ruff

- Add session-level caching documentation to API reference
- Document clear_cache() and evict_cache() methods
- Add comprehensive bucket statistics examples
- Update list_buckets() with DeltaGliderStats metadata
- Add cache management patterns and best practices
- Update CHANGELOG comparison links

🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)

Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -7,6 +7,31 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+## [5.1.0] - 2025-10-10
+
+### Added
+- **New CLI Command**: `deltaglider stats <bucket>` for bucket statistics and compression metrics
+  - Supports `--detailed` flag for comprehensive analysis
+  - Supports `--json` flag for machine-readable output
+  - Accepts multiple formats: `s3://bucket/`, `s3://bucket`, `bucket`
+- **Session-Level Statistics Caching**: Bucket stats now cached per client instance
+  - Automatic cache invalidation on mutations (put, delete, bucket operations)
+  - Intelligent cache reuse (detailed stats serve quick stat requests)
+  - Enhanced `list_buckets()` includes cached stats when available
+- **Programmatic Cache Management**: Added cache management APIs for long-running applications
+  - `clear_cache()`: Clear all cached references
+  - `evict_cache()`: Remove specific cached reference
+  - Session-scoped cache lifecycle management
+
+### Changed
+- Bucket statistics are now cached within client session for performance
+- `list_buckets()` response includes `DeltaGliderStats` metadata when cached
+
+### Documentation
+- Added comprehensive DG_MAX_RATIO tuning guide in docs/
+- Updated CLI command reference in CLAUDE.md and README.md
+- Added detailed cache management documentation
+
 ## [5.0.3] - 2025-10-10
 
 ### Security
@@ -152,6 +177,8 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 - Delta compression for versioned artifacts
 - 99%+ compression for similar files
 
+[5.1.0]: https://github.com/beshu-tech/deltaglider/compare/v5.0.3...v5.1.0
+[5.0.3]: https://github.com/beshu-tech/deltaglider/compare/v5.0.1...v5.0.3
 [5.0.1]: https://github.com/beshu-tech/deltaglider/compare/v5.0.0...v5.0.1
 [5.0.0]: https://github.com/beshu-tech/deltaglider/compare/v4.2.4...v5.0.0
 [4.2.4]: https://github.com/beshu-tech/deltaglider/compare/v4.2.3...v4.2.4

CLAUDE.md

@@ -74,6 +74,17 @@ export AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
 
 # Now you can use deltaglider commands
 deltaglider cp test.zip s3://test-bucket/
+deltaglider stats test-bucket                  # Get bucket statistics
+```
+
+### Available CLI Commands
+```bash
+cp      # Copy files to/from S3 (AWS S3 compatible)
+ls      # List S3 buckets or objects (AWS S3 compatible)
+rm      # Remove S3 objects (AWS S3 compatible)
+sync    # Synchronize directories with S3 (AWS S3 compatible)
+stats   # Get bucket statistics and compression metrics
+verify  # Verify integrity of delta file
 ```
 
 ## Architecture
@@ -189,7 +200,11 @@ Core delta logic is in `src/deltaglider/core/service.py`:
 ## Environment Variables
 
 - `DG_LOG_LEVEL`: Logging level (default: "INFO")
-- `DG_MAX_RATIO`: Maximum acceptable delta/file ratio (default: "0.5")
+- `DG_MAX_RATIO`: Maximum acceptable delta/file ratio (default: "0.5", range: "0.0-1.0")
+  - **See [docs/DG_MAX_RATIO.md](docs/DG_MAX_RATIO.md) for complete tuning guide**
+  - Controls when to use delta vs. direct storage
+  - Lower (0.2-0.3) = conservative, only high-quality compression
+  - Higher (0.6-0.7) = permissive, accept modest savings
 - `DG_CACHE_BACKEND`: Cache backend type - "filesystem" (default) or "memory"
 - `DG_CACHE_MEMORY_SIZE_MB`: Memory cache size limit in MB (default: "100")
 - `DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY`: Optional base64-encoded Fernet key for persistent encryption (ephemeral by default)

Dockerfile

@@ -71,6 +71,11 @@ HEALTHCHECK --interval=30s --timeout=3s --start-period=5s --retries=3 \
 ENV DG_LOG_LEVEL=INFO
 
 # Performance & Compression
+# DG_MAX_RATIO: Maximum delta/file ratio (0.0-1.0)
+# Default 0.5 means: only use delta if delta_size ≤ 50% of original_size
+# Lower (0.2-0.3) = more conservative, only high-quality compression
+# Higher (0.6-0.7) = more permissive, accept modest savings
+# See docs/DG_MAX_RATIO.md for complete tuning guide
 ENV DG_MAX_RATIO=0.5
 
 # Cache Configuration

README.md

@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ docker run -v /shared-cache:/tmp/.deltaglider \
 
 **Environment Variables**:
 - `DG_LOG_LEVEL`: Logging level (default: `INFO`, options: `DEBUG`, `INFO`, `WARNING`, `ERROR`)
-- `DG_MAX_RATIO`: Maximum delta/file ratio (default: `0.5`, range: `0.0-1.0`)
+- `DG_MAX_RATIO`: Maximum delta/file ratio (default: `0.5`, range: `0.0-1.0`) - [📖 Complete Guide](docs/DG_MAX_RATIO.md)
 - `DG_CACHE_BACKEND`: Cache backend (default: `filesystem`, options: `filesystem`, `memory`)
 - `DG_CACHE_MEMORY_SIZE_MB`: Memory cache size in MB (default: `100`)
 - `DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY`: Optional base64-encoded encryption key for cross-process cache sharing
@@ -94,6 +94,8 @@ docker run -v /shared-cache:/tmp/.deltaglider \
 - `AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY`: AWS secret key
 - `AWS_DEFAULT_REGION`: AWS region (default: `us-east-1`)
 
+> **💡 Tip**: `DG_MAX_RATIO` is a powerful tuning parameter. See the [DG_MAX_RATIO guide](docs/DG_MAX_RATIO.md) to learn how to optimize compression for your use case.
+
 **Security Notes**:
 - Encryption is **always enabled** (cannot be disabled)
 - Each container gets ephemeral encryption keys for maximum security
@@ -187,6 +189,13 @@ deltaglider sync s3://releases/ ./local-backup/   # Sync from S3
 deltaglider sync --delete ./src/ s3://backup/     # Mirror exactly
 deltaglider sync --exclude "*.log" ./src/ s3://backup/  # Exclude patterns
 
+# Get bucket statistics (compression metrics)
+deltaglider stats my-bucket                       # Quick stats overview
+deltaglider stats s3://my-bucket                  # Also accepts s3:// format
+deltaglider stats s3://my-bucket/                 # With or without trailing slash
+deltaglider stats my-bucket --detailed            # Detailed compression metrics (slower)
+deltaglider stats my-bucket --json                # JSON output for automation
+
 # Works with MinIO, R2, and S3-compatible storage
 deltaglider cp file.zip s3://bucket/ --endpoint-url http://localhost:9000
 ```

