Design and Development

WordPress 6.0, PHP 8.1, and the Upcoming EOL of PHP 7.4

September 8, 2023

8 min read

WordPress 6.0, PHP 8.1, and the Upcoming EOL of PHP 7.4

Exploring PHP Version Updates: What You Need to Know

In our continuous effort to keep you informed about the latest PHP version developments, we’re here with an update on the PHP version schedule for the first quarter of 2022 Despite the delay, we have some exciting news to share. This blog post will dive into the reasons behind the delay, our successful transition from PHP 7.3 to 7.4, and what to expect in the upcoming months. Let’s get started!

Delayed Communication: The Reasons Behind It

We understand your anticipation for PHP version updates, but there were two significant reasons for the delay in our communication:

WordPress Compatibility with PHP 8.1

Before proceeding with PHP 8.1 as the “Latest” version, we needed to ensure that WordPress Core was fully compatible with it. With the release of WordPress 6.0, we now have the green light to set PHP 8.1 as the latest PHP version.

Pagely and GoDaddy Collaboration

In November 2021, Pagely joined forces with GoDaddy, embarking on a corporate integration journey. This transition required time and effort to align our services. We’ve learned and grown during this period, and we’ve even shared our expertise in running a robust WordPress hosting platform with GoDaddy.

You can read more about the Pagely-GoDaddy collaboration from our co-founder and CEO, Joshua Strebel.

Now that we’ve covered the reasons behind the delay, let’s delve into the crucial updates.

Successful PHP 7.3 Sunset

In the previous year, we smoothly transitioned our entire platform from PHP 7.3 to PHP 7.4. This transition was a significant success, and most of our customers didn’t need to take any action. Our fully managed WordPress experience ensured a seamless process for them.

Behind-the-Scenes Testing

To ensure a smooth transition, we meticulously tested every site using PHP 7.3, then tested them on PHP 7.4 to identify compatibility issues. The majority of sites transitioned seamlessly to PHP 7.4, while a few with compatibility issues remained on PHP 7.3.

Dockerization for Enhanced Flexibility

Our transition to Docker-based PHP-FPM environments provided added flexibility and simplified the testing process for new PHP versions. This approach allowed us to create separate Docker containers for each app, enabling compatibility testing with minimal downtime.

Benefits of Dockerization

Reduced compatibility testing time.
Elimination of site cloning complexities.
Enhanced testing accuracy for multiple PHP versions.

Our commitment to simplifying your hosting experience led us to innovate with fresh solutions to common pain points faced by enterprise WordPress sites.

PHP Version Transition: What Lies Ahead

As PHP 7.4 approaches its End-of-Life (EOL) later this year, we plan to repeat our successful testing approach with PHP 8.0. We’ll test every site set to the “Stable” version preference for compatibility with PHP 8.0 and those on the “Latest” version preference for PHP 8.1 compatibility.

PHP 8 Compatibility Testing and Release Timeline

Starting the week of August 8, 2022, we’ll make the following changes:

PHP 7.4 “Sunset” remains as “Sunset” until November 28, 2022 (full EOL).
PHP 7.4 “Stable” transitions to PHP 8.0.
PHP 8.0 “Latest” transitions to PHP 8.1.

After November 28, 2022, “Sunset” will transition to PHP 8.0. Official notices will be posted on our status page when the transition begins.

Preparing for Upcoming PHP Version Changes

We urge all Pagely customers to log into Atomic and review the PHP version settings for their sites. If you’re currently set to “Sunset,” we recommend updating it to “Stable” to access newer stable versions sooner. This adjustment ensures you have a wider window for fallback to “Sunset” if compatibility issues arise.

PHP Compatibility Check

PHP 8.0 (Upcoming New “Stable” Version)

PHP 8.0, stable since November 2020, offers new features and performance improvements. Most WordPress plugins and WP Core are already compatible with PHP 8.0.

PHP 8.1 (Upcoming New “Latest” Version)

WordPress 6.0 introduced preliminary support for PHP 8.1. We recommend using PHP 8.1 only for sites on WP 6.0, as full compatibility is still in progress for WordPress core, plugins, and themes.

Transition Plan for Locked PHP Versions

If your PHP version is locked to 7.4 or 8.0, we will make changes in November to sites running PHP 7.4, shifting them to 8.0. We advise reviewing your site code to ensure compatibility with 8.0. Additionally, consider disabling version locks and opting for “Stable” or “Latest” preferences for a seamless update experience.

The Future of PHP Versions

Beyond November 2022, we’ll re-evaluate PHP version preferences based on WordPress Core compatibility. We aim to make the latest versions available as soon as they’re viable. We might even introduce PHP 8.2 as a “Beta” option shortly after its release.

Stay tuned for further updates, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with your PHP version preferences. Your satisfaction and website’s performance are our top priorities.

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Design and Development

How to Check & Update Your PHP Version in WordPress

September 8, 2023

8 min read

How to Check & Update Your PHP Version in WordPress

Exploring the Significance of PHP in WordPress Websites

PHP is a fundamental component of every WordPress website, and its smooth operation is crucial for an optimal user experience. However, navigating the process of managing PHP can be challenging. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of PHP within WordPress, discussing its importance, methods to safely assess, update, and upgrade PHP across different web hosting platforms.

Section 1: Understanding PHP in WordPress

An Introduction to PHP in WordPress

To comprehend the importance of PHP, we must first recognize its role. Code forms the backbone of websites, and for WordPress, PHP is the essential programming language. PHP, an open-source scripting language primarily used in web development, plays a pivotal role in generating content on both the front and back ends of a website. This process involves user requests, data retrieval from databases, and rendering data into HTML format.

Section 2: The Indispensability of PHP in WordPress

Why PHP is Essential to WordPress Websites

PHP is integral to WordPress, shaping how content is presented to visitors and facilitating the functioning of the WordPress admin dashboard. Whether you’re managing the front end or using plugins and themes, PHP is omnipresent in your WordPress experience. This deep integration underscores the significance of maintaining an updated PHP version.

