Unreal Remote Derived Data Cache

❓ Key Question / Problem / Issue

1. What's Shared Derived Data Cache
2. How to configure Unreal Shared Derived Data Cache

✅ Expected Output/Definition of Done

1. Reader understand what's derived data cache general purpose, and it's benefits
2. Reader able to configure Unreal Derived Data Cache Paths

🎁 Resulting Solution

About Derived Data Cache

Many Unreal Engine Assets require additional "derived data" before they can be used. (A simple example would be a Material that has a shader). Before the Material can be rendered, the shader must be compiled for the platform the editor is running on.

Because the derived data is large, and at times may need regenerating, it is not checked into source control. Instead it's kept in the Derived Data Cache (DDC).

you can read more detail regarding what is derived ata cache in Unreal Engine Official Documentation on Derived Data Cache

Shared Derived Data Cache and it's Benefit

Unreal Provided Shared Data Cache mechanism which enable developer to store Derived Data Cache, they've processed and made accessible by other developer who needs it.

with Shared Derived data cache developer can use existing derived data cache stored in centralized storage server to reduce compilation job needed for unreal project to launched / built by re-using derived data cache built by other developer.

Configuring Editor to use Shared Derived Data Cache

To start utilizing Derived Data Cache

1. Ensure you are able to access \\172.16.1.172 from your file explorer

2. Open Unreal Editor Preferences in Edit Menu-> Editor Preferences...

   

3. Access shared Derived Data Cache ub General - Global => Global Shared DDC Cache

   fill it out with \\172.16.1.172\Shared\UnrealDDC

   

4. Restart your unreal engine

5. (Optional) Manually Build Derived Data Cache with command below to ensure you

   <*UE4>\Engine\Binaries\Win64\UE4Editor.exe <UnrealProjectFilePath> -run=DerivedDataCache -fill