docs/CACHE_MANAGEMENT.md

@@ -0,0 +1,684 @@
+# Cache Management for Long-Running Applications
+
+## Overview
+
+DeltaGlider uses caching to store reference files locally for efficient delta compression. However, unlike the CLI which automatically cleans up cache on exit, **programmatic SDK usage requires manual cache management** for long-running applications.
+
+This guide explains how to manage cache in production applications, including:
+- When and how to clear cache
+- Encryption key management strategies
+- Memory vs. filesystem cache trade-offs
+- Best practices for different application types
+
+## The Problem
+
+**CLI (Automatic Cleanup)**:
+```bash
+# Cache created in /tmp/deltaglider-xyz123/
+deltaglider cp file.zip s3://bucket/
+
+# Process exits → Cache automatically deleted via atexit handler
+# ✅ No manual cleanup needed
+```
+
+**SDK (Manual Cleanup Required)**:
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+client = create_client()
+
+# Long-running application (runs for hours/days)
+while True:
+    client.put_object(Bucket='releases', Key='file.zip', Body=data)
+    time.sleep(600)  # Upload every 10 minutes
+
+# ❌ Process never exits → Cache never cleaned
+# ❌ Cache grows indefinitely
+# ❌ Memory/disk exhaustion after days/weeks
+```
+
+## Solution: Manual Cache Management
+
+### Basic Cache Clearing
+
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+client = create_client()
+
+# Do some uploads
+client.put_object(Bucket='releases', Key='file1.zip', Body=data1)
+client.put_object(Bucket='releases', Key='file2.zip', Body=data2)
+
+# Clear cache to free resources
+client.clear_cache()
+
+# ✅ All cached references removed
+# ✅ Memory/disk freed
+# ✅ Next upload will fetch fresh reference from S3
+```
+
+### When to Clear Cache
+
+| Scenario | Frequency | Reason |
+|----------|-----------|--------|
+| **Long-running services** | Every 1-4 hours | Prevent memory/disk growth |
+| **After config changes** | Immediately | Old cache is invalid |
+| **High memory pressure** | As needed | Free resources |
+| **Test cleanup** | After each test | Ensure clean state |
+| **Scheduled jobs** | After job completes | Clean up before next run |
+| **Key rotation** | After rotation | Old encrypted cache unusable |
+
+## Cache Strategies by Application Type
+
+### 1. Long-Running Background Service
+
+**Scenario**: Continuous upload service running 24/7
+
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+import schedule
+import time
+import logging
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+client = create_client()
+
+def upload_task():
+    """Upload latest build."""
+    try:
+        with open('latest-build.zip', 'rb') as f:
+            response = client.put_object(
+                Bucket='releases',
+                Key=f'builds/{datetime.now().isoformat()}.zip',
+                Body=f
+            )
+        logger.info(f"Uploaded: {response['ETag']}")
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Upload failed: {e}")
+
+def cleanup_task():
+    """Clear cache to prevent growth."""
+    client.clear_cache()
+    logger.info("Cache cleared - freed resources")
+
+# Upload every 10 minutes
+schedule.every(10).minutes.do(upload_task)
+
+# Clear cache every 2 hours (balance performance vs. memory)
+schedule.every(2).hours.do(cleanup_task)
+
+# Run indefinitely
+while True:
+    schedule.run_pending()
+    time.sleep(60)
+```
+
+**Cache Clearing Frequency Guidelines**:
+- Every 1 hour: High upload frequency (>100/day), memory-constrained
+- Every 2-4 hours: Moderate upload frequency (10-100/day), normal memory
+- Every 6-12 hours: Low upload frequency (<10/day), abundant memory
+
+### 2. Periodic Batch Job
+
+**Scenario**: Daily backup script
+
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+import glob
+from pathlib import Path
+
+def daily_backup():
+    """Upload daily backups and clean up."""
+    client = create_client()
+
+    try:
+        # Upload all backup files
+        for backup in glob.glob('/backups/*.zip'):
+            with open(backup, 'rb') as f:
+                client.put_object(
+                    Bucket='backups',
+                    Key=f'daily/{Path(backup).name}',
+                    Body=f
+                )
+            print(f"Backed up: {backup}")
+
+    finally:
+        # ALWAYS clear cache at end of job
+        client.clear_cache()
+        print("Cache cleared - job complete")
+
+# Run daily via cron/systemd timer
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    daily_backup()
+```
+
+**Best Practice**: Always clear cache in `finally` block to ensure cleanup even if job fails.
+
+### 3. Web Application / API Server
+
+**Scenario**: Flask/FastAPI app with upload endpoints
+
+```python
+from fastapi import FastAPI, UploadFile, BackgroundTasks
+from deltaglider import create_client
+import asyncio
+
+app = FastAPI()
+
+# Create client once at startup
+client = create_client()
+
+async def periodic_cache_cleanup():
+    """Background task to clear cache periodically."""
+    while True:
+        await asyncio.sleep(3600)  # Every hour
+        client.clear_cache()
+        print("Cache cleared in background")
+
+@app.on_event("startup")
+async def startup_event():
+    """Start background cache cleanup task."""
+    asyncio.create_task(periodic_cache_cleanup())
+
+@app.post("/upload")
+async def upload_file(file: UploadFile):
+    """Upload endpoint with automatic cache management."""
+    content = await file.read()
+
+    response = client.put_object(
+        Bucket='uploads',
+        Key=f'files/{file.filename}',
+        Body=content
+    )
+
+    return {"message": "Uploaded", "etag": response['ETag']}
+
+@app.post("/admin/clear-cache")
+async def admin_clear_cache():
+    """Manual cache clear endpoint for admin."""
+    client.clear_cache()
+    return {"message": "Cache cleared"}
+```
+
+**Best Practice**: Run periodic cache cleanup in background task, provide manual clear endpoint for emergencies.
+
+### 4. Testing / CI/CD
+
+**Scenario**: Test suite using DeltaGlider
+
+```python
+import pytest
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def deltaglider_client():
+    """Provide clean client for each test."""
+    client = create_client()
+    yield client
+    # ALWAYS clear cache after test
+    client.clear_cache()
+
+def test_upload(deltaglider_client):
+    """Test upload with automatic cleanup."""
+    response = deltaglider_client.put_object(
+        Bucket='test-bucket',
+        Key='test-file.zip',
+        Body=b'test data'
+    )
+    assert response['ETag'] is not None
+    # Cache automatically cleared by fixture
+
+def test_download(deltaglider_client):
+    """Test download with clean cache."""
+    # Cache is clean from previous test
+    deltaglider_client.put_object(Bucket='test', Key='file.zip', Body=b'data')
+    response = deltaglider_client.get_object(Bucket='test', Key='file.zip')
+    assert response['Body'].read() == b'data'
+    # Cache automatically cleared by fixture
+```
+
+**Best Practice**: Use pytest fixtures to ensure cache is cleared after each test.
+
+### 5. AWS Lambda / Serverless
+
+**Scenario**: Lambda function with warm container reuse
+
+```python
+import os
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+# Initialize client outside handler (reused across invocations)
+client = create_client()
+
+# Track invocation count for cache clearing
+invocation_count = 0
+
+def lambda_handler(event, context):
+    """Lambda handler with periodic cache clearing."""
+    global invocation_count
+    invocation_count += 1
+
+    try:
+        # Upload file
+        response = client.put_object(
+            Bucket='lambda-uploads',
+            Key=event['filename'],
+            Body=event['data']
+        )
+
+        # Clear cache every 50 invocations (warm container optimization)
+        if invocation_count % 50 == 0:
+            client.clear_cache()
+            print(f"Cache cleared after {invocation_count} invocations")
+
+        return {'statusCode': 200, 'etag': response['ETag']}
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        # Clear cache on error to prevent poisoned state
+        client.clear_cache()
+        return {'statusCode': 500, 'error': str(e)}
+```
+
+**Best Practice**: Clear cache periodically (every N invocations) and on errors. Lambda warm containers can reuse cache across invocations for performance.
+
+## Encryption Key Management
+
+DeltaGlider always encrypts cache data. Understanding key management is critical for programmatic usage.
+
+### Ephemeral Keys (Default - Recommended)
+
+**How It Works**:
+- New encryption key generated per client instance
+- Cache encrypted with instance-specific key
+- Key lost when client is garbage collected
+- **Maximum security** - keys never persist
+
+**When to Use**:
+- Single-process applications
+- Short-lived scripts
+- CI/CD pipelines
+- Testing
+- Maximum security requirements
+
+**Example**:
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+# Create client (generates ephemeral key automatically)
+client = create_client()
+
+# Upload file (encrypted with ephemeral key)
+client.put_object(Bucket='bucket', Key='file.zip', Body=data)
+
+# Clear cache
+client.clear_cache()
+
+# ✅ Encrypted cache cleared
+# ✅ Key was never persisted
+# ✅ Perfect forward secrecy
+```
+
+**Characteristics**:
+- ✅ Maximum security (keys never leave process)
+- ✅ Perfect forward secrecy
+- ✅ No key management overhead
+- ❌ Cache not shareable between processes
+- ❌ Cache not reusable after client recreation
+
+### Persistent Keys (Advanced - Shared Cache)
+
+**How It Works**:
+- Use same encryption key across multiple processes/clients
+- Key stored in environment variable or secrets manager
+- All processes can read each other's encrypted cache
+- **Trade-off**: Convenience vs. security
+
+**When to Use**:
+- Multi-process applications (workers, replicas)
+- Shared cache across containers
+- Cache persistence across application restarts
+- Horizontal scaling scenarios
+
+**Example - Environment Variable**:
+```python
+import os
+from cryptography.fernet import Fernet
+import base64
+
+# Generate persistent key (do this ONCE, securely)
+key = Fernet.generate_key()
+key_b64 = base64.b64encode(key).decode('utf-8')
+print(f"DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY={key_b64}")  # Store in secrets manager!
+
+# Set in environment (or use secrets manager)
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY'] = key_b64
+
+# All client instances use same key
+client1 = create_client()
+client2 = create_client()
+
+# Client1 writes to cache
+client1.put_object(Bucket='bucket', Key='file.zip', Body=data)
+
+# Client2 can read same cached data (same key!)
+client2.get_object(Bucket='bucket', Key='file.zip')
+
+# ✅ Cache shared between processes
+# ⚠️  Key must be securely managed
+```
+
+**Example - AWS Secrets Manager**:
+```python
+import boto3
+import json
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+def get_encryption_key_from_secrets_manager():
+    """Retrieve encryption key from AWS Secrets Manager."""
+    secrets = boto3.client('secretsmanager', region_name='us-west-2')
+    response = secrets.get_secret_value(SecretId='deltaglider/cache-encryption-key')
+    secret = json.loads(response['SecretString'])
+    return secret['encryption_key']
+
+# Retrieve key securely
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY'] = get_encryption_key_from_secrets_manager()
+
+# Create client with persistent key
+client = create_client()
+```
+
+**Security Best Practices for Persistent Keys**:
+1. **Generate once**: Never regenerate unless rotating
+2. **Store securely**: AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault, etc.
+3. **Rotate regularly**: Follow your key rotation policy
+4. **Audit access**: Log who accesses encryption keys
+5. **Principle of least privilege**: Only processes that need shared cache get the key
+
+### Key Rotation
+
+**When to Rotate**:
+- Regular schedule (every 90 days recommended)
+- After security incident
+- When team members leave
+- After key exposure
+
+**How to Rotate**:
+```python
+import os
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+# OLD KEY (existing cache encrypted with this)
+old_key = os.environ.get('DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY')
+
+# Generate NEW KEY
+from cryptography.fernet import Fernet
+new_key = Fernet.generate_key()
+new_key_b64 = base64.b64encode(new_key).decode('utf-8')
+
+# Steps for rotation:
+# 1. Clear old cache (encrypted with old key)
+client_old = create_client()  # Uses old key from env
+client_old.clear_cache()
+
+# 2. Update environment with new key
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY'] = new_key_b64
+
+# 3. Create new client with new key
+client_new = create_client()  # Uses new key
+
+# 4. Continue operations
+client_new.put_object(Bucket='bucket', Key='file.zip', Body=data)
+
+# ✅ Cache now encrypted with new key
+# ✅ Old encrypted cache cleared
+```
+
+## Memory vs. Filesystem Cache
+
+### Filesystem Cache (Default)
+
+**Characteristics**:
+- Stored in `/tmp/deltaglider-*/`
+- Persistent across client recreations (within same process)
+- Can be shared between processes (with persistent encryption key)
+- Slower than memory cache (disk I/O)
+
+**Configuration**:
+```python
+import os
+
+# Explicitly set filesystem cache (this is the default)
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_BACKEND'] = 'filesystem'
+
+from deltaglider import create_client
+client = create_client()
+```
+
+**When to Use**:
+- Default choice for most applications
+- When cache should persist across client recreations
+- Multi-process applications (with persistent key)
+- Memory-constrained environments
+
+**Cache Clearing**:
+```python
+client.clear_cache()
+# Removes all files from /tmp/deltaglider-*/
+# Frees disk space
+```
+
+### Memory Cache
+
+**Characteristics**:
+- Stored in process memory (RAM)
+- Fast access (no disk I/O)
+- Automatically freed when process exits
+- LRU eviction prevents unlimited growth
+- Not shared between processes
+
+**Configuration**:
+```python
+import os
+
+# Enable memory cache
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_BACKEND'] = 'memory'
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_MEMORY_SIZE_MB'] = '200'  # Default: 100MB
+
+from deltaglider import create_client
+client = create_client()
+```
+
+**When to Use**:
+- High-performance requirements
+- Ephemeral environments (containers, Lambda)
+- Short-lived applications
+- CI/CD pipelines
+- When disk I/O is bottleneck
+
+**Cache Clearing**:
+```python
+client.clear_cache()
+# Frees memory immediately
+# No disk I/O
+```
+
+**LRU Eviction**:
+Memory cache automatically evicts least recently used entries when size limit is reached. No manual intervention needed.
+
+## Best Practices Summary
+
+### ✅ DO
+
+1. **Clear cache periodically** in long-running applications
+2. **Clear cache in `finally` blocks** for batch jobs
+3. **Use fixtures for tests** to ensure clean state
+4. **Monitor cache size** in production
+5. **Use ephemeral keys** when possible (maximum security)
+6. **Store persistent keys securely** (Secrets Manager, Vault)
+7. **Rotate encryption keys** regularly
+8. **Use memory cache** for ephemeral environments
+9. **Clear cache after config changes**
+10. **Document cache strategy** for your application
+
+### ❌ DON'T
+
+1. **Never let cache grow unbounded** in long-running apps
+2. **Don't share ephemeral encrypted cache** between processes
+3. **Don't store persistent keys in code** or version control
+4. **Don't forget to clear cache in tests**
+5. **Don't assume cache is automatically cleaned** in SDK usage
+6. **Don't use persistent keys** unless you need cross-process sharing
+7. **Don't skip key rotation**
+8. **Don't ignore memory limits** for memory cache
+
+## Monitoring Cache Health
+
+### Cache Size Tracking
+
+```python
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+def get_cache_size_mb(cache_dir: Path) -> float:
+    """Calculate total cache size in MB."""
+    total_bytes = sum(f.stat().st_size for f in cache_dir.rglob('*') if f.is_file())
+    return total_bytes / (1024 * 1024)
+
+# Get cache directory (ephemeral, changes per process)
+cache_dir = Path(tempfile.gettempdir())
+deltaglider_caches = list(cache_dir.glob('deltaglider-*'))
+
+if deltaglider_caches:
+    cache_path = deltaglider_caches[0]
+    cache_size_mb = get_cache_size_mb(cache_path)
+    print(f"Cache size: {cache_size_mb:.2f} MB")
+
+    # Clear if over threshold
+    if cache_size_mb > 500:
+        client = create_client()
+        client.clear_cache()
+        print("Cache cleared - exceeded 500MB")
+```
+
+### Memory Cache Monitoring
+
+```python
+import os
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_BACKEND'] = 'memory'
+
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+client = create_client()
+
+# Memory cache auto-evicts at configured limit
+# Monitor via application memory usage tools (not direct API)
+
+# Example with memory_profiler
+from memory_profiler import profile
+
+@profile
+def upload_many_files():
+    for i in range(1000):
+        client.put_object(Bucket='test', Key=f'file{i}.zip', Body=b'data' * 1000)
+    # Check memory profile to see cache memory usage
+
+upload_many_files()
+```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Problem: Cache Growing Too Large
+
+**Symptoms**:
+- Disk space running out (`/tmp` filling up)
+- High memory usage
+
+**Solution**:
+```python
+# Implement automatic cache clearing
+import psutil
+
+client = create_client()
+
+def smart_cache_clear():
+    """Clear cache if memory/disk pressure detected."""
+    # Check disk space
+    disk = psutil.disk_usage('/tmp')
+    if disk.percent > 80:
+        client.clear_cache()
+        print("Cache cleared - disk pressure")
+        return
+
+    # Check memory usage
+    memory = psutil.virtual_memory()
+    if memory.percent > 80:
+        client.clear_cache()
+        print("Cache cleared - memory pressure")
+
+# Call periodically
+schedule.every(15).minutes.do(smart_cache_clear)
+```
+
+### Problem: Decryption Failures After Key Rotation
+
+**Symptoms**:
+- `CacheCorruptionError: Decryption failed`
+- After rotating encryption keys
+
+**Solution**:
+```python
+# Clear cache before using new key
+old_client = create_client()  # Old key
+old_client.clear_cache()
+
+# Update encryption key
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY'] = new_key
+
+# Create new client
+new_client = create_client()  # New key
+```
+
+### Problem: Tests Failing Due to Cached Data
+
+**Symptoms**:
+- Tests pass in isolation, fail when run together
+- Unexpected data in downloads
+
+**Solution**:
+```python
+# Always clear cache in test teardown
+@pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
+def clear_cache_after_test():
+    """Automatically clear cache after every test."""
+    yield
+    # Teardown
+    client = create_client()
+    client.clear_cache()
+```
+
+## Related Documentation
+
+- [docs/sdk/getting-started.md](sdk/getting-started.md) - SDK configuration
+- [README.md](../README.md) - Docker and environment variables
+- [CLAUDE.md](../CLAUDE.md) - Development guide
+
+## Quick Reference
+
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+# Create client
+client = create_client()
+
+# Clear all cache
+client.clear_cache()
+
+# Use memory cache
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_BACKEND'] = 'memory'
+
+# Use persistent encryption key
+os.environ['DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY'] = 'base64-encoded-key'
+```