Section 3: Benefits of Keeping Your WordPress PHP Version Updated

Three Compelling Reasons to Update Your PHP Version

Updating your PHP version is not a trivial task; it brings substantial benefits to your website. Here are three compelling reasons why maintaining an up-to-date PHP version is essential:

1. Enhance Website Speed

Outdated PHP versions can significantly slow down your site’s performance. Older versions may not optimize server resources efficiently, resulting in slower operation. In a world where users demand lightning-fast loading times, a delay of just a few seconds can increase bounce rates by 32%. Additionally, website speed is closely tied to search engine rankings, and slower sites tend to rank lower, leading to decreased organic traffic.

2. Strengthen Website Security

Website security is paramount, especially when handling sensitive data. Updating PHP is a simple yet effective method to fortify your site’s security. Developers continually release patches to address vulnerabilities, as PHP is an open-source language and a prime target for hackers. Keeping your PHP version up-to-date adds an essential layer of security to safeguard your site from potential threats.

3. Maintain Website Stability

PHP versions that don’t efficiently manage server resources can lead to excessive memory usage, potentially causing your site to crash. This can negatively impact user experience and harm your search engine rankings. Updates optimize resource utilization, reducing memory demands and minimizing compatibility issues with plugins and themes. A stable website ensures smoother operation and better security against downtime caused by attacks.

Section 4: Checking Your WordPress PHP Version

Methods to Determine Your PHP Version

Before initiating the update process, you need to verify your current PHP version. Two straightforward methods can help you ascertain this information:

1. WordPress Backend

WordPress provides user-friendly tools to check your PHP version. You may receive notifications about new PHP versions on your dashboard. Alternatively, navigate to “Tools” > “Site Health” > “Info” and scroll down to the “Server” section to find your PHP version.

2. PHP File

For a more technical approach, you can create a PHP file to fetch this information. Follow these steps:

Open a text editor and create a new file.
Insert the following code: <?php phpinfo(); ?>.
Save the file as “phpversion.php” (ensure it’s saved as .php, not .txt).
Upload the file to your website’s root directory using your hosting service’s file manager or FTP client.
Access the PHP version information by visiting your website URL followed by “/phpversion.php.”

Remember to delete this file after use to prevent exposing your site’s information to potential security risks.

Section 5: Preparing for PHP Version Update

Three Essential Preparatory Steps

Before updating your PHP version, take these crucial preparatory steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Create a Site Backup

Prioritize the creation of a comprehensive backup of your site. While updating PHP is generally safe, unforeseen errors can occur, particularly if certain plugins or themes are incompatible with the new version. Regular backups are vital for site maintenance and safeguarding against potential issues.

2. Verify WordPress Version

Check and ensure that your WordPress software is up-to-date. Outdated WordPress versions may not be compatible with the new PHP version, potentially causing compatibility issues. Regularly updating WordPress is essential for site security and stability.

3. Check Plugins and Themes

Before proceeding with the PHP update, assess the compatibility of your plugins and themes. Developers frequently release updates to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress versions. Enable auto-updates or establish a manual update schedule to keep all components synchronized. Incompatibilities between PHP, plugins, and themes can lead to errors on your website.

Section 6: Updating PHP Versions via cPanel

A Step-by-Step Guide for Different Hosting Services

Now that you’re prepared for the PHP version update, follow these step-by-step instructions to perform the update using cPanel, a common control panel for web hosting:

1. Bluehost

Bluerock Interface:

Log into your Bluehost control panel.
Go to “Advanced” > “Software” > “MultiPHP Manager.”
Select the website you wish to update.
Choose the desired PHP version.
Click “Apply” to complete the process.

Legacy Interface:

Access the Bluehost control panel.
Locate the “Hosting” tab and select “cPanel.”
Scroll down to the “Programming” section.
Choose “PHP Config” and select your preferred version.
Click “Save Change.”

These instructions are applicable to other hosts like Inmotion Hosting, Liquid Web, and MilesWeb, as they also use cPanel.

2. DreamHost

Navigate to the “Manage Websites” page.
Click “Manage” for the desired website.
Select “Modify” and choose the latest PHP version from the dropdown menu.
Click “Change PHP Version” to save your changes.

3. A2 Hosting

Log in to your cPanel account.
Go to the “Software” section and click “Select PHP Version.”
Choose your desired PHP version from the list.
No need to save; the update will occur automatically.

Section 7: Verifying the New PHP Version

Ensuring the Successful Implementation of the PHP Update

After completing the PHP update, it’s essential to confirm that the changes have been successfully applied. Here’s how you can verify the new PHP version:

Revisit the methods for checking your PHP version as previously discussed to ensure they reflect the updated version.
Navigate around the front end of your website to ensure no noticeable differences or errors in operation.
Check the functionality of your plugins and themes. If any issues arise, consider uninstalling incompatible plugins and updating or replacing themes as necessary.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the significance of PHP in WordPress websites, highlighted the benefits of keeping your PHP version updated, and provided step-by-step instructions for checking and upgrading PHP using cPanel on various hosting services. By understanding the importance of PHP and following best practices for its maintenance, you can ensure the smooth operation and security of your WordPress website. Stay proactive in keeping your WordPress

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Design and Development

Exploring the Software Behind Facebook, the World’s Largest Social Media Site

September 8, 2023

8 min read

Exploring the Software Behind Facebook, the World’s Largest Social Media Site

Navigating Facebook’s Scaling Challenge: A Glimpse into its Software Arsenal

Introduction

In an era where digital connectivity reigns supreme, Facebook stands as a global giant, catering to a staggering 2.96 billion users as of Q4 2022. As this social media behemoth continues to expand, it grapples with the Herculean task of scaling its infrastructure to meet the ever-increasing demands of its massive user base. In this exploration, we delve into Facebook’s scaling challenges and the software tools that empower this digital colossus. Here, we unearth the strategies, technologies, and innovations that enable Facebook to deliver a seamless experience to its users worldwide.

