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Outdated PHP versions can significantly slow down your site’s performance.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