docs/DG_MAX_RATIO.md

@@ -0,0 +1,526 @@
+# DG_MAX_RATIO - Delta Compression Efficiency Guard
+
+## Overview
+
+`DG_MAX_RATIO` is a **safety threshold** that prevents inefficient delta compression. It controls the maximum acceptable ratio of `delta_size / original_file_size`.
+
+**Default**: `0.5` (50%)
+**Range**: `0.0` to `1.0`
+**Environment Variable**: `DG_MAX_RATIO`
+
+## The Problem It Solves
+
+When files are **too different**, xdelta3 can create a delta file that's **almost as large as the original file** (or even larger!). This defeats the purpose of compression and wastes:
+- ❌ Storage space (storing a large delta instead of the original)
+- ❌ CPU time (creating and applying the delta)
+- ❌ Network bandwidth (downloading delta + reference instead of just the file)
+
+## How It Works
+
+```
+1. Upload file → Create delta using xdelta3
+2. Calculate ratio = delta_size / original_file_size
+3. If ratio > DG_MAX_RATIO:
+   ❌ Discard delta, store original file directly
+   Else:
+   ✅ Keep delta, save storage space
+```
+
+### Example Flow
+
+```
+Original file: 100MB
+Reference file: 100MB (uploaded previously)
+
+xdelta3 creates delta: 60MB
+Ratio = 60MB / 100MB = 0.6 (60%)
+
+With DG_MAX_RATIO=0.5:
+  ❌ Delta rejected (60% > 50%)
+  Action: Store 100MB original file
+  Reason: Delta not efficient enough
+
+With DG_MAX_RATIO=0.7:
+  ✅ Delta accepted (60% ≤ 70%)
+  Action: Store 60MB delta
+  Savings: 40MB (40%)
+```
+
+## Default Value: 0.5 (50%)
+
+**Meaning**: Only use delta compression if the delta is **≤50% of the original file size**
+
+This default provides:
+- ✅ Minimum 50% storage savings when delta compression is used
+- ✅ Prevents wasting CPU on inefficient compression
+- ✅ Works well for typical versioned releases (minor updates between versions)
+- ✅ Balanced approach without manual tuning
+
+## When to Adjust
+
+### 🔽 Lower Value (More Conservative)
+
+**Set `DG_MAX_RATIO=0.2-0.3` when:**
+- Files change significantly between versions (major updates, refactors)
+- Storage cost is **very high** (premium S3 tiers, small quotas)
+- You want to avoid **any** inefficient compression
+- You need guaranteed high-quality compression (≥70% savings)
+
+**Example**:
+```bash
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.3
+
+# Only accept deltas that are ≤30% of original size
+# More files stored directly, but guaranteed ≥70% savings when using deltas
+```
+
+**Trade-off**:
+- ✅ Higher quality compression when deltas are used
+- ❌ Fewer files will use delta compression
+- ❌ More direct uploads (higher storage for dissimilar files)
+
+### 🔼 Higher Value (More Permissive)
+
+**Set `DG_MAX_RATIO=0.6-0.8` when:**
+- Files are very similar (minor patches, nightly builds, incremental changes)
+- Storage cost is **cheap** (large S3 buckets, unlimited quotas)
+- CPU time is **expensive** (you want to save re-uploading even with modest compression)
+- You want to maximize delta compression usage
+
+**Example**:
+```bash
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.7
+
+# Accept deltas up to 70% of original size
+# More files use delta compression, even with modest 30% savings
+```
+
+**Trade-off**:
+- ✅ More files use delta compression
+- ✅ Save bandwidth even with modest compression
+- ❌ Some deltas may only save 20-30% space
+- ❌ More CPU time spent on marginal compressions
+
+## Real-World Scenarios
+
+### Scenario 1: Nightly Builds (Minimal Changes) ⭐ IDEAL
+
+```
+my-app-v1.0.0.zip → 100MB (reference)
+my-app-v1.0.1.zip → 100MB (0.1% code change)
+
+Delta: 200KB (0.2% of original)
+Ratio: 0.002
+
+With ANY DG_MAX_RATIO: ✅ Use delta (99.8% savings!)
+Result: Store 200KB instead of 100MB
+```
+
+**This is what DeltaGlider excels at!**
+
+### Scenario 2: Major Version (Significant Changes)
+
+```
+my-app-v1.0.0.zip → 100MB (reference)
+my-app-v2.0.0.zip → 100MB (complete rewrite, 85% different)
+
+Delta: 85MB (85% of original)
+Ratio: 0.85
+
+With DG_MAX_RATIO=0.5: ❌ Store original (85% > 50%)
+  → Stores 100MB directly
+  → No compression benefit, but no CPU waste
+
+With DG_MAX_RATIO=0.9: ✅ Use delta (85% ≤ 90%)
+  → Stores 85MB delta
+  → Only 15% savings, questionable benefit
+```
+
+**Recommendation**: For major versions, default `0.5` correctly rejects inefficient compression.
+
+### Scenario 3: Different File Format (Same Content)
+
+```
+my-app-v1.0.0.zip → 100MB (ZIP archive)
+my-app-v1.0.0.tar → 100MB (TAR archive, same content)
+
+Delta: 70MB (completely different format structure)
+Ratio: 0.70
+
+With DG_MAX_RATIO=0.5: ❌ Store original (70% > 50%)
+  → Stores 100MB directly
+  → Correct decision: formats too different
+
+With DG_MAX_RATIO=0.8: ✅ Use delta (70% ≤ 80%)
+  → Stores 70MB delta
+  → 30% savings, but CPU-intensive
+```
+
+**Recommendation**: Use consistent file formats for better compression. Default `0.5` correctly rejects cross-format compression.
+
+### Scenario 4: Incremental Updates (Sweet Spot) ⭐
+
+```
+my-app-v1.0.0.zip → 100MB (reference)
+my-app-v1.0.1.zip → 100MB (minor bugfix, 5% code change)
+
+Delta: 5MB (5% of original)
+Ratio: 0.05
+
+With ANY DG_MAX_RATIO: ✅ Use delta (95% savings!)
+Result: Store 5MB instead of 100MB
+```
+
+**This is the target use case for delta compression!**
+
+## How to Choose the Right Value
+
+### Decision Tree
+
+```
+Do your files have minimal changes between versions? (< 5% different)
+├─ YES → Use default 0.5 ✅
+│         Delta compression will work perfectly
+│
+└─ NO  → Are your files significantly different? (> 50% different)
+          ├─ YES → Lower to 0.2-0.3 🔽
+          │         Avoid wasting time on inefficient compression
+          │
+          └─ NO  → Are they moderately different? (20-50% different)
+                   ├─ Storage is expensive → Lower to 0.3 🔽
+                   │                         Only high-quality compression
+                   │
+                   └─ Storage is cheap → Raise to 0.6-0.7 🔼
+                                          Accept modest savings
+```
+
+### Quick Reference Table
+
+| File Similarity | Recommended DG_MAX_RATIO | Expected Behavior |
+|----------------|--------------------------|-------------------|
+| Nearly identical (< 5% change) | **0.5 (default)** | 🟢 95%+ savings |
+| Minor updates (5-20% change) | **0.5 (default)** | 🟢 80-95% savings |
+| Moderate changes (20-50% change) | **0.4-0.6** | 🟡 50-80% savings |
+| Major changes (50-80% change) | **0.3 or lower** | 🔴 Store directly |
+| Complete rewrites (> 80% change) | **0.3 or lower** | 🔴 Store directly |
+
+### Use Cases by Industry
+
+**Software Releases (SaaS)**:
+```bash
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.5  # Default
+# Nightly builds with minor changes compress perfectly
+```
+
+**Mobile App Builds**:
+```bash
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.4  # Slightly conservative
+# iOS/Android builds can vary, want quality compression only
+```
+
+**Database Backups**:
+```bash
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.7  # Permissive
+# Daily backups are very similar, accept modest savings
+```
+
+**Document Archives**:
+```bash
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.6  # Moderate
+# Documents change incrementally, accept good savings
+```
+
+**Video/Media Archives**:
+```bash
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.2  # Very conservative
+# Media files are unique, only compress if very similar
+```
+
+## Configuration Examples
+
+### Docker
+
+**Conservative (Premium Storage)**:
+```bash
+docker run -e DG_MAX_RATIO=0.3 \
+  -e AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID -e AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY \
+  deltaglider/deltaglider cp file.zip s3://releases/
+```
+
+**Default (Balanced)**:
+```bash
+docker run -e DG_MAX_RATIO=0.5 \
+  -e AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID -e AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY \
+  deltaglider/deltaglider cp file.zip s3://releases/
+```
+
+**Permissive (Cheap Storage)**:
+```bash
+docker run -e DG_MAX_RATIO=0.7 \
+  -e AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID -e AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY \
+  deltaglider/deltaglider cp file.zip s3://releases/
+```
+
+### Python SDK
+
+```python
+import os
+
+# Conservative (only high-quality compression)
+os.environ['DG_MAX_RATIO'] = '0.3'
+
+# Default (balanced)
+os.environ['DG_MAX_RATIO'] = '0.5'
+
+# Permissive (accept modest savings)
+os.environ['DG_MAX_RATIO'] = '0.7'
+
+from deltaglider import create_client
+client = create_client()
+
+summary = client.upload("file.zip", "s3://bucket/")
+print(f"Delta ratio: {summary.delta_ratio:.2f}")
+print(f"Used delta: {summary.is_delta}")
+```
+
+### CLI
+
+```bash
+# Conservative
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.3
+deltaglider cp my-app-v2.0.0.zip s3://releases/
+
+# Default
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.5
+deltaglider cp my-app-v2.0.0.zip s3://releases/
+
+# Permissive
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=0.7
+deltaglider cp my-app-v2.0.0.zip s3://releases/
+```
+
+### Override Per-Upload (CLI)
+
+```bash
+# Use custom ratio for specific file
+deltaglider cp large-file.zip s3://releases/ --max-ratio 0.3
+```
+
+## Monitoring and Tuning
+
+### Check Delta Ratios After Upload
+
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+client = create_client()
+summary = client.upload("file.zip", "s3://bucket/")
+
+print(f"Delta ratio: {summary.delta_ratio:.2f}")
+print(f"Savings: {summary.savings_percent:.0f}%")
+print(f"Used delta: {summary.is_delta}")
+
+if summary.is_delta:
+    print(f"✅ Used delta compression (ratio {summary.delta_ratio:.2f})")
+    if summary.delta_ratio > 0.4:
+        print(f"⚠️  Consider lowering DG_MAX_RATIO for better quality")
+else:
+    print(f"❌ Stored directly (delta would have been ratio ~{summary.delta_ratio:.2f})")
+    if summary.delta_ratio < 0.6:
+        print(f"💡 Consider raising DG_MAX_RATIO to enable compression")
+```
+
+### Batch Analysis
+
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+from pathlib import Path
+
+client = create_client()
+ratios = []
+
+for file in Path("releases").glob("*.zip"):
+    summary = client.upload(str(file), f"s3://bucket/{file.name}")
+    if summary.is_delta:
+        ratios.append(summary.delta_ratio)
+
+if ratios:
+    avg_ratio = sum(ratios) / len(ratios)
+    max_ratio = max(ratios)
+
+    print(f"Average delta ratio: {avg_ratio:.2f}")
+    print(f"Maximum delta ratio: {max_ratio:.2f}")
+    print(f"Files compressed: {len(ratios)}")
+
+    if avg_ratio < 0.2:
+        print("💡 Consider raising DG_MAX_RATIO - you're getting excellent compression")
+    elif max_ratio > 0.6:
+        print("⚠️  Consider lowering DG_MAX_RATIO - some deltas are inefficient")
+```
+
+### Optimization Strategy
+
+1. **Start with default (0.5)**
+2. **Monitor delta ratios** for 1 week of uploads
+3. **Analyze results**:
+   - If most ratios < 0.2: Consider raising to 0.6-0.7
+   - If many ratios > 0.4: Consider lowering to 0.3-0.4
+   - If ratios vary widely: Keep default 0.5
+4. **Adjust and re-test** for 1 week
+5. **Repeat until optimal** for your use case
+
+## Advanced Usage
+
+### Dynamic Ratio Based on File Type
+
+```python
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+def get_optimal_ratio(file_path: str) -> float:
+    """Determine optimal ratio based on file type."""
+    suffix = Path(file_path).suffix.lower()
+
+    # Very compressible (source code archives)
+    if suffix in ['.zip', '.tar', '.gz']:
+        return 0.6
+
+    # Moderately compressible (compiled binaries)
+    elif suffix in ['.jar', '.war', '.deb', '.rpm']:
+        return 0.5
+
+    # Rarely compressible (media, already compressed)
+    elif suffix in ['.mp4', '.jpg', '.png']:
+        return 0.2
+
+    # Default
+    return 0.5
+
+file = "my-app.zip"
+os.environ['DG_MAX_RATIO'] = str(get_optimal_ratio(file))
+
+client = create_client()
+summary = client.upload(file, "s3://bucket/")
+```
+
+### A/B Testing Different Ratios
+
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+import os
+
+def test_ratios(file_path: str, ratios: list[float]):
+    """Test different ratios and report results."""
+    results = []
+
+    for ratio in ratios:
+        os.environ['DG_MAX_RATIO'] = str(ratio)
+        client = create_client()
+
+        # Simulate upload (don't actually upload)
+        summary = client.estimate_compression(file_path, "s3://bucket/test/")
+
+        results.append({
+            'ratio_threshold': ratio,
+            'would_use_delta': summary.delta_ratio <= ratio,
+            'delta_ratio': summary.delta_ratio,
+            'savings': summary.savings_percent if summary.delta_ratio <= ratio else 0
+        })
+
+    return results
+
+# Test different ratios
+file = "my-app-v2.0.0.zip"
+test_results = test_ratios(file, [0.3, 0.5, 0.7])
+
+for result in test_results:
+    print(f"Ratio {result['ratio_threshold']}: "
+          f"Delta={result['would_use_delta']}, "
+          f"Savings={result['savings']:.0f}%")
+```
+
+## FAQ
+
+### Q: What happens if I set DG_MAX_RATIO=1.0?
+
+**A**: Delta compression will **always** be used, even if the delta is larger than the original file! This is generally a bad idea and defeats the purpose of the threshold.
+
+**Example**:
+```bash
+export DG_MAX_RATIO=1.0
+
+# File: 100MB, Delta: 120MB
+# Ratio: 1.2
+# With DG_MAX_RATIO=1.0: ✅ Use delta (1.2 > 1.0 but we accept anything ≤1.0)
+# Wait, that's wrong! The delta is LARGER than the original!
+
+# NEVER set DG_MAX_RATIO to 1.0 or higher
+```
+
+### Q: What happens if I set DG_MAX_RATIO=0.0?
+
+**A**: Delta compression will **never** be used. All files will be stored directly. This is equivalent to disabling DeltaGlider's compression entirely.
+
+### Q: Can I disable the ratio check?
+
+**A**: No, and you shouldn't want to. The ratio check is a critical safety feature that prevents wasting storage and CPU on inefficient compression.
+
+### Q: Does DG_MAX_RATIO affect downloading?
+
+**A**: No, `DG_MAX_RATIO` only affects **uploads**. During download, DeltaGlider automatically detects whether a file is stored as a delta or directly and handles reconstruction accordingly.
+
+### Q: Can I set different ratios for different buckets?
+
+**A**: Not directly via environment variables, but you can change `DG_MAX_RATIO` before each upload in your code:
+
+```python
+import os
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+# High-quality compression for production releases
+os.environ['DG_MAX_RATIO'] = '0.3'
+client = create_client()
+client.upload("prod-release.zip", "s3://production/")
+
+# Permissive compression for dev builds
+os.environ['DG_MAX_RATIO'] = '0.7'
+client = create_client()
+client.upload("dev-build.zip", "s3://development/")
+```
+
+### Q: How do I know if my DG_MAX_RATIO is set correctly?
+
+**A**: Monitor your upload summaries. If most deltas have ratios close to your threshold (e.g., 0.45-0.50 with default 0.5), you might want to lower it. If most deltas have very low ratios (e.g., < 0.2), you could raise it.
+
+**Ideal scenario**: Most successful delta compressions have ratios < 0.3, and inefficient deltas (> 0.5) are correctly rejected.
+
+## Summary
+
+**`DG_MAX_RATIO` prevents wasting time and storage on inefficient delta compression.**
+
+### Quick Takeaways
+
+✅ **Default 0.5 works for 90% of use cases**
+✅ **Lower values (0.2-0.3) for dissimilar files or expensive storage**
+✅ **Higher values (0.6-0.7) for very similar files or cheap storage**
+✅ **Monitor delta ratios to tune for your use case**
+✅ **Never set to 1.0 or higher (defeats the purpose)**
+✅ **Never set to 0.0 (disables delta compression entirely)**
+
+### Golden Rule
+
+**If you're not sure, keep the default `0.5`.**
+
+It's a sensible balance that:
+- Prevents inefficient compression (no deltas > 50% of original size)
+- Allows excellent savings on similar files (most deltas are < 20%)
+- Works well for typical versioned releases
+- Requires no manual tuning for most use cases
+
+---
+
+**Related Documentation**:
+- [CLAUDE.md](../CLAUDE.md) - Environment variables reference
+- [README.md](../README.md) - Docker usage and configuration
+- [docs/sdk/getting-started.md](sdk/getting-started.md) - SDK configuration guide