Scaling at a Glance

With numbers that boggle the mind, Facebook’s scaling challenge is a testament to its global reach:

Enormous User Base: Facebook boasts an astronomical 2.96 billion users, making it one of the most widely used social media platforms worldwide.
Rapid Data Generation: Every minute, the platform witnesses a whirlwind of activity, including 317 thousand status updates, 147 thousand photo uploads, and 54 thousand shared links.
Video Consumption: Users generate a staggering 8 billion video views per day, with 20% of these being live broadcasts.
Data Centers Worldwide: In 2021, Facebook maintained a colossal 40 million square feet of data center space spread across 18 campuses globally, housing millions of servers.
Renewable Energy Commitment: Remarkably, Facebook’s data centers are powered by 100% renewable energy sources.

Software Empowering Facebook’s Scaling

To conquer its scaling challenge, Facebook has developed and integrated a plethora of software solutions:

1. Optimized LAMP Stack

PHP Compiler: While Facebook still utilizes PHP, it has ingeniously developed a compiler to transform PHP into native code on its web servers, significantly enhancing performance.
Linux Customization: The platform uses Linux but has tailored it to suit its specific needs, particularly in terms of network throughput.
MySQL Adaptations: Facebook employs MySQL primarily as a key-value persistent storage, moving complex operations onto web servers for more efficient optimization.

2. Custom-Built Systems

Haystack: A high-performance object store, Haystack handles Facebook’s vast repository of photos, offering scalability and retrieval efficiency.
Scribe: This logging system, designed to operate at Facebook’s monumental scale, manages diverse logging categories internally.

3. Memcached

Distributed Caching: Facebook relies on Memcached as a distributed memory caching system, serving as a caching layer between web servers and MySQL servers, ensuring rapid data retrieval.
Optimizations: Over the years, Facebook has fine-tuned Memcached and the associated software, including network stack enhancements.

4. HipHop for PHP and HHVM

PHP Performance Boost: HipHop for PHP converts PHP into C++ code, leading to improved server performance. HHVM (HipHop Virtual Machine) succeeded HipHop and remains integral to Facebook’s operations.

5. BigPipe

Dynamic Page Serving: Facebook employs BigPipe, a dynamic web page serving system, to divide web pages into sections (pagelets) for optimal performance. Parallel retrieval of pagelets enhances user experience.

6. Cassandra (Instagram)

Distributed Storage: Cassandra serves as a distributed storage system with no single point of failure, catering to Facebook’s Inbox search requirements. Instagram has also embraced Cassandra since 2012.

7. Hadoop and Hive

Data Analysis Powerhouse: Facebook leverages Hadoop, an open-source map-reduce implementation, for massive-scale data analysis. Hive, originating from Facebook, allows SQL queries on Hadoop, making data analysis accessible to non-programmers.

8. Apache Thrift

Cross-Language Framework: Apache Thrift, an internally developed cross-language framework, facilitates efficient communication between various languages used by Facebook, streamlining cross-language development.

9. Varnish

HTTP Acceleration: Varnish serves as an HTTP accelerator, acting as a load balancer and caching content for lightning-fast delivery. Facebook employs Varnish to serve photos and profile pictures, handling billions of daily requests.

10. React

- *JavaScript Library*: Facebook utilizes React, an open-source JavaScript library, to create dynamic user interfaces efficiently.

Optimizing Performance Beyond Software

In addition to its software arsenal, Facebook employs various strategies to ensure smooth operations:

1. Gradual Releases and Dark Launches

Gatekeeper: Facebook uses Gatekeeper to introduce different code conditions for different user sets, enabling gradual feature releases and dark launches for stress testing before public release.

2. Profiling of the Live System

XHProf: Facebook meticulously monitors its live systems, including individual PHP functions, using the open-source profiling tool XHProf.

3. Gradual Feature Disabling

Performance Optimization: When performance issues arise, Facebook can selectively disable less critical features, prioritizing the core functionality.

Facebook’s Commitment to Open Source

Facebook’s open-source initiatives contribute to a thriving developer community:

Open-Source Projects: Facebook actively contributes to open-source software, including Linux, Memcached, MySQL, Hadoop, and more. It has also released internally developed software such as HipHop, Cassandra, Thrift, Scribe, React, GraphQL, PyTorch, Jest, and Docusaurus.

Conclusion: Scaling the Everest of Social Media

As Facebook continues its rapid growth, it encounters an array of performance bottlenecks in the quest to accommodate an expanding user base. Through innovative software solutions, strategic methodologies, and a deep commitment to open source, Facebook maintains its position as the world’s largest social network. As the journey continues, Facebook’s engineers remain at the forefront, devising ingenious solutions to conquer scaling challenges that most can only dream of.

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Design and Development

WP Engine Offers Extended Support for PHP 7.4

September 7, 2023

8 min read

WP Engine Offers Extended Support for PHP 7.4

As of November 28, 2022, the PHP 7.4 version, upheld by the PHP developer community, has officially reached the End of Life (EOL) stage. This signifies the conclusion of active maintenance and support for this version, encompassing bug fixes, security patches, and crucial updates. It’s a standard protocol for PHP versions, as each version receives support for two years after its release and then gets deprecated after three years. However, the PHP 7.4 EOL poses a unique challenge: WordPress, along with numerous themes and plugins, hasn’t attained full compatibility with newer PHP versions (8.0+).

Extended Support Catered by WP Engine and Flywheel

While we urge all our users to upgrade to the latest WordPress and PHP versions, we acknowledge that immediate updates might lead to critical errors on their websites. Such outcomes are something we diligently try to avoid, as utilizing unsupported versions, whether PHP or any other software, could pose security risks to both their sites and our platform.

To mitigate this risk, WP Engine has made a significant investment in providing ongoing security support for PHP 7.4. This initiative allows all our customers across WP Engine and Flywheel to continue using PHP 7.4 until 2024 while ensuring the security of their sites and our platform. This extended support stands as a unique offering by a managed platform provider for PHP 7.4.

We haven’t set a deadline for customers to transition away from PHP 7.4, as this additional time is crucial for resolving incompatibilities within the broader WordPress community, including individual plugin and theme developers.

