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User profile for user: D.Plainview
D.Plainview Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

What are cache.db-shm and -wal files?

I am keen on regularly clearing my Safari cache and normally delete the Cache.db file located at Library>Caches>com.apple.Safari>Cache.db.


Today two additional files began appearing in the same folder:


User uploaded file


Cache.db-shm and -wal. They were not there ever before and they grow at a faster rate than the normal Cache.db file. They reappeared even after deleting them, secure emptying trash, resetting Safari and removing all website data. Is this a new file system with the Safari update yesterday? Do I have anything to be worried about?

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3), Safari 6.0.3

Posted on Mar 15, 2013 5:25 PM

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User profile for user: DarkL
DarkL
User level: Level 1
10 points

Posted on Mar 16, 2013 1:28 PM

I also first noticed them after updating to 10.8.3. They were most definitely not there prior to this release. I am also wondering why there are now three types of cache files, since no one has yet answered the question.

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4 replies

What are cache.db-shm and -wal files?

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