docs/sdk/api.md

@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ for obj in response['Contents']:
 
 #### `get_bucket_stats`
 
-Get statistics for a bucket with optional detailed compression metrics.
+Get statistics for a bucket with optional detailed compression metrics. Results are cached per client session for performance.
 
 ```python
 def get_bucket_stats(
@@ -173,16 +173,46 @@ def get_bucket_stats(
   - With `detailed_stats=False`: ~50ms for any bucket size (LIST calls only)
   - With `detailed_stats=True`: ~2-3s per 1000 objects (adds HEAD calls for delta files)
 
+##### Caching Behavior
+
+- **Session-scoped cache**: Results cached within client instance lifetime
+- **Automatic invalidation**: Cache cleared on bucket mutations (put, delete, bucket operations)
+- **Intelligent reuse**: Detailed stats can serve quick stat requests
+- **Manual cache control**: Use `clear_cache()` to invalidate all cached stats
+
+##### Returns
+
+`BucketStats`: Dataclass containing:
+- **bucket** (`str`): Bucket name
+- **object_count** (`int`): Total number of objects
+- **total_size** (`int`): Original size in bytes (before compression)
+- **compressed_size** (`int`): Actual stored size in bytes
+- **space_saved** (`int`): Bytes saved through compression
+- **average_compression_ratio** (`float`): Average compression ratio (0.0-1.0)
+- **delta_objects** (`int`): Number of delta-compressed objects
+- **direct_objects** (`int`): Number of directly stored objects
+
 ##### Examples
 
 ```python
-# Quick stats for dashboard display
+# Quick stats for dashboard display (cached after first call)
 stats = client.get_bucket_stats('releases')
 print(f"Objects: {stats.object_count}, Size: {stats.total_size}")
 
-# Detailed stats for analytics (slower but accurate)
+# Second call hits cache (instant response)
+stats = client.get_bucket_stats('releases')
+print(f"Space saved: {stats.space_saved} bytes")
+
+# Detailed stats for analytics (slower but accurate, also cached)
 stats = client.get_bucket_stats('releases', detailed_stats=True)
 print(f"Compression ratio: {stats.average_compression_ratio:.1%}")
+
+# Quick call after detailed call reuses detailed cache (more accurate)
+quick_stats = client.get_bucket_stats('releases')  # Uses detailed cache
+
+# Clear cache to force refresh
+client.clear_cache()
+stats = client.get_bucket_stats('releases')  # Fresh computation
 ```
 
 #### `put_object`
@@ -304,7 +334,7 @@ client.delete_bucket(Bucket='old-releases')
 
 #### `list_buckets`
 
-List all S3 buckets (boto3-compatible).
+List all S3 buckets (boto3-compatible). Includes cached statistics when available.
 