WP Engine’s Role in the WordPress Community

Being deeply integrated into the WordPress community, we recognize the current challenges associated with PHP compatibility. Providing extended security support stands as our commitment to offering much-needed assistance to our customers amidst these challenges.

PHP Update Considerations

While WP Engine customers can opt to update from PHP 7.4 to PHP 8.2, it’s essential to acknowledge potential compatibility issues. We strongly recommend conducting site updates in a staging or development environment to ensure the safety of your live site and test for compatibility issues before going live.

Performing the update is straightforward, and customers can follow the provided steps through their user portal. Our support team is also available for any further assistance.

Benefits of PHP 8.2

PHP 8.2 heralds a range of enhancements and features designed to augment the programming language. Among these are the introduction of Readonly classes, Disjunctive Normal Form (DNF) Types, and the allowance of null, false, and true as stand-alone types. This latest iteration of PHP not only elevates site performance but also significantly diminishes security vulnerabilities, a critical alignment with our initiative to provide extensive support for PHP 7.4. Upgrading to PHP 8.2 not only ensures an optimized site but also fortifies it against potential security risks, reinforcing our commitment to prioritizing site security and performance.

This commitment to staying current with PHP versions is in line with our decision to provide extensive support for PHP 7.4. As the PHP landscape evolves, embracing the latest versions becomes imperative not only for leveraging new functionalities but also for maintaining a secure and resilient web environment.

Security Assurance with WP Engine

With our extended support for PHP 7.4, our customers needn’t worry about vulnerabilities in that version. However, we encourage all WP Engine and Flywheel customers to consider moving away from older PHP versions, as no current vulnerabilities have been flagged.

In summary, while WP Engine remains committed to supporting PHP 7.4 until 2024, transitioning to newer PHP versions, like 8.2, is something to contemplate for future improvements and enhanced security.

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Design and Development

Latest PHP Versions: The Ultimate Guide

September 7, 2023

8 min read

Exploring the importance of using the latest version of PHP

PHP remains the cornerstone scripting language in the ever-evolving web development landscape. If you use WordPress sites or any website, PHP is vital in the backend. Its frequency is such that well-known websites such as Facebook and Wikipedia are built with PHP, contributing to its continued popularity. Additionally, WordPress, which powers 40 percent of the web, relies heavily on PHP. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the importance of keeping your PHP version up to date and explore why it’s necessary. Understanding PHP: The Web Developer’s Toolkit

PHP or PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor is a versatile open-source scripting language primarily used in web development. It is the basis for creating dynamic web pages, manipulating databases, and executing server-side scripts. In particular, the widespread use of PHP extends to some of the most significant websites on the Internet. Not only is it robust, but it is also freely available, making it an easy-to-use option for developers around the world.

The latest PHP version, 8.2, was released.

At the time of writing, PHP has evolved to version 8.2, which shows the dynamic nature of this language. The PHP Foundation has committed to actively supporting this version until December 8, 2025, with an additional year of security updates. Keeping updated with the latest version of PHP is very important for developers who want to utilize its full potential.

Encryption of multiple PHP versions: Required

Improvements and innovations in technology are everywhere. Just like your mobile phone gets regular updates, and your favorite PC games get patches, PHP goes through updates. Each iteration of PHP introduces new features carefully designed and implemented by the language maintainers. The availability of multiple PHP versions facilitates smooth transitions for development teams looking to introduce new features or move between significant versions.

Why is it important to follow the latest version of PHP?

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Why use the latest version of PHP? Below are several good reasons.

Access to cutting-edge features

The development of PHP, especially in recent years, has brought many new features that have improved its power and capabilities. As the use of PHP for web development grows, developers have access to state-of-the-art features that rival other potent programming languages. Failing to keep up with the latest PHP version means missing out on these innovative features that can hinder your web development projects.

Active maintenance and bug fixes

The hallmark of sustainable software is its continuous improvement and improvement. Regular and consistent updates are essential to fix bugs and vulnerabilities quickly and efficiently. By staying up-to-date with the latest version of PHP, you ensure a stable and secure development environment and take full advantage of the language’s features.

Enhanced security

In an era full of cyber security threats, prioritizing the security of online applications is of utmost importance. Data security issues arise over time and require quick and effective solutions. Using the latest version of PHP ensures access to the latest security updates and patches. While older PHP versions may offer limited support after their end of life, the PHP Foundation actively maintains the most secure version.

Detailed overview of PHP versions

Let’s look at the evolution of PHP versions and highlight the most critical features and release dates:

PHP 8.2 (November 24, 2022)

Read-only classes

New functions and classes

Standard features

Improvements to the type system

New random expansions

New built-in parameter property

PHP 8.1 (current version 11/25/2021)

Read-only properties

No return type

New in initialization

Final class constants

Threads (asynchronous PHP)

PHP 8.0 (November 26, 2020)

Significant performance improvements

Just-in-time collection

Nullsafe operator

Match the expression

The developer’s real estate promotion

Union types

Mixed type

Static return type

PHP 7.4 (November 28, 2019)

Serialization of custom objects

Zero adjacency operator

Reference for reference

Foreign function interface

PHP 7.3 (December 6, 2018)

Reference definition of unstructured arrays
Flexible heredoc and no-doc syntax

PHP 7.2 (November 30, 2017)

Object suggestion

Overriding an abstract function

PHP 7.1 (December 1, 2016)

Empty return type
Constant visibility of the class

PHP 7.0 (December 3, 2015)

Significant performance improvements
Zero connection operator
Types of returns

PHP 5.6 (28 August 2014)

Variable functions
Deconstructing arguments

It is important to note that PHP 6 has yet to materialize. The planned initial PHP 6 was abandoned, and the subsequent release after PHP 5.6 was marked PHP 7. x. The purpose of this jump was to alleviate confusion between the deprecated PHP 6 and the next version.

Individuals can download versions of PHP dating back to PHP 1 at the PHP Museum website.

Set the PHP version.

