How to Control Cache Behavior in BigQuery

Galaxy Glossary

How do I enable or disable query result caching in BigQuery?

BigQuery lets you enable or bypass its query-result cache, speeding up or forcing recomputation of repeated queries.

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Description

Example H2

Example H3

Why does BigQuery cache query results?

BigQuery automatically stores the output of a successful, non-DDL/DML query for 24 hours. When the same logical query runs again and the underlying data remains unchanged, BigQuery returns the cached result instantly and at no cost.

When should I bypass the cache?

Disable caching when you need fresh metrics after a table update, validate performance changes, or benchmark costs. Routine dashboards and ad-hoc analysis should usually keep caching on to save money.

How do I disable cache with the bq CLI?

Use --use_cache=false. This flag sits between the bq query verb and your SQL text.

Example

bq query --use_cache=false "SELECT customer_id, COUNT(*) AS order_count FROM Orders GROUP BY customer_id"

How do I bypass cache in the Cloud Console?

In the Query Settings pane, uncheck “Use cached results” before running your SQL.

How do I control cache in client libraries or scheduled queries?

Set the job configuration field useQueryCache to false. For example, in Python: job_config.use_query_cache = False.

Best practices for cache usage

Keep caching enabled in production dashboards. Tag benchmarking queries with --use_cache=false to avoid skewed timing. Document cache settings in shared scripts so collaborators know what to expect.

Common mistakes about BigQuery caching

Running /* random comment */ SELECT... and assuming it reuses cache—textual differences, even comments, break cache hits. Also, updating a table invalidates only queries that reference the changed partitions; global cache flushes are unnecessary.

Why How to Control Cache Behavior in BigQuery is important

How to Control Cache Behavior in BigQuery Example Usage


bq query --use_cache=false "SELECT p.name, SUM(oi.quantity) AS units_sold FROM OrderItems oi JOIN Products p ON p.id = oi.product_id GROUP BY p.name ORDER BY units_sold DESC LIMIT 5"

How to Control Cache Behavior in BigQuery Syntax


Command-line:
  bq query [GLOBAL_FLAGS] --use_cache=<true|false> 'SQL_STATEMENT'
Example:
  bq query --project_id=my-shop --location=US --use_cache=false \
    'SELECT id, name, price FROM Products WHERE stock < 10'

REST/Client libraries JSON:
  "configuration": {
    "query": {
      "query": "SELECT * FROM Orders WHERE total_amount>100",
      "useQueryCache": false
    }
  }

Default (omitted) value of useQueryCache is true.

Common Mistakes

Assuming identical logic but different whitespace/comments will hit cache. BigQuery hashes the exact query string; even a comment breaks the hash. Remove extraneous edits or rely on query snippets to stay identical.
Forgetting to disable cache when benchmarking. Cached queries return instantly, hiding true execution time. Add --use_cache=false or useQueryCache:false during performance tests.