 ```python
 def list_buckets(
@@ -315,7 +345,32 @@ def list_buckets(
 
 ##### Returns
 
-Dict with list of buckets and owner information (identical to boto3).
+Dict with list of buckets and owner information (identical to boto3). Each bucket may include optional `DeltaGliderStats` metadata if statistics have been previously cached.
+
+##### Response Structure
+
+```python
+{
+    'Buckets': [
+        {
+            'Name': 'bucket-name',
+            'CreationDate': datetime(2025, 1, 1),
+            'DeltaGliderStats': {  # Optional, only if cached
+                'Cached': True,
+                'Detailed': bool,  # Whether detailed stats were fetched
+                'ObjectCount': int,
+                'TotalSize': int,
+                'CompressedSize': int,
+                'SpaceSaved': int,
+                'AverageCompressionRatio': float,
+                'DeltaObjects': int,
+                'DirectObjects': int
+            }
+        }
+    ],
+    'Owner': {...}
+}
+```
 
 ##### Examples
 
@@ -324,6 +379,17 @@ Dict with list of buckets and owner information (identical to boto3).
 response = client.list_buckets()
 for bucket in response['Buckets']:
     print(f"{bucket['Name']} - Created: {bucket['CreationDate']}")
+
+    # Check if stats are cached
+    if 'DeltaGliderStats' in bucket:
+        stats = bucket['DeltaGliderStats']
+        print(f"  Cached stats: {stats['ObjectCount']} objects, "
+              f"{stats['AverageCompressionRatio']:.1%} compression")
+
+# Fetch stats first, then list buckets to see cached data
+client.get_bucket_stats('my-bucket', detailed_stats=True)
+response = client.list_buckets()
+# Now 'my-bucket' will include DeltaGliderStats in response
 ```
 
 ### Simple API Methods
@@ -460,6 +526,104 @@ else:
     # Re-upload or investigate
 ```
 
+### Cache Management Methods
+
+DeltaGlider maintains two types of caches for performance optimization:
+1. **Reference cache**: Binary reference files used for delta reconstruction
+2. **Statistics cache**: Bucket statistics (session-scoped)
+
+#### `clear_cache`
+
+Clear all cached data including reference files and bucket statistics.
+
+```python
+def clear_cache(self) -> None
+```
+
+##### Description
+
+Removes all cached reference files from the local filesystem and invalidates all bucket statistics. Useful for:
+- Forcing fresh statistics computation
+- Freeing disk space in long-running applications
+- Ensuring latest data after external bucket modifications
+- Testing and development workflows
+
+##### Cache Types Cleared
+
+1. **Reference Cache**: Binary reference files stored in `/tmp/deltaglider-*/`
+   - Encrypted at rest with ephemeral keys
+   - Content-addressed storage (SHA256-based filenames)
+   - Automatically cleaned up on process exit
+
+2. **Statistics Cache**: Bucket statistics cached per client session
+   - Metadata about compression ratios and object counts
+   - Session-scoped (not persisted to disk)
+   - Automatically invalidated on bucket mutations
+
+##### Examples
+
+```python
+# Long-running application
+client = create_client()
+
+# Work with files
+for i in range(1000):
+    client.upload(f"file_{i}.zip", "s3://bucket/")
+
+    # Periodic cache cleanup to prevent disk buildup
+    if i % 100 == 0:
+        client.clear_cache()
+
+# Force fresh statistics after external changes
+stats_before = client.get_bucket_stats('releases')  # Cached
+# ... external tool modifies bucket ...
+client.clear_cache()
+stats_after = client.get_bucket_stats('releases')  # Fresh data
+
+# Development workflow
+client.clear_cache()  # Start with clean state
+```
+
+#### `evict_cache`
+
+Remove a specific cached reference file from the local cache.
+
+```python
+def evict_cache(self, s3_url: str) -> None
+```
+
+##### Parameters
+
+- **s3_url** (`str`): S3 URL of the reference file to evict (e.g., `s3://bucket/prefix/reference.bin`)
+
+##### Description
+
+Removes a specific reference file from the cache without affecting other cached files or statistics. Useful for:
+- Selective cache invalidation when specific references are updated
+- Memory management in applications with many delta spaces
+- Testing specific delta compression scenarios
+
+##### Examples
+
+```python
+# Evict specific reference after update
+client.upload("new-reference.zip", "s3://releases/v2.0.0/")
+client.evict_cache("s3://releases/v2.0.0/reference.bin")
+
+# Next upload will fetch fresh reference
+client.upload("similar-file.zip", "s3://releases/v2.0.0/")
+
+# Selective eviction for specific delta spaces
+delta_spaces = ["v1.0.0", "v1.1.0", "v1.2.0"]
+for space in delta_spaces:
+    client.evict_cache(f"s3://releases/{space}/reference.bin")
+```
+
+##### See Also
+
+- [docs/CACHE_MANAGEMENT.md](../../CACHE_MANAGEMENT.md): Complete cache management guide
+- `clear_cache()`: Clear all caches
+
 #### `lifecycle_policy`
 
 Set lifecycle policy for S3 prefix (placeholder for future implementation).

docs/sdk/examples.md

@@ -5,15 +5,17 @@ Real-world examples and patterns for using DeltaGlider in production application
 ## Table of Contents
 
 1. [Performance-Optimized Bucket Listing](#performance-optimized-bucket-listing)
-2. [Bucket Management](#bucket-management)
-3. [Software Release Management](#software-release-management)
-4. [Database Backup System](#database-backup-system)
-5. [CI/CD Pipeline Integration](#cicd-pipeline-integration)
-6. [Container Registry Storage](#container-registry-storage)
-7. [Machine Learning Model Versioning](#machine-learning-model-versioning)
-8. [Game Asset Distribution](#game-asset-distribution)
-9. [Log Archive Management](#log-archive-management)
-10. [Multi-Region Replication](#multi-region-replication)
+2. [Bucket Statistics and Monitoring](#bucket-statistics-and-monitoring)
+3. [Session-Level Cache Management](#session-level-cache-management)
+4. [Bucket Management](#bucket-management)
+5. [Software Release Management](#software-release-management)
+6. [Database Backup System](#database-backup-system)
+7. [CI/CD Pipeline Integration](#cicd-pipeline-integration)
+8. [Container Registry Storage](#container-registry-storage)
+9. [Machine Learning Model Versioning](#machine-learning-model-versioning)
+10. [Game Asset Distribution](#game-asset-distribution)
+11. [Log Archive Management](#log-archive-management)
+12. [Multi-Region Replication](#multi-region-replication)
 
 ## Performance-Optimized Bucket Listing
 
@@ -199,6 +201,322 @@ performance_comparison('releases')
 
 2. **Never Fetch for Non-Deltas**: The SDK automatically skips metadata fetching for non-delta files even when `FetchMetadata=True`.
 