It is essential to check your current PHP version before starting updates. There are several ways to achieve this:

Command line:

Use the php -v command to get the active PHP CLI version. Note that this may differ from the version of the server responsible for serving web requests.

PHP Features:

Use PHP functions such as phpinfo() or phpversion() to access server configuration information. These functions display server information in tabular form to aid in debugging. However, be careful as this information should not be publicly available due to potential security risks.

WordPress Dashboard:

If you are working with WordPress, go to your WordPress admin panel. Under “Tools” -andgt; In “Site Health,” you can find information about the version of PHP installed on your server. Updating the PHP version

For those who want to upgrade to the latest version of PHP, here is a step-by-step guide to upgrade it:

Updating PHP with apt for Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux:

Install a specific PHP version using the appropriate command line tool. Follow the phpX.X naming convention, such as php8.0 or php7.4. Install PHP version 8.0 with the following command:

Arduino

sudo apt-get install php8.0

Note that you can have multiple versions of PHP installed, but only one can be active at a time. Assuming you are currently using PHP 7.4 and want to upgrade to PHP 8.0, disable PHP 7.4 and enable PHP 8.0 with the following script:

sudo a2dismod php7.4

sudo a2enmod php8.0

sudo service apache2 restart

Wrap Up

The latest PHP version is the gateway to many advanced features, robust maintenance, bug fixes, and enhanced security for your web development projects. Staying abreast of PHP developments and actively updating your PHP version are essential practices in the dynamic world of web development. Use the power of PHP and find out.

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Design and Development

PHP 8.2: What Does it Mean for WordPress, Plugins, and Developers?

September 7, 2023

8 min read

PHP 8.2: What Does it Mean for WordPress, Plugins, and Developers?

Navigating PHP 8.2: Implications for WordPress Developers

Introduction

The Release of PHP 8.2: A Game Changer for Developers

I. The PHP 8.2 Transformation

1. Performance Boosts and Simpler Syntax PHP 8.2.0, unveiled on December 8, 2022, brings significant performance improvements and streamlines syntax, making it a game-changer for developers.

2. Greater Type Safety PHP 8.2 introduces enhanced type safety by introducing null, false, and true as standalone types. This addition promises more robust code and fewer runtime errors.

3. Readonly Classes: A Challenge for WordPress One of PHP 8.2’s most impactful changes is the introduction of readonly classes, which restrict dynamic properties. This alteration poses a challenge for WordPress developers as it means dynamic properties are deprecated and will result in fatal errors in PHP 9 or beyond.

4. The Gift of Deprecation Despite the potential challenges, deprecation is a valuable feature offered by PHP, benefiting developers in the long run.

II. WordPress and PHP Compatibility

5. Balancing Backward Compatibility For WordPress, maintaining backward compatibility is a top priority. This section explores how WordPress core ensures compatibility and the implications for businesses in choosing which PHP versions to support.

III. PHP Version EOLs and WordPress

6. The End of PHP 7.4 PHP 7.4 recently reached its end-of-life, emphasizing the importance of staying up to date with PHP versions.

7. PHP 8.0, 8.1, and 8.2 Support This section delves into the support timelines for PHP 8.0, 8.1, and 8.2, highlighting the need for WordPress to adapt to a fast-paced release cycle.

IV. The Dilemma: Backward Compatibility vs. PHP Currency

8. The Tradeoff Dilemma WordPress developers, agencies, and freelancers face a dilemma: should they prioritize backward compatibility or stay current with PHP? This section explores the tradeoffs and decisions they must make.

9. Telemetry: Knowing When to Update Effective use of telemetry data can guide the decision on when to raise the minimum PHP version requirement, minimizing disruption for users.

V. Case Studies in PHP Version Requirements

10. iThemes Security Pro A case study on iThemes Security Pro demonstrates how raising the minimum PHP requirement can lead to innovation and improved security for existing customers.

11. GiveWP: A Gutenberg Challenge For products heavily reliant on Gutenberg, like GiveWP, managing change poses unique challenges, especially concerning PHP version requirements.

VI. The Future of WordPress and PHP Compatibility

12. Deprecation Notices Drive Development Deprecation notices encourage developers to adapt to evolving languages, ultimately improving code quality and security.

13. The Beauty of Ever-Evolving Code An exploration of how PHP has evolved from version 5.6 to 8.2, highlighting the importance of adapting to newer PHP versions.

14. WordPress Core’s Compatibility Efforts Insight into how WordPress core maintains backward compatibility while accommodating PHP’s advancements.

Conclusion

15. Embracing the Art of Maintenance The significance of maintenance work in programming and its role in ensuring code quality and security.

16. Striking a Balance The final section emphasizes the need for WordPress developers to strike a balance between backward compatibility and embracing PHP’s innovations.

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Design and Development

8 Quick Facts About PHP – Plus a Few Fun Tidbits

September 7, 2023

8 min read

8 Quick Facts About PHP – Plus a Few Fun Tidbits

The Power and Versatility of PHP: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

PHP, originally created in 1994, has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Over the decades, it has evolved into a formidable force in the world of programming. This general-purpose scripting language has been embraced by countless companies and developers for its ability to create a wide range of products. In this article, we’ll delve deep into PHP, exploring its history, applications, and why it continues to be a popular choice for web development.

I. Exploring PHP: Fun Facts and Origins

Before we dive into the technical details, let’s start with some intriguing facts about PHP:

PHP’s mascot is a blue elephant.
While it originally stood for Personal Home Page, it’s now known as PHP Hypertext Processor.
PHP was initially created by Rasmus Lerdorf for his personal website.
Surprisingly, PHP has no documented specifications.

II. Swift and Customizable Development with PHP

PHP’s remarkable speed and customization capabilities make it a top choice for developers. When you work with experts well-versed in PHP and its scalable frameworks, you can swiftly bring your custom development projects to life. Outsourcing companies like BairesDev excel in harnessing PHP’s potential to deliver fast and tailored solutions, allowing you to create more in less time.

