# Cache Driver Solution

## Problem
Laravel is trying to use the `cache` table (database cache driver), but the table doesn't exist and MySQL may not allow creating a table named "cache" (reserved word or permission issue).

## What the Cache Table Does
The cache table is used by Laravel to store cached data when `CACHE_DRIVER=database` is set. Laravel caches:
- Configuration data
- Route information
- View compiled templates
- Query results
- Other application data for performance

## Solution: Switch to File Cache Driver

Instead of using database cache, we can use the **file cache driver** which stores cache files on disk. This is simpler and doesn't require a database table.

### Steps to Fix

1. **Update `.env` file:**
   ```env
   CACHE_STORE=file
   ```
   Or if using older Laravel:
   ```env
   CACHE_DRIVER=file
   ```

2. **Clear config cache:**
   ```bash
   php artisan config:clear
   ```

3. **Verify it works:**
   ```bash
   php artisan cache:clear
   ```

### Alternative: Use Array Cache (Development Only)
For development, you can use array cache (in-memory, no persistence):
```env
CACHE_STORE=array
```

### Cache Driver Options

- **`file`** - Stores cache in files (recommended for this case)
- **`array`** - In-memory cache (development only, lost on restart)
- **`database`** - Requires cache table (current issue)
- **`redis`** - Requires Redis server
- **`memcached`** - Requires Memcached server

### Why File Cache is Better Here

1. ✅ No database table needed
2. ✅ Simple file-based storage
3. ✅ Works out of the box
4. ✅ Good performance for most use cases
5. ✅ Easy to clear (just delete cache files)

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**Last Updated**: December 28, 2025