+## Bucket Statistics and Monitoring
+
+DeltaGlider provides powerful bucket statistics with session-level caching for performance.
+
+### Quick Dashboard Stats (Cached)
+
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+client = create_client()
+
+def show_bucket_dashboard(bucket: str):
+    """Display real-time bucket statistics with caching."""
+
+    # First call: computes stats (~50ms)
+    stats = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket)
+
+    # Second call: instant (cached)
+    stats = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket)
+
+    print(f"Dashboard for {stats.bucket}")
+    print(f"=" * 60)
+    print(f"Total Objects:        {stats.object_count:,}")
+    print(f"  Delta Objects:      {stats.delta_objects:,}")
+    print(f"  Direct Objects:     {stats.direct_objects:,}")
+    print()
+    print(f"Original Size:        {stats.total_size / (1024**3):.2f} GB")
+    print(f"Stored Size:          {stats.compressed_size / (1024**3):.2f} GB")
+    print(f"Space Saved:          {stats.space_saved / (1024**3):.2f} GB")
+    print(f"Compression Ratio:    {stats.average_compression_ratio:.1%}")
+
+# Example: Show stats for multiple buckets (each cached separately)
+for bucket_name in ['releases', 'backups', 'archives']:
+    show_bucket_dashboard(bucket_name)
+```
+
+### Detailed Compression Analysis
+
+```python
+def detailed_compression_report(bucket: str):
+    """Generate detailed compression report with accurate ratios."""
+
+    # Detailed stats fetch metadata for delta files (slower, accurate)
+    stats = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket, detailed_stats=True)
+
+    efficiency = (stats.space_saved / stats.total_size * 100) if stats.total_size > 0 else 0
+
+    print(f"Detailed Compression Report: {stats.bucket}")
+    print(f"=" * 60)
+    print(f"Object Distribution:")
+    print(f"  Total:              {stats.object_count:,}")
+    print(f"  Delta-Compressed:   {stats.delta_objects:,} ({stats.delta_objects/stats.object_count*100:.1f}%)")
+    print(f"  Direct Storage:     {stats.direct_objects:,} ({stats.direct_objects/stats.object_count*100:.1f}%)")
+    print()
+    print(f"Storage Efficiency:")
+    print(f"  Original Data:      {stats.total_size / (1024**3):.2f} GB")
+    print(f"  Actual Storage:     {stats.compressed_size / (1024**3):.2f} GB")
+    print(f"  Space Saved:        {stats.space_saved / (1024**3):.2f} GB")
+    print(f"  Efficiency:         {efficiency:.1f}%")
+    print(f"  Avg Compression:    {stats.average_compression_ratio:.2%}")
+
+    # Calculate estimated monthly costs (example: $0.023/GB S3 Standard)
+    cost_without = stats.total_size / (1024**3) * 0.023
+    cost_with = stats.compressed_size / (1024**3) * 0.023
+    monthly_savings = cost_without - cost_with
+
+    print()
+    print(f"Estimated Monthly S3 Costs ($0.023/GB):")
+    print(f"  Without DeltaGlider: ${cost_without:.2f}")
+    print(f"  With DeltaGlider:    ${cost_with:.2f}")
+    print(f"  Monthly Savings:     ${monthly_savings:.2f}")
+
+# Example: Detailed report
+detailed_compression_report('releases')
+```
+
+### List Buckets with Cached Stats
+
+```python
+def list_buckets_with_stats():
+    """List all buckets and show cached statistics if available."""
+
+    # Pre-fetch stats for important buckets
+    important_buckets = ['releases', 'backups']
+    for bucket_name in important_buckets:
+        client.get_bucket_stats(bucket_name, detailed_stats=True)
+
+    # List all buckets (includes cached stats automatically)
+    response = client.list_buckets()
+
+    print("All Buckets:")
+    print(f"{'Name':<30} {'Objects':<10} {'Compression':<15} {'Cached'}")
+    print("=" * 70)
+
+    for bucket in response['Buckets']:
+        name = bucket['Name']
+
+        # Check if stats are cached
+        if 'DeltaGliderStats' in bucket:
+            stats = bucket['DeltaGliderStats']
+            obj_count = f"{stats['ObjectCount']:,}"
+            compression = f"{stats['AverageCompressionRatio']:.1%}"
+            cached = "✓ (detailed)" if stats['Detailed'] else "✓ (quick)"
+        else:
+            obj_count = "N/A"
+            compression = "N/A"
+            cached = "✗"
+
+        print(f"{name:<30} {obj_count:<10} {compression:<15} {cached}")
+
+# Example: List with stats
+list_buckets_with_stats()
+```
+
+### Monitoring Dashboard (Real-Time)
+
+```python
+import time
+
+def monitoring_dashboard(buckets: list[str], refresh_seconds: int = 60):
+    """Real-time monitoring dashboard with periodic refresh."""
+
+    while True:
+        print("\033[2J\033[H")  # Clear screen
+        print(f"DeltaGlider Monitoring Dashboard - {time.strftime('%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')}")
+        print("=" * 80)
+
+        for bucket_name in buckets:
+            # Get cached stats (instant) or compute fresh
+            stats = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket_name)
+
+            print(f"\n{bucket_name}:")
+            print(f"  Objects: {stats.object_count:,} | "
+                  f"Delta: {stats.delta_objects:,} | "
+                  f"Direct: {stats.direct_objects:,}")
+            print(f"  Size: {stats.compressed_size/(1024**3):.2f} GB | "
+                  f"Saved: {stats.space_saved/(1024**3):.2f} GB | "
+                  f"Compression: {stats.average_compression_ratio:.1%}")
+
+        print(f"\n{'=' * 80}")
+        print(f"Refreshing in {refresh_seconds} seconds... (Ctrl+C to exit)")
+
+        time.sleep(refresh_seconds)
+
+        # Clear cache for fresh data on next iteration
+        client.clear_cache()
+
+# Example: Monitor key buckets
+try:
+    monitoring_dashboard(['releases', 'backups', 'archives'], refresh_seconds=30)
+except KeyboardInterrupt:
+    print("\nMonitoring stopped.")
+```
+
+## Session-Level Cache Management
+
+DeltaGlider maintains session-level caches for optimal performance in long-running applications.
+
+### Long-Running Application Pattern
+
+```python
+from deltaglider import create_client
+import time
+
+def long_running_upload_service():
+    """Upload service with periodic cache cleanup."""
+
+    client = create_client()
+    processed_count = 0
+
+    while True:
+        # Simulate file processing
+        files_to_upload = get_pending_files()  # Your file queue
+
+        for file_path in files_to_upload:
+            try:
+                summary = client.upload(file_path, "s3://releases/")
+                processed_count += 1
+
+                print(f"Uploaded {file_path}: {summary.savings_percent:.0f}% saved")
+
+                # Periodic cache cleanup (every 100 files)
+                if processed_count % 100 == 0:
+                    client.clear_cache()
+                    print(f"Cache cleared after {processed_count} files")
+
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(f"Error uploading {file_path}: {e}")
+
+        time.sleep(60)  # Check for new files every minute
+
+# Example: Run upload service
+# long_running_upload_service()
+```
+
+### Cache Invalidation After External Changes
+
+```python
+def handle_external_bucket_changes(bucket: str):
+    """Refresh statistics after external tools modify bucket."""
+
+    # Get initial stats (cached)
+    stats_before = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket)
+    print(f"Before: {stats_before.object_count} objects")
+
+    # External process modifies bucket
+    print("External backup tool running...")
+    run_external_backup_tool(bucket)  # Your external tool
+
+    # Clear cache to get fresh data
+    client.clear_cache()
+
+    # Get updated stats
+    stats_after = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket)
+    print(f"After: {stats_after.object_count} objects")
+    print(f"Added: {stats_after.object_count - stats_before.object_count} objects")
+
+# Example usage
+handle_external_bucket_changes('backups')
+```
+
+### Selective Cache Eviction
+
+```python
+def selective_cache_management():
+    """Manage cache for specific delta spaces."""
+
+    client = create_client()
+
+    # Upload to multiple delta spaces
+    versions = ['v1.0.0', 'v1.1.0', 'v1.2.0']
+
+    for version in versions:
+        client.upload(f"app-{version}.zip", f"s3://releases/{version}/")
+
+    # Update reference for specific version
+    print("Updating v1.1.0 reference...")
+    client.upload("new-reference.zip", "s3://releases/v1.1.0/")
+
+    # Evict only v1.1.0 cache (others remain cached)
+    client.evict_cache("s3://releases/v1.1.0/reference.bin")
+
+    # Next upload to v1.1.0 fetches fresh reference
+    # v1.0.0 and v1.2.0 still use cached references
+    client.upload("similar-file.zip", "s3://releases/v1.1.0/")
+
+# Example: Selective eviction
+selective_cache_management()
+```
+
+### Testing with Clean Cache
+
+```python
+import pytest
+from deltaglider import create_client
+
+def test_upload_workflow():
+    """Test with clean cache state."""
+
+    client = create_client()
+    client.clear_cache()  # Start with clean state
+
+    # Test first upload (no reference exists)
+    summary1 = client.upload("file1.zip", "s3://test-bucket/prefix/")
+    assert not summary1.is_delta  # First file is reference
+
+    # Test subsequent upload (uses cached reference)
+    summary2 = client.upload("file2.zip", "s3://test-bucket/prefix/")
+    assert summary2.is_delta  # Should use delta
+
+    # Clear and test again
+    client.clear_cache()
+    summary3 = client.upload("file3.zip", "s3://test-bucket/prefix/")
+    assert summary3.is_delta  # Still delta (reference in S3)
+
+# Run test
+# test_upload_workflow()
+```
+
+### Cache Performance Monitoring
+
+```python
+import time
+
+def measure_cache_performance(bucket: str):
+    """Measure performance impact of caching."""
+
+    client = create_client()
+
+    # Test 1: Cold cache
+    client.clear_cache()
+    start = time.time()
+    stats1 = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket, detailed_stats=True)
+    cold_time = (time.time() - start) * 1000
+
+    # Test 2: Warm cache
+    start = time.time()
+    stats2 = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket, detailed_stats=True)
+    warm_time = (time.time() - start) * 1000
+
+    # Test 3: Quick stats from detailed cache
+    start = time.time()
+    stats3 = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket, detailed_stats=False)
+    reuse_time = (time.time() - start) * 1000
+
+    print(f"Cache Performance for {bucket}:")
+    print(f"  Cold Cache (detailed):     {cold_time:.0f}ms")
+    print(f"  Warm Cache (detailed):     {warm_time:.0f}ms")
+    print(f"  Cache Reuse (quick):       {reuse_time:.0f}ms")
+    print(f"  Speedup (detailed):        {cold_time/warm_time:.1f}x")
+    print(f"  Speedup (reuse):           {cold_time/reuse_time:.1f}x")
+
+# Example: Measure cache performance
+measure_cache_performance('releases')
+```
+
 3. **Use Pagination**: For large buckets, use `MaxKeys` and `ContinuationToken` to paginate results.
 
 4. **Cache Results**: If you need metadata frequently, consider caching the results to avoid repeated HEAD requests.

docs/sdk/getting-started.md

@@ -76,6 +76,10 @@ DeltaGlider supports the following environment variables:
 **Logging & Performance**:
 - `DG_LOG_LEVEL`: Logging level (default: `INFO`, options: `DEBUG`, `INFO`, `WARNING`, `ERROR`)
 - `DG_MAX_RATIO`: Maximum delta/file ratio (default: `0.5`, range: `0.0-1.0`)
+  - **See [DG_MAX_RATIO.md](../DG_MAX_RATIO.md) for complete tuning guide**
+  - Controls when to use delta compression vs. direct storage
+  - Lower (0.2-0.3) = conservative, only high-quality compression
+  - Higher (0.6-0.7) = permissive, accept modest savings
 
 **Cache Configuration**:
 - `DG_CACHE_BACKEND`: Cache backend type (default: `filesystem`, options: `filesystem`, `memory`)

src/deltaglider/adapters/cache_cas.py

@@ -242,5 +242,29 @@ class ContentAddressedCache(CachePort):
 
         # NOTE: We don't delete the actual CAS file because:
         # - Other deltaspaces may reference the same SHA
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Clear all cached references.
+
+        Removes all cached files and mappings. This is a destructive operation
+        that forcibly removes the entire cache directory.
+
+        Use cases:
+        - Long-running applications that need to free disk space
+        - Manual cache invalidation
+        - Test cleanup
+        - Ensuring fresh data fetch after configuration changes
+        """
+        import shutil
+
+        # Clear in-memory mapping
+        self._deltaspace_to_sha.clear()
+
+        # Remove all cache files (destructive!)
+        if self.base_dir.exists():
+            shutil.rmtree(self.base_dir, ignore_errors=True)
+
+        # Recreate base directory with secure permissions
+        self.base_dir.mkdir(parents=True, mode=0o700, exist_ok=True)
         # - The ephemeral cache will be cleaned on process exit anyway
         # - For persistent cache (future), we'd need reference counting

src/deltaglider/adapters/cache_encrypted.py

@@ -281,3 +281,25 @@ class EncryptedCache(CachePort):
 
         # Evict from backend
         self.backend.evict(bucket, prefix)
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Clear all cached references and encryption mappings.
+
+        Removes all cached data and clears encryption key mappings.
+        This is the proper way to forcibly clean up cache in long-running
+        applications.
+
+        Use cases:
+        - Long-running applications needing to free resources
+        - Manual cache invalidation after key rotation
+        - Test cleanup
+        - Memory pressure situations
+
+        Note: After clearing, the cache will use a fresh encryption key
+              (ephemeral mode) or the same persistent key (if DG_CACHE_ENCRYPTION_KEY set).
+        """
+        # Clear encryption mapping
+        self._plaintext_sha_map.clear()
+
+        # Delegate to backend to clear actual files/memory
+        self.backend.clear()

src/deltaglider/app/cli/main.py

@@ -640,6 +640,84 @@ def verify(service: DeltaService, s3_url: str) -> None:
         sys.exit(1)
 
 
+@cli.command()
+@click.argument("bucket")
+@click.option("--detailed", is_flag=True, help="Fetch detailed compression metrics (slower)")
+@click.option("--json", "output_json", is_flag=True, help="Output in JSON format")
+@click.pass_obj
+def stats(service: DeltaService, bucket: str, detailed: bool, output_json: bool) -> None:
+    """Get bucket statistics and compression metrics.
+
+    BUCKET can be specified as:
+      - s3://bucket-name/
+      - s3://bucket-name
+      - bucket-name
+    """
+    from ...client import DeltaGliderClient
+
+    try:
+        # Parse bucket from S3 URL if needed
+        if bucket.startswith("s3://"):
+            # Remove s3:// prefix and any trailing slashes
+            bucket = bucket[5:].rstrip("/")
+            # Extract just the bucket name (first path component)
+            bucket = bucket.split("/")[0] if "/" in bucket else bucket
+
+        if not bucket:
+            click.echo("Error: Invalid bucket name", err=True)
+            sys.exit(1)
+
+        # Create client from service
+        client = DeltaGliderClient(service=service)
+
+        # Get bucket stats
+        bucket_stats = client.get_bucket_stats(bucket, detailed_stats=detailed)
+
+        if output_json:
+            # JSON output
+            output = {
+                "bucket": bucket_stats.bucket,
+                "object_count": bucket_stats.object_count,
+                "total_size": bucket_stats.total_size,
+                "compressed_size": bucket_stats.compressed_size,
+                "space_saved": bucket_stats.space_saved,
+                "average_compression_ratio": bucket_stats.average_compression_ratio,
+                "delta_objects": bucket_stats.delta_objects,
+                "direct_objects": bucket_stats.direct_objects,
+            }
+            click.echo(json.dumps(output, indent=2))
+        else:
+            # Human-readable output
+            def format_bytes(size: float) -> str:
+                """Format bytes to human-readable size."""
+                for unit in ["B", "KB", "MB", "GB", "TB"]:
+                    if size < 1024.0:
+                        return f"{size:.2f} {unit}"
+                    size /= 1024.0
+                return f"{size:.2f} PB"
+
+            click.echo(f"Bucket Statistics: {bucket_stats.bucket}")
+            click.echo(f"{'=' * 60}")
+            click.echo(f"Total Objects:        {bucket_stats.object_count:,}")
+            click.echo(f"  Delta Objects:      {bucket_stats.delta_objects:,}")
+            click.echo(f"  Direct Objects:     {bucket_stats.direct_objects:,}")
+            click.echo("")
+            click.echo(
+                f"Original Size:        {format_bytes(bucket_stats.total_size)} ({bucket_stats.total_size:,} bytes)"
+            )
+            click.echo(
+                f"Compressed Size:      {format_bytes(bucket_stats.compressed_size)} ({bucket_stats.compressed_size:,} bytes)"
+            )
+            click.echo(
+                f"Space Saved:          {format_bytes(bucket_stats.space_saved)} ({bucket_stats.space_saved:,} bytes)"
+            )
+            click.echo(f"Compression Ratio:    {bucket_stats.average_compression_ratio:.1%}")
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        click.echo(f"Error: {e}", err=True)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+
 def main() -> None:
     """Main entry point."""
     cli()