III. PHP: Dominating the Web Development Landscape

PHP remains a dominant force in web development, with approximately 80% of web developers using it. Despite not being the newest language, PHP plays a pivotal role in backend web development. Its popularity is further reinforced by its rankings in the TIOBE Index and Stack Overflow’s Developer Survey.

IV. Powerhouses Powered by PHP

PHP boasts an impressive roster of companies that have harnessed its capabilities. Major players like Lyft, Facebook, MailChimp, Yahoo, and many others have chosen PHP to build their websites and products. This speaks volumes about the language’s reliability and scalability.

V. The Reliability and Customizability of PHP

PHP’s reliability is a key driver behind its widespread adoption. It runs seamlessly on various platforms and major web browsers, offering exceptional security. Moreover, PHP’s customizability allows software development companies like BairesDev to tailor projects to specific needs, ensuring a perfect fit for your business and budget.

VI. PHP: The Go-To Language for Server-Side Development

PHP was originally designed as a server-side scripting language, making it a powerhouse for building the backend of websites and web applications. With abundant resources and open-source frameworks at its disposal, PHP simplifies server-side development, ensuring robust and well-supported solutions.

VII. The Cost-Effectiveness of PHP

One of PHP’s standout features is its cost-effectiveness. As an open-source language, it’s free to use for your projects, eliminating licensing fees. With its rapid development capabilities and streamlined workflow, PHP projects tend to be highly affordable. Outsourcing to a company like BairesDev offers even more savings, as they provide the necessary technology and resources without the need for expensive equipment or licensing fees.

VIII. PHP’s Cross-Platform Compatibility

PHP’s adaptability shines through its cross-platform compatibility. It seamlessly runs on major operating systems, including Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux. This cross-platform support enhances functionality and performance, making it a versatile choice for developers.

Conclusion: Is PHP Your Next Project’s Language?

In conclusion, PHP stands as a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective choice for a wide range of projects. Its extensive community, robust documentation, and cross-platform compatibility make it a dependable option for web development. However, the decision to use PHP should be based on your project’s unique requirements, including performance needs and integration capabilities. Understanding these factors and leveraging PHP‘s strengths will enable you to deliver successful and efficient solutions tailored to your specific goals.

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Design and Development

Choosing the Right PHP Stack

September 7, 2023

8 min read

Navigating PHP Application Stacks: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Choosing the right PHP application stack is a multifaceted challenge that requires careful consideration. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the PHP stack selection process, dissected by the various stages of an application’s lifecycle. Along this journey, we will delve into popular PHP stacks, the significance of containers and virtual machines, and the unique considerations that come into play when dealing with production applications.

Understanding the PHP Stack

A PHP stack encompasses the entire infrastructure surrounding your PHP application, including the operating system, web server, PHP itself, and any other components that PHP interacts with, such as databases, queues, caches, and APIs. The choice of stack varies depending on whether you are in the development, continuous integration (CI), or production phase, each posing its own set of requirements and complexities.

Development: Crafting the Right Environment

In the development phase, the primary concern revolves around creating an environment that closely resembles the production setup. While some developers opt for an environment “close enough” to the production one, maintaining a high degree of similarity is generally advisable. Tools like virtual machines and containers can greatly assist in achieving this alignment.

Continuous Integration: Close to Production Testing

Continuous Integration (CI) mandates an environment that mirrors production as closely as possible to ensure automated testing effectively detects bugs. The ability to orchestrate and automate environment setup and teardown becomes crucial for efficient testing and resource optimization.

Production: Deployment and Management

Production needs are influenced by deployment choices, whether on-premise with self-management or utilizing cloud vendors and images. Decisions regarding operating systems, machine roles, containerization, and scalability all come into play. Containerization, for instance, demands consideration of leaner images for enhanced security, performance, and scalability.

Selecting the Right Stack

Broadly speaking, many PHP applications rely on some form of the LAMP stack, which stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, and PHP. However, variations abound in each component:

Linux: Various Linux distributions are available.
Apache: While Apache is widely used, alternatives like Nginx (as in LEMP) are viable.
MySQL/MariaDB: Multiple database options exist, including PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server, Oracle, and DB2.
Stack Composition: PHP can run on separate servers, and the stack often comprises clusters of database nodes, caching nodes, queue nodes, and web servers. PHP itself need not coexist with the web server; multiple php-fpm servers behind reverse proxies are a possibility.

Considerations for PHP Development Stacks

Developers face a pivotal decision regarding whether to run services directly on their machine natively or launch them on demand using virtual machines (VMs) or containers. Each approach has its own merits and drawbacks.

Popular PHP Development Stacks

XAMPP: A widely used PHP development environment supporting Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl.
WAMP: Tailored for Windows, providing Apache2, PHP, and MySQL.
MAMP: Designed for Mac OSX, offering support for Nginx, Python, Perl, Ruby, and WordPress, among others.

Considerations for PHP Containers and Virtual Machines

For developers working on multiple applications or juggling diverse responsibilities, the option of spinning up services as needed through VMs or containers provides flexibility and enables precise replication of production environments.

Virtual Machines

VMs offer the capability to emulate different operating systems and run multiple services. Tools like Vagrant simplify the orchestration of VMs to match production setups.

Docker

Docker facilitates the rapid deployment of isolated images, each representing a specific service. Containers are lightweight, start quickly, and consume fewer resources compared to VMs. Docker-compose allows the orchestration of complex service stacks.

Considerations for PHP Continuous Integration

Continuous Integration (CI) demands automation and a near-identical environment to production for efficient testing. Speed in spinning up and tearing down environments is critical for swift testing cycles.

Considerations for PHP Production Stacks

Production stacks introduce unique concerns that may not be as prominent during development or CI phases. These include:

Deployment

Efficient deployment strategies are vital to minimize downtime. Various tools like Zend Server’s Deployment daemon, cloud terraform, and Docker Helm can assist in this endeavor.

Security

Production-facing services require robust security measures, including up-to-date operating systems and PHP versions with patches against vulnerabilities. Processes for updating PHP binaries and deploying patches quickly are essential.

