Redis Best Practices

# Redis Best Practices

Comprehensive performance optimization guide for Redis, including Redis Query Engine, vector search, and semantic caching. Contains 29 rules across 11 categories, prioritized by impact to guide automated optimization and code generation.

## When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:
- Designing Redis data models and key structures
- Implementing caching, sessions, or real-time features
- Using Redis Query Engine (FT.CREATE, FT.SEARCH, FT.AGGREGATE)
- Building vector search or RAG applications with RedisVL
- Implementing semantic caching with LangCache
- Optimizing Redis performance and memory usage

## Rule Categories by Priority

| Priority | Category | Impact | Prefix |
|----------|----------|--------|--------|
| 1 | Data Structures & Keys | HIGH | `data-` |
| 2 | Memory & Expiration | HIGH | `ram-` |
| 3 | Connection & Performance | HIGH | `conn-` |
| 4 | JSON Documents | MEDIUM | `json-` |
| 5 | Redis Query Engine | HIGH | `rqe-` |
| 6 | Vector Search & RedisVL | HIGH | `vector-` |
| 7 | Semantic Caching | MEDIUM | `semantic-cache-` |
| 8 | Streams & Pub/Sub | MEDIUM | `stream-` |
| 9 | Clustering & Replication | MEDIUM | `cluster-` |
| 10 | Security | HIGH | `security-` |
| 11 | Observability | MEDIUM | `observe-` |

## Quick Reference

### 1. Data Structures & Keys (HIGH)

- `data-choose-structure` - Choose the Right Data Structure
- `data-key-naming` - Use Consistent Key Naming Conventions

### 2. Memory & Expiration (HIGH)

- `ram-limits` - Configure Memory Limits and Eviction Policies
- `ram-ttl` - Set TTL on Cache Keys

### 3. Connection & Performance (HIGH)

- `conn-blocking` - Avoid Slow Commands in Production
- `conn-pipelining` - Use Pipelining for Bulk Operations
- `conn-pooling` - Use Connection Pooling or Multiplexing
- `conn-timeouts` - Configure Connection Timeouts

### 4. JSON Documents (MEDIUM)

- `json-partial-updates` - Use JSON Paths for Partial Updates
- `json-vs-hash` - Choose JSON vs Hash Appropriately

### 5. Redis Query Engine (HIGH)

- `rqe-dialect` - Use DIALECT 2 for Query Syntax
- `rqe-field-types` - Choose the Correct Field Type
- `rqe-index-creation` - Index Only Fields You Query
- `rqe-index-management` - Manage Indexes for Zero-Downtime Updates
- `rqe-query-optimization` - Write Efficient Queries

### 6. Vector Search & RedisVL (HIGH)

- `vector-algorithm-choice` - Choose HNSW vs FLAT Based on Requirements
- `vector-hybrid-search` - Use Hybrid Search for Better Results
- `vector-index-creation` - Configure Vector Indexes Properly
- `vector-rag-pattern` - Implement RAG Pattern Correctly

### 7. Semantic Caching (MEDIUM)

- `semantic-cache-best-practices` - Configure Semantic Cache Properly
- `semantic-cache-langcache-usage` - Use LangCache for LLM Response Caching

### 8. Streams & Pub/Sub (MEDIUM)

- `stream-choosing-pattern` - Choose Streams vs Pub/Sub Appropriately

### 9. Clustering & Replication (MEDIUM)

- `cluster-hash-tags` - Use Hash Tags for Multi-Key Operations
- `cluster-read-replicas` - Use Read Replicas for Read-Heavy Workloads

### 10. Security (HIGH)

- `security-acls` - Use ACLs for Fine-Grained Access Control
- `security-auth` - Always Use Authentication in Production
- `security-network` - Secure Network Access

### 11. Observability (MEDIUM)

- `observe-commands` - Use Observability Commands for Debugging
- `observe-metrics` - Monitor Key Redis Metrics

## How to Use

Read individual rule files for detailed explanations and code examples:

```
rules/rqe-index-creation.md
rules/vector-rag-pattern.md
```

Each rule file contains:
- Brief explanation of why it matters
- Correct example(s) with explanation
- Either an "Incorrect" example (for anti-patterns that cause real harm) or "When to use / When NOT needed" guidance (for optional features)
- Additional context and references

## Full Compiled Document

For the complete guide with all rules expanded: `AGENTS.md`