---
id: python-memcached
version: "1.62"
license: unclear
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: aging
---

# python-memcached — Pure python memcached client

License: permissive · Maintenance: aging · Downloads: 1.2M/mo

## What it is and what it does

python-memcached is a pure-Python client for the memcached memory cache daemon. It allows you to store and retrieve values from one or more memcached servers, typically running on remote machines, without any compiled dependencies. The library has been stable since its original release and is now in maintenance mode, meaning it receives bug fixes and compatibility updates but not active feature development.

The package is used in applications that need distributed, in-memory caching—such as session storage, query result caching, or temporary data buffering. It integrates directly into Python code with no system library requirements, making it straightforward to add to existing projects. The description acknowledges that another library is receiving more active development, so the choice depends on whether you need newer features or prefer a simpler, stable interface.

Use it for:

- Cache database query results across multiple application servers to reduce database load.
- Store session data in a distributed cache for load-balanced web applications.
- Temporarily buffer computed results or API responses to avoid redundant processing.
- Implement a shared cache layer for microservices communicating over a network.
- Speed up web request handling by caching frequently accessed data in memory.

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Pure Python client library for connecting to and interacting with memcached memory cache servers, enabling distributed caching across one or more remote instances.

Yes, if you need a stable, dependency-free memcached client and are comfortable with maintenance-mode software. The pure-Python implementation and low install friction make it easy to adopt. However, if you require active development or new features, consider alternatives. No known security vulnerabilities as of the query date.

## Install

pip install python-memcached
uv add python-memcached
poetry add python-memcached

## Installing python-memcached

Before you install: Low install friction with a pure-Python wheel. Maintenance status is aging—last release was 943 days ago—though the repository remains active with a recent commit on 2025-09-29. The package is stable and largely in maintenance mode; the description notes an alternative receiving more active enhancements.

License in practice: Licensed under the Python Software Foundation License, which is permissive. No restrictions on commercial or private use.

Quickstart:

pip install python-memcached

Import the client library and connect to a memcached server to store and retrieve cached values.

A memcached server must be running and accessible at the configured host and port.

Verify before relying:

- Whether the package works with all memcached protocol versions or only those tested in CI.
- Performance characteristics compared to other actively maintained alternatives.
- Whether all Python 3.6–3.12 versions listed in classifiers are actively tested or only declared.
- Exact module name and import syntax for basic usage.

## Package facts

- License: not declared (permissive)
- Python support: unspecified
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: aging
- Downloads: 1.2M/month (top 5,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

memcached client python, distributed cache client, in-memory cache interface, memcached python library, cache server connection, remote memory cache, python memcached connector, caching, distributed-systems, memcached

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