Performance Optimization

Performance optimization may involve queuing tasks for asynchronous execution to ensure a responsive user experience. Dedicated queues or tools like Zend Server’s JobQueue can be valuable.

Application Performance Monitoring

Effective monitoring tools, such as those provided by SaaS solutions or on-premise APM tooling like Zend Server’s APM and Z-Ray, are crucial for identifying and resolving issues promptly in a production environment.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right PHP stack is a nuanced process that depends on the specific lifecycle stage of your application. Aligning your development and CI environments closely with production is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of new features and bugfixes. While this article covers a substantial amount of ground, it is intended to simplify your selection and curation process, ultimately aiding in the success of your PHP applications. For personalized guidance and expert assistance with your PHP applications, consider consulting Zend’s suite of professional services.

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Design and Development

What a Senior PHP Developer Should Know

September 7, 2023

8 min read

Exploring the Dominance of PHP in Web Development

Unveiling the Power of PHP in Modern Web Development

For an extended period, Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) has retained its dominance in the ever-evolving realm of web development. Developers across the globe have embraced PHP as their primary scripting language. Currently, more than 20 million domains harness the prowess of PHP as their go-to open-source scripting language. This versatile language also reigns supreme on renowned websites such as Facebook, Wikipedia, and is the driving force behind applications like Slack and Mailchimp. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the vital knowledge areas that define a senior PHP developer, shedding light on what it takes to excel in this dynamic field.

Understanding PHP Development: A Dive into the Basics

Unraveling the Essence of PHP in Web Development

PHP, a server-side scripting language deeply rooted in HTML, stands as the linchpin of modern web development. Its integration with various standard databases, including MySQL, Oracle, Informix, Microsoft SQL Server, and PostgreSQL, empowers developers to manage diverse types of content and databases seamlessly. Moreover, PHP plays a pivotal role in session tracking and serves as a building block for creating comprehensive e-commerce websites. This section delves into the fundamental facets of PHP that every professional web developer must acquaint themselves with, even if they are not seasoned experts right from the start.

The Quintessential Knowledge for a Senior PHP Developer

Unlocking the Skills and Expertise of Senior PHP Developers

Mastery of the PHP Language

A senior PHP developer must possess an intimate understanding of the PHP language, allowing them to effortlessly navigate source files and access documentation when needed. Distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources of information is a hallmark of an experienced PHP developer. Proficiency in rapid code composition is also a key attribute.
Proficiency in Using PHP Core Functions

PHP boasts an array of core functions, each designed to fulfill specific purposes. A seasoned developer should be adept at utilizing these functions effectively. While PHP’s open-source nature allows for the creation of custom functions, a solid familiarity with the PHP manual is imperative before embarking on this journey. Leveraging existing PHP functions whenever possible is recommended, as it eliminates the need to reinvent the wheel.
Creating Configuration Files

The ability to craft configuration files is a valuable skill for a senior PHP developer. These master files house crucial settings and can be seamlessly integrated into PHP scripts. By mastering the art of configuration file creation and adjustment, developers can avoid the clutter of scattered database connections and ensure code remains organized and manageable.
Data Sanitization Techniques

As PHP developers advance in their careers, they must grasp various data sanitization methods to fortify their applications against potential threats like SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Data sanitization extends beyond just database inputs, and a comprehensive understanding is essential for safeguarding sensitive data.
Balancing Code Comments

While proper code documentation through comments is vital, over-commenting can clutter code and hinder comprehension. Senior PHP developers recognize that well-structured code should be self-explanatory. Therefore, they strategically place comments where they add the most value, focusing on complex sections that may require future reference.

Efficiency-Boosting Tactics for Senior PHP Developers

Streamlining Your Workflow: Tips and Tricks

Maintaining a Library of Preferred Code Snippets

Senior PHP developers should keep a repository of frequently used code snippets at their disposal. This practice not only saves time but also ensures consistent coding practices throughout their careers. Utilizing code snippet synchronization applications facilitates quick access when needed.
Selecting the Ideal Source Code Editor

The choice of a source code editor significantly impacts a senior PHP developer’s efficiency. A proficient source code editor should offer syntax highlighting, easy code navigation, and built-in debugging tools. The personal preference of the developer plays a crucial role in this selection process.
Harnessing the Power of PHP Frameworks

Embracing PHP frameworks elevates a developer’s ability to implement robust web development patterns, enhancing the overall professionalism of their work. While mastering these frameworks may entail a learning curve, the resulting gains in productivity and efficiency are well worth the effort.

In Conclusion: The Path to Senior PHP Developer Mastery

Embracing PHP’s Core Tenets

In summary, senior PHP developers must possess a profound understanding of PHP’s core concepts. While encyclopedic knowledge is not a prerequisite, a strong grasp of the fundamental principles is essential. The beauty of PHP lies in its widespread application across numerous large-scale companies, facilitating continuous learning on the job. Aspiring developers embarking on this journey should recognize that PHP’s versatility and ubiquity in web development make it a valuable skill set to acquire. Mastery of PHP opens doors to countless opportunities in the dynamic world of web development, and the journey to seniority is both rewarding and ever-evolving.

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Design and Development

Exploring the Compelling Reasons to Become a React Developer

September 7, 2023

8 min read

Exploring the Compelling Reasons to Become a React Developer

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of web development, choosing the right framework or library for your projects can be a daunting task. With numerous options available, React JS has emerged as a standout choice for developers and businesses alike. Developed and maintained by Facebook, React JS is an open-source JavaScript library that has gained widespread popularity, particularly in the realm of single-page applications. In this article, we will delve into the key reasons why aspiring developers should consider becoming proficient in React.

1. Speed: Accelerating Development

React’s architecture allows developers to build both client-side and server-side components separately, resulting in faster development. Multiple developers can work on distinct parts of an application without affecting the overall logic, enhancing productivity.

2. Flexibility: A Modular Approach

React’s modular structure makes coding more maintainable and flexible compared to other frontend frameworks. This flexibility saves time and costs for businesses. React’s adaptability extends to various platforms, from static sites using tools like Gatsby to mobile apps with React Native and even desktop applications with Electron.

