, which ccache does not natively handle. For Rust CI or distributed builds, sccache is the natural pick.
Where ccache wins
For C/C++ on persistent machines or where you can preserve a local cache directory, ccache is extremely mature, simple, and fast, with deep configuration and a long track record. If you do not need remote storage or Rust, ccache is hard to beat.
In CI
With ccache, persist the cache directory via your CI cache action (key on toolchain + sources). With sccache, configure a remote backend so hits work across ephemeral runners. Either way, compiler caching can cut rebuild time substantially.
The verdict
Use sccache for Rust, distributed teams, or ephemeral runners needing a shared remote cache; use ccache for mature, simple local C/C++ caching on persistent machines. Both meaningfully speed repeat builds.