src/deltaglider/client.py

@@ -63,6 +63,52 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
         self.service = service
         self.endpoint_url = endpoint_url
         self._multipart_uploads: dict[str, Any] = {}  # Track multipart uploads
+        # Session-scoped bucket statistics cache (cleared with the client lifecycle)
+        self._bucket_stats_cache: dict[str, dict[bool, BucketStats]] = {}
+
+    # -------------------------------------------------------------------------
+    # Internal helpers
+    # -------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _invalidate_bucket_stats_cache(self, bucket: str | None = None) -> None:
+        """Invalidate cached bucket statistics."""
+        if bucket is None:
+            self._bucket_stats_cache.clear()
+        else:
+            self._bucket_stats_cache.pop(bucket, None)
+
+    def _store_bucket_stats_cache(
+        self,
+        bucket: str,
+        detailed_stats: bool,
+        stats: BucketStats,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Store bucket statistics in the session cache."""
+        bucket_cache = self._bucket_stats_cache.setdefault(bucket, {})
+        bucket_cache[detailed_stats] = stats
+        # Detailed stats are a superset of quick stats; reuse them for quick calls.
+        if detailed_stats:
+            bucket_cache[False] = stats
+
+    def _get_cached_bucket_stats(self, bucket: str, detailed_stats: bool) -> BucketStats | None:
+        """Retrieve cached stats for a bucket, preferring detailed metrics when available."""
+        bucket_cache = self._bucket_stats_cache.get(bucket)
+        if not bucket_cache:
+            return None
+        if detailed_stats:
+            return bucket_cache.get(True)
+        return bucket_cache.get(False) or bucket_cache.get(True)
+
+    def _get_cached_bucket_stats_for_listing(self, bucket: str) -> tuple[BucketStats | None, bool]:
+        """Return best cached stats for bucket listings."""
+        bucket_cache = self._bucket_stats_cache.get(bucket)
+        if not bucket_cache:
+            return (None, False)
+        if True in bucket_cache:
+            return (bucket_cache[True], True)
+        if False in bucket_cache:
+            return (bucket_cache[False], False)
+        return (None, False)
 
     # ============================================================================
     # Boto3-compatible APIs (matches S3 client interface)
@@ -171,13 +217,15 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
             }
 
             # Return as dict[str, Any] for public API (TypedDict is a dict at runtime!)
-            return cast(
+            response = cast(
                 dict[str, Any],
                 build_put_response(
                     etag=f'"{sha256_hash}"',
                     deltaglider_info=deltaglider_info,
                 ),
             )
+            self._invalidate_bucket_stats_cache(Bucket)
+            return response
         finally:
             # Clean up temp file
             if tmp_path.exists():
@@ -418,7 +466,7 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
             deltaglider_info["DependentDeltas"] = dependent_deltas
 
         # Return as dict[str, Any] for public API (TypedDict is a dict at runtime!)
-        return cast(
+        response = cast(
             dict[str, Any],
             build_delete_response(
                 delete_marker=False,
@@ -426,6 +474,8 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
                 deltaglider_info=deltaglider_info,
             ),
         )
+        self._invalidate_bucket_stats_cache(Bucket)
+        return response
 
     def delete_objects(
         self,
@@ -502,6 +552,7 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
             }
 
         response["ResponseMetadata"] = {"HTTPStatusCode": 200}
+        self._invalidate_bucket_stats_cache(Bucket)
         return response
 
     def delete_objects_recursive(
@@ -627,6 +678,7 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
         if single_details:
             response["DeltaGliderInfo"]["SingleDeletes"] = single_details  # type: ignore[index]
 
+        self._invalidate_bucket_stats_cache(Bucket)
         return response
 
     def head_object(
@@ -703,7 +755,7 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
         is_delta = summary.delta_size is not None
         stored_size = summary.delta_size if is_delta else summary.file_size
 
-        return UploadSummary(
+        upload_summary = UploadSummary(
             operation=summary.operation,
             bucket=summary.bucket,
             key=summary.key,
@@ -712,6 +764,8 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
             is_delta=is_delta,
             delta_ratio=summary.delta_ratio or 0.0,
         )
+        self._invalidate_bucket_stats_cache(bucket)
+        return upload_summary
 
     def download(self, s3_url: str, output_path: str | Path) -> None:
         """Download and reconstruct a file from S3.
@@ -938,7 +992,12 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
             stats = client.get_bucket_stats('releases', detailed_stats=True)
             print(f"Compression ratio: {stats.average_compression_ratio:.1%}")
         """
+        cached = self._get_cached_bucket_stats(bucket, detailed_stats)
+        if cached:
+            return cached
+
         result: BucketStats = _get_bucket_stats(self, bucket, detailed_stats)
+        self._store_bucket_stats_cache(bucket, detailed_stats, result)
         return result
 
     def generate_presigned_url(
@@ -1010,7 +1069,9 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
             ...     CreateBucketConfiguration={'LocationConstraint': 'us-west-2'}
             ... )
         """
-        return _create_bucket(self, Bucket, CreateBucketConfiguration, **kwargs)
+        response = _create_bucket(self, Bucket, CreateBucketConfiguration, **kwargs)
+        self._invalidate_bucket_stats_cache(Bucket)
+        return response
 
     def delete_bucket(
         self,
@@ -1032,7 +1093,9 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
             >>> client = create_client()
             >>> client.delete_bucket(Bucket='my-bucket')
         """
-        return _delete_bucket(self, Bucket, **kwargs)
+        response = _delete_bucket(self, Bucket, **kwargs)
+        self._invalidate_bucket_stats_cache(Bucket)
+        return response
 
     def list_buckets(self, **kwargs: Any) -> dict[str, Any]:
         """List all S3 buckets (boto3-compatible).
@@ -1061,6 +1124,87 @@ class DeltaGliderClient:
                     tags[key] = value
         return tags
 
+    # ============================================================================
+    # Cache Management APIs (DeltaGlider Extensions)
+    # ============================================================================
+
+    def clear_cache(self) -> None:
+        """Clear all cached reference files.
+
+        Forcibly removes all cached data from memory or disk. This is essential for
+        long-running applications that need to:
+        - Free memory/disk space
+        - Invalidate cache after configuration changes
+        - Ensure fresh data fetch from S3
+        - Clean up after tests
+
+        **Important for Long-Running Applications**:
+        Unlike the CLI which cleans up cache on exit, programmatic SDK usage
+        requires manual cache management. Call this method periodically or when:
+        - Application runs for extended periods (hours/days)
+        - Memory usage is high
+        - Configuration changes (endpoint, credentials, encryption key)
+        - Testing scenarios requiring clean state
+
+        **Effects**:
+        - Filesystem cache: Removes all files from cache directory
+        - Memory cache: Clears all in-memory data
+        - Encrypted cache: Clears encryption key mappings
+        - Next upload will re-fetch reference from S3
+
+        **Example - Long-Running Service**:
+        ```python
+        from deltaglider import create_client
+        import schedule
+        import time
+
+        client = create_client()
+
+        def upload_task():
+            client.put_object(Bucket='releases', Key='app.zip', Body=open('app.zip', 'rb'))
+
+        def cleanup_task():
+            client.clear_cache()  # Free resources every hour
+            print("Cache cleared")
+
+        # Upload every 10 minutes
+        schedule.every(10).minutes.do(upload_task)
+
+        # Clear cache every hour
+        schedule.every().hour.do(cleanup_task)
+
+        while True:
+            schedule.run_pending()
+            time.sleep(1)
+        ```
+
+        **Example - Test Cleanup**:
+        ```python
+        def test_upload():
+            client = create_client()
+            try:
+                client.put_object(Bucket='test', Key='file.zip', Body=b'data')
+            finally:
+                client.clear_cache()  # Ensure clean state for next test
+        ```
+
+        **Example - After Configuration Change**:
+        ```python
+        client = create_client(endpoint_url='http://minio1:9000')
+        client.put_object(Bucket='bucket', Key='file.zip', Body=b'data')
+
+        # Switch to different endpoint
+        client.clear_cache()  # Clear cache from old endpoint
+        client = create_client(endpoint_url='http://minio2:9000')
+        ```
+
+        See Also:
+        - `evict_cache()`: Remove specific cached reference
+        - docs/CACHE_MANAGEMENT.md: Complete cache management guide
+        """
+        self._invalidate_bucket_stats_cache()
+        self.service.cache.clear()
+
 
 def create_client(
     endpoint_url: str | None = None,

src/deltaglider/client_operations/bucket.py

@@ -138,10 +138,32 @@ def list_buckets(
     # Check if storage adapter has boto3 client
     if hasattr(storage_adapter, "client"):
         try:
-            response = storage_adapter.client.list_buckets()
+            raw_response = storage_adapter.client.list_buckets()
+
+            buckets: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+            for bucket_entry in raw_response.get("Buckets", []):
+                bucket_data = dict(bucket_entry)
+                name = bucket_data.get("Name")
+                if isinstance(name, str) and name:
+                    cached_stats, detailed = client._get_cached_bucket_stats_for_listing(name)
+                    if cached_stats is not None:
+                        bucket_data["DeltaGliderStats"] = {
+                            "Cached": True,
+                            "Detailed": detailed,
+                            "ObjectCount": cached_stats.object_count,
+                            "TotalSize": cached_stats.total_size,
+                            "CompressedSize": cached_stats.compressed_size,
+                            "SpaceSaved": cached_stats.space_saved,
+                            "AverageCompressionRatio": cached_stats.average_compression_ratio,
+                            "DeltaObjects": cached_stats.delta_objects,
+                            "DirectObjects": cached_stats.direct_objects,
+                        }
+
+                buckets.append(bucket_data)
+
             return {
-                "Buckets": response.get("Buckets", []),
-                "Owner": response.get("Owner", {}),
+                "Buckets": buckets,
+                "Owner": raw_response.get("Owner", {}),
                 "ResponseMetadata": {
                     "HTTPStatusCode": 200,
                 },

src/deltaglider/ports/cache.py

@@ -42,3 +42,18 @@ class CachePort(Protocol):
     def evict(self, bucket: str, prefix: str) -> None:
         """Remove cached reference."""
         ...
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Clear all cached references.
+
+        This method forcibly removes all cached data, useful for:
+        - Long-running applications that need to free memory
+        - Test cleanup
+        - Manual cache invalidation
+        - Ensuring fresh data fetch
+
+        Note: For filesystem caches, this removes all files in the cache directory.
+              For memory caches, this clears all in-memory data.
+              For encrypted caches, this also clears encryption key mappings.
+        """
+        ...

tests/integration/test_bucket_management.py

@@ -1,11 +1,13 @@
 """Tests for bucket management APIs."""
 
