Synchronization is the backbone of Podcast Composer. It ensures that your distribution engine is always "listening" for new content.
How Sync Works
The plugin uses a hybrid sync model:
- Background Cron: WordPress runs a scheduled task (usually twice daily) to check all your sources for new episodes.
- Proactive Check: Every time a listener or a podcast directory (like Apple) requests your Output Feed, the plugin performs a quick check to see if the sources haven't been synced recently.
Sync Statuses
In your Sources manager, you will see different status indicators:
- Active / Synced: Everything is working perfectly.
- Syncing…: The plugin is currently fetching data in the background.
- Error: There was a problem reaching the source URL.
- Paused: Automatic sync has been disabled for this source.
Troubleshooting Sync Errors
If a source shows an Error status:
- Check the URL: Ensure the RSS URL is still valid and hasn't changed.
- HTTP Codes: The plugin logs the "HTTP Code" (e.g., 404 Not Found, 500 Server Error). Check the source logs for details.
- Manual Sync: Try clicking the Sync Now button to force a refresh.
- Server Block: Some hosting providers block "Loopback Requests." If manual sync works but background sync doesn't, contact your host to ensure WordPress can "talk to itself."
Understanding Caching
To keep your site fast, Podcast Composer caches your feeds.
- Default Cache: 3 hours (180 minutes).
- Cache Invalidation: The cache is automatically cleared whenever you:
- Map or unmap an episode.
- Save an override.
- Change show-level settings (Title/Artwork).
- Successfully sync a new episode from a source.
Managing Large Databases
If you have dozens of sources with thousands of episodes, the database can grow large.
- Orphaned Episodes: When an episode is removed from a source feed, the plugin marks it as "Orphaned." You can safely delete these via bulk actions to save space.
- Background Jobs: The plugin processes large syncs in small batches to avoid timing out your server.