3. Performance: High-Speed Execution

React is designed for high performance, boasting a virtual DOM and server-side rendering that optimizes complex applications. Its small library size, less than 6KB, makes it highly efficient, avoiding layout trashing and conserving CPU and battery power, crucial for mobile applications.

4. JavaScript, TypeScript, and JSX: Streamlined Development

React’s compatibility with JavaScript, TypeScript, and JSX streamlines development, reducing bugs and enhancing safety. This flexibility promotes code reuse and boosts developer productivity.

5. DevTools: Enhanced Development Experience

React Developer Tools, available as browser extensions, facilitate component tree testing, state monitoring, and debugging. These tools improve the developer experience and replace the need for manual debugging methods.

6. Component Reusability: Efficient Code Maintenance

React’s component reusability enables developers to redeploy digital objects easily, improving code maintenance and development. Each React component has its internal logic, making it more manageable and increasing developer productivity.

7. Versatile: Multi-Platform Compatibility

React’s versatility allows developers to build applications for various platforms, including mobile, web, desktop, and more. React Native, in particular, enables code reuse for both Android and iOS apps.

8. Powerful and Innovative: Shaping Development Trends

React has popularized software patterns and techniques like the virtual DOM, declarative programming, component-based architecture, and functional programming. This innovation has influenced the development of other technologies and libraries, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of web development.

9. Rich User Interfaces: Seamless UI Development

React’s declarative components enable the automatic transformation of UI elements, simplifying UI development and clean architecture. Testing React applications is hassle-free with tools like Jest, offering rapid test execution.

10. SEO-Friendly: Enhanced Visibility

React’s faster rendering compared to other frameworks reduces page load times, positively impacting SEO rankings. This feature benefits businesses aiming for a higher position on search engine result pages.

11. Community Support: A Thriving Ecosystem

React enjoys strong community support, with a full-time development team continuously enhancing the library. The active community provides valuable resources, including tutorials, articles, and assistance on platforms like Stack Overflow.

12. Better Code Stability: Controlled Data Flow

React’s downward data flow ensures code stability by controlling data modifications. Changes to specific components are contained, enhancing overall code stability and app performance.

13. Trusted by Fortune 500 Companies: A Proven Choice

React is the preferred choice for numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Walmart, Tencent QQ, Tesla, and Airbnb. Its use in mobile app development and front-end development is a testament to its reliability.

14. Expert Data Binding: Enhanced Debugging

React’s side data binding and Flux make it easy to track data modifications, simplifying debugging for large applications.

15. Expandable Tools: Boosting Productivity

React allows developers to write JavaScript and JSX, enabling the use of HTML inserts within code for restructuring and improved productivity.

16. Ease of Testing: Streamlined Testing Process

React excels in terms of testing, making it easy to create test-friendly designs. Tools like Enzyme and Jest simplify React testing, ensuring reliable results.

17. Exceptional Abstraction Layer: User-Friendly Development

React provides a user-friendly abstraction layer, shielding developers from complex internals while allowing testing of essential functionalities.

18. Simplified Template Designing: Time-Saving Approach

React simplifies template designing, saving developers significant time by enabling quick code writing after deploying the development environment.

Conclusion

React’s evolution since its inception has been remarkable, and it continues to attract developers with its functional programming concepts and innovative features. Its active community and vast ecosystem provide ample resources for developers to excel in their careers. With a fundamental knowledge of JavaScript, learning React becomes an accessible path to becoming a proficient developer in today’s web development landscape. Embracing React could be your gateway to exciting opportunities in the dynamic world of web development.

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WordPress 6.0, PHP 8.1, and the Upcoming EOL of PHP 7.4

Exploring PHP Version Updates: What You Need to Know

Delayed Communication: The Reasons Behind It

WordPress Compatibility with PHP 8.1

Pagely and GoDaddy Collaboration

Successful PHP 7.3 Sunset

Behind-the-Scenes Testing

Dockerization for Enhanced Flexibility

Benefits of Dockerization

PHP Version Transition: What Lies Ahead

PHP 8 Compatibility Testing and Release Timeline

Preparing for Upcoming PHP Version Changes

PHP Compatibility Check

PHP 8.0 (Upcoming New “Stable” Version)

PHP 8.1 (Upcoming New “Latest” Version)

Transition Plan for Locked PHP Versions

The Future of PHP Versions

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How to Check & Update Your PHP Version in WordPress

Exploring the Significance of PHP in WordPress Websites

Section 1: Understanding PHP in WordPress

Section 2: The Indispensability of PHP in WordPress

Section 3: Benefits of Keeping Your WordPress PHP Version Updated

1. Enhance Website Speed

2. Strengthen Website Security

3. Maintain Website Stability

Section 4: Checking Your WordPress PHP Version

1. WordPress Backend

2. PHP File

Section 5: Preparing for PHP Version Update

1. Create a Site Backup

2. Verify WordPress Version

3. Check Plugins and Themes

Section 6: Updating PHP Versions via cPanel

1. Bluehost

Bluerock Interface:

Legacy Interface:

2. DreamHost

3. A2 Hosting

Section 7: Verifying the New PHP Version

Conclusion

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Exploring the Software Behind Facebook, the World’s Largest Social Media Site

Navigating Facebook’s Scaling Challenge: A Glimpse into its Software Arsenal

Scaling at a Glance

Software Empowering Facebook’s Scaling

Optimizing Performance Beyond Software

Facebook’s Commitment to Open Source

Conclusion: Scaling the Everest of Social Media

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WP Engine Offers Extended Support for PHP 7.4

Extended Support Catered by WP Engine and Flywheel

WP Engine’s Role in the WordPress Community

PHP Update Considerations

Benefits of PHP 8.2

Security Assurance with WP Engine

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Latest PHP Versions: The Ultimate Guide

Exploring the importance of using the latest version of PHP

The latest PHP version, 8.2, was released.

Encryption of multiple PHP versions: Required

Why is it important to follow the latest version of PHP?

Detailed overview of PHP versions

Set the PHP version.