+from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import Mock
 
 import pytest
 
 from deltaglider.app.cli.main import create_service
 from deltaglider.client import DeltaGliderClient
+from deltaglider.client_models import BucketStats
 
 
 class TestBucketManagement:
@@ -123,6 +125,47 @@ class TestBucketManagement:
         assert response["Buckets"] == []
         assert response["ResponseMetadata"]["HTTPStatusCode"] == 200
 
+    def test_list_buckets_includes_cached_stats(self):
+        """Bucket list should merge cached stats when available."""
+        service = create_service()
+        mock_storage = Mock()
+        service.storage = mock_storage
+
+        mock_boto3_client = Mock()
+        mock_boto3_client.list_buckets.return_value = {
+            "Buckets": [
+                {"Name": "bucket1", "CreationDate": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"},
+                {"Name": "bucket2", "CreationDate": "2025-01-02T00:00:00Z"},
+            ],
+            "Owner": {"DisplayName": "test-user", "ID": "12345"},
+        }
+        mock_storage.client = mock_boto3_client
+
+        client = DeltaGliderClient(service)
+
+        cached_stats = BucketStats(
+            bucket="bucket1",
+            object_count=10,
+            total_size=1000,
+            compressed_size=600,
+            space_saved=400,
+            average_compression_ratio=0.4,
+            delta_objects=6,
+            direct_objects=4,
+        )
+        client._store_bucket_stats_cache("bucket1", detailed_stats=True, stats=cached_stats)
+
+        response = client.list_buckets()
+
+        bucket1 = next(bucket for bucket in response["Buckets"] if bucket["Name"] == "bucket1")
+        assert bucket1["DeltaGliderStats"]["Cached"] is True
+        assert bucket1["DeltaGliderStats"]["Detailed"] is True
+        assert bucket1["DeltaGliderStats"]["ObjectCount"] == cached_stats.object_count
+        assert bucket1["DeltaGliderStats"]["TotalSize"] == cached_stats.total_size
+
+        bucket2 = next(bucket for bucket in response["Buckets"] if bucket["Name"] == "bucket2")
+        assert "DeltaGliderStats" not in bucket2
+
     def test_delete_bucket_success(self):
         """Test deleting a bucket successfully."""
         service = create_service()
@@ -178,6 +221,69 @@ class TestBucketManagement:
         with pytest.raises(RuntimeError, match="Failed to delete bucket"):
             client.delete_bucket(Bucket="full-bucket")
 
+    def test_get_bucket_stats_caches_per_session(self, monkeypatch):
+        """Verify bucket stats are cached within the client session."""
+        service = create_service()
+        mock_storage = Mock()
+        service.storage = mock_storage
+
+        mock_storage.client = Mock()
+
+        client = DeltaGliderClient(service)
+
+        quick_stats = BucketStats(
+            bucket="bucket1",
+            object_count=5,
+            total_size=500,
+            compressed_size=300,
+            space_saved=200,
+            average_compression_ratio=0.4,
+            delta_objects=3,
+            direct_objects=2,
+        )
+        detailed_stats = BucketStats(
+            bucket="bucket1",
+            object_count=5,
+            total_size=520,
+            compressed_size=300,
+            space_saved=220,
+            average_compression_ratio=0.423,
+            delta_objects=3,
+            direct_objects=2,
+        )
+
+        call_count = {"value": 0}
+
+        def fake_get_bucket_stats(_: Any, bucket: str, detailed_stats_flag: bool) -> BucketStats:
+            call_count["value"] += 1
+            assert bucket == "bucket1"
+            return detailed_stats if detailed_stats_flag else quick_stats
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr("deltaglider.client._get_bucket_stats", fake_get_bucket_stats)
+
+        # First call should invoke underlying function
+        result_quick = client.get_bucket_stats("bucket1")
+        assert result_quick is quick_stats
+        assert call_count["value"] == 1
+
+        # Second quick call should hit cache
+        assert client.get_bucket_stats("bucket1") is quick_stats
+        assert call_count["value"] == 1
+
+        # Detailed call triggers new computation
+        result_detailed = client.get_bucket_stats("bucket1", detailed_stats=True)
+        assert result_detailed is detailed_stats
+        assert call_count["value"] == 2
+
+        # Quick call after detailed uses detailed cached value (more accurate)
+        assert client.get_bucket_stats("bucket1") is detailed_stats
+        assert call_count["value"] == 2
+
+        # Clearing the cache should force recomputation
+        client.clear_cache()
+        assert client.get_bucket_stats("bucket1") is quick_stats
+        assert call_count["value"] == 3
+
     def test_bucket_methods_without_boto3_client(self):
         """Test that bucket methods raise NotImplementedError when storage doesn't support it."""
         service = create_service()

tests/integration/test_stats_command.py

@@ -0,0 +1,214 @@
+"""Integration tests for stats CLI command."""
+
+import json
+from unittest.mock import Mock, patch
+
+from click.testing import CliRunner
+
+from deltaglider.app.cli.main import cli
+from deltaglider.client_models import BucketStats
+
+
+class TestStatsCommand:
+    """Test stats CLI command."""
+
+    def test_stats_json_output(self):
+        """Test stats command with JSON output."""
+        # Create mock bucket stats
+        mock_stats = BucketStats(
+            bucket="test-bucket",
+            object_count=10,
+            total_size=1000000,
+            compressed_size=500000,
+            space_saved=500000,
+            average_compression_ratio=0.5,
+            delta_objects=7,
+            direct_objects=3,
+        )
+
+        with patch("deltaglider.client.DeltaGliderClient") as mock_client_class:
+            # Setup mock client
+            mock_client = Mock()
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.return_value = mock_stats
+            mock_client_class.return_value = mock_client
+
+            # Run command
+            runner = CliRunner()
+            result = runner.invoke(cli, ["stats", "test-bucket", "--json"])
+
+            # Verify
+            assert result.exit_code == 0
+            output = json.loads(result.output)
+            assert output["bucket"] == "test-bucket"
+            assert output["object_count"] == 10
+            assert output["total_size"] == 1000000
+            assert output["compressed_size"] == 500000
+            assert output["space_saved"] == 500000
+            assert output["average_compression_ratio"] == 0.5
+            assert output["delta_objects"] == 7
+            assert output["direct_objects"] == 3
+
+            # Verify client was called correctly
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.assert_called_once_with(
+                "test-bucket", detailed_stats=False
+            )
+
+    def test_stats_json_output_detailed(self):
+        """Test stats command with detailed JSON output."""
+        mock_stats = BucketStats(
+            bucket="test-bucket",
+            object_count=5,
+            total_size=2000000,
+            compressed_size=100000,
+            space_saved=1900000,
+            average_compression_ratio=0.95,
+            delta_objects=5,
+            direct_objects=0,
+        )
+
+        with patch("deltaglider.client.DeltaGliderClient") as mock_client_class:
+            mock_client = Mock()
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.return_value = mock_stats
+            mock_client_class.return_value = mock_client
+
+            runner = CliRunner()
+            result = runner.invoke(cli, ["stats", "test-bucket", "--detailed", "--json"])
+
+            assert result.exit_code == 0
+            output = json.loads(result.output)
+            assert output["average_compression_ratio"] == 0.95
+
+            # Verify detailed flag was passed
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.assert_called_once_with("test-bucket", detailed_stats=True)
+
+    def test_stats_human_readable_output(self):
+        """Test stats command with human-readable output."""
+        mock_stats = BucketStats(
+            bucket="test-bucket",
+            object_count=10,
+            total_size=1500000,  # ~1.43 MB
+            compressed_size=300000,  # ~293 KB
+            space_saved=1200000,  # ~1.14 MB
+            average_compression_ratio=0.8,
+            delta_objects=7,
+            direct_objects=3,
+        )
+
+        with patch("deltaglider.client.DeltaGliderClient") as mock_client_class:
+            mock_client = Mock()
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.return_value = mock_stats
+            mock_client_class.return_value = mock_client
+
+            runner = CliRunner()
+            result = runner.invoke(cli, ["stats", "test-bucket"])
+
+            assert result.exit_code == 0
+            output = result.output
+
+            # Verify human-readable format
+            assert "Bucket Statistics: test-bucket" in output
+            assert "Total Objects:" in output
+            assert "10" in output
+            assert "Delta Objects:" in output
+            assert "7" in output
+            assert "Direct Objects:" in output
+            assert "3" in output
+            assert "Original Size:" in output
+            assert "Compressed Size:" in output
+            assert "Space Saved:" in output
+            assert "Compression Ratio:" in output
+            assert "80.0%" in output  # 0.8 = 80%
+
+    def test_stats_error_handling(self):
+        """Test stats command error handling."""
+        with patch("deltaglider.client.DeltaGliderClient") as mock_client_class:
+            mock_client = Mock()
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.side_effect = Exception("Bucket not found")
+            mock_client_class.return_value = mock_client
+
+            runner = CliRunner()
+            result = runner.invoke(cli, ["stats", "nonexistent-bucket"])
+
+            assert result.exit_code == 1
+            assert "Error: Bucket not found" in result.output
+
+    def test_stats_with_s3_url(self):
+        """Test stats command with s3:// URL format."""
+        mock_stats = BucketStats(
+            bucket="test-bucket",
+            object_count=5,
+            total_size=1000000,
+            compressed_size=500000,
+            space_saved=500000,
+            average_compression_ratio=0.5,
+            delta_objects=3,
+            direct_objects=2,
+        )
+
+        with patch("deltaglider.client.DeltaGliderClient") as mock_client_class:
+            mock_client = Mock()
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.return_value = mock_stats
+            mock_client_class.return_value = mock_client
+
+            runner = CliRunner()
+            result = runner.invoke(cli, ["stats", "s3://test-bucket", "--json"])
+
+            assert result.exit_code == 0
+            # Verify bucket name was parsed correctly from S3 URL
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.assert_called_once_with(
+                "test-bucket", detailed_stats=False
+            )
+
+    def test_stats_with_s3_url_trailing_slash(self):
+        """Test stats command with s3:// URL format with trailing slash."""
+        mock_stats = BucketStats(
+            bucket="test-bucket",
+            object_count=5,
+            total_size=1000000,
+            compressed_size=500000,
+            space_saved=500000,
+            average_compression_ratio=0.5,
+            delta_objects=3,
+            direct_objects=2,
+        )
+
+        with patch("deltaglider.client.DeltaGliderClient") as mock_client_class:
+            mock_client = Mock()
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.return_value = mock_stats
+            mock_client_class.return_value = mock_client
+
+            runner = CliRunner()
+            result = runner.invoke(cli, ["stats", "s3://test-bucket/", "--json"])
+
+            assert result.exit_code == 0
+            # Verify bucket name was parsed correctly from S3 URL with trailing slash
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.assert_called_once_with(
+                "test-bucket", detailed_stats=False
+            )
+
+    def test_stats_with_s3_url_with_prefix(self):
+        """Test stats command with s3:// URL format with prefix (should ignore prefix)."""
+        mock_stats = BucketStats(
+            bucket="test-bucket",
+            object_count=5,
+            total_size=1000000,
+            compressed_size=500000,
+            space_saved=500000,
+            average_compression_ratio=0.5,
+            delta_objects=3,
+            direct_objects=2,
+        )
+
+        with patch("deltaglider.client.DeltaGliderClient") as mock_client_class:
+            mock_client = Mock()
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.return_value = mock_stats
+            mock_client_class.return_value = mock_client
+
+            runner = CliRunner()
+            result = runner.invoke(cli, ["stats", "s3://test-bucket/some/prefix/", "--json"])
+
+            assert result.exit_code == 0
+            # Verify only bucket name was extracted, prefix ignored
+            mock_client.get_bucket_stats.assert_called_once_with(
+                "test-bucket", detailed_stats=False
+            )