Why is there a 'cache' folder in my /wp-content/uploads folder?

Question

I'm using WordPress 3.5.1. On my web site, the image paths for my post thumbnails, instead of directly linking to the image (i.e. /wp-content/uploads/image.jpg) are linking to /wp-content/uploads/cache/image-slug/12314335235.jpg

Images 'inserted into posts' show up using their original URLs (i.e. /wp-content/uploads/image.jpg). The cache somehow only applies to post thumbnails.

I've searched for why this is happening, but haven't found any solutions. If it makes a difference, I used to have WP Super Cache installed, but it's been a few days since I've properly deactivated and deleted the plugin.

Why would this be happening, and how can I stop it (and pull the images directly)?

Thanks!

Solution

Enable/Disable Caching in wp-config.php.

Another caching mechanism you could take advantage of is the default WordPress object cache. You can enable or disable the native WordPress object cache using your wp-config.php file, like so.

define('WP_CACHE', true);

Simply add the above code directly above /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */ using any text editor (Notepad is fine) and save the file.