PHP Versions and Why They Matter

The Importance of PHP Version Management for Your WordPress Website

Introduction

Ensuring that your WordPress system is up-to-date is a common practice, but what about your PHP version? Many website owners tend to overlook the significance of PHP versions, similar to how people delay changing their smoke detector batteries until that annoying chirping noise becomes unbearable. However, neglecting your PHP version can have a profound impact on your website’s performance and security. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore why you should prioritize upgrading your site’s PHP version and outline the essential steps for effective PHP version management.

1. Understanding PHP and Its Role in WordPress

PHP, a scripting language for web development, plays a pivotal role in powering more than three-fourths of all websites worldwide. When it comes to WordPress, a PHP-powered content management system, PHP code is integral to rendering your WordPress pages and posts. PHP code can be found in WordPress core system files, themes, and plugins. To assess your PHP version’s impact on your WordPress website, we need to understand which PHP version your web server is currently running.

2. WordPress PHP Version Requirements

WordPress’s evolving requirements demand a particular PHP version for optimal performance. As of the release of WordPress 6.0 in May 2022, the platform requires servers to run PHP version 7.4 or higher. While WordPress may technically function with older PHP versions exceeding 5.6.20, it is not recommended. In the following section, we will delve into why upgrading your PHP version is essential.

3. The Importance of Upgrading Your PHP Version

The PHP development team offers comprehensive support for each PHP version for two years after its initial release. During this period, regular updates address bugs and security concerns. Following the initial two-year support phase, PHP provides an additional year of security support. Beyond this three-year window, the PHP version reaches its end of life, meaning it will no longer receive updates or support.

The most recent PHP version, 8.1, was released on November 25, 2021. Security support for PHP version 7.4 ended on November 28, 2022, potentially leaving sites using it vulnerable to unpatched security threats. Running an unsupported PHP version poses a significant risk to your website’s security and functionality.

Key reasons to upgrade your PHP version include:

a. Enhanced Site Speed: Outdated PHP versions can significantly slow down your website. Upgrading to newer PHP versions can help optimize your site’s speed and performance.

b. Improved Security: Running an outdated PHP version exposes your website to substantial security risks. Upgrading is crucial to safeguard your site against potential threats.

c. Access to New Features: New PHP versions introduce updated features that plugin and theme developers may want to leverage. Staying up-to-date ensures compatibility with these innovations.

d. Better Support: Regular PHP updates provide bug fixes and patches that are essential for maintaining the stability of your website. In some cases, your web hosting provider may require you to upgrade PHP to access their support services.

4. How to Upgrade PHP Versions

Now that we understand the importance of upgrading PHP versions, let’s explore the practical steps to follow for a smooth transition.

a. Check Your Current Version: Begin by checking your current PHP version. Pressable customers can easily access this information within the MyPressable Control Panel. Alternatively, you can find your PHP version in the WordPress admin under “Tools” and “Site Health.”

b. Ensure Your Host Supports Upgraded PHP: Your hosting provider controls the PHP version, so it’s essential to verify which versions they support. Pressable customers can rest assured, as they always offer the latest PHP version compatible with WordPress.

c. Create a Site Backup: Before making any significant changes, such as upgrading PHP, it’s crucial to create a backup of your website. This precaution ensures that you have a fallback version in case anything goes wrong during the upgrade process.

d. Update Your WordPress: Ensure that your WordPress software is up to date with the latest version before switching your PHP version. If you’re on a managed hosting plan, your site likely already runs the most recent WordPress version.

e. Switch Your PHP Version: Log in to your hosting account and follow your host’s instructions to switch to the desired PHP version. Whenever possible, perform this upgrade in a staging environment to test compatibility before making changes to your live site.

f. Check for Errors: After upgrading PHP, thoroughly review your website for any issues. Common culprits of problems include theme files, plugins, and custom code. Troubleshoot by switching to a default theme, deactivating plugins, and checking customizations for compatibility with the latest PHP version.

g. Update Plugins and Themes: Check for updates to your themes and plugins, and install them accordingly. After updates, recheck your site for any lingering issues.

h. Finalize Your Update: Ideally, conduct all these steps in a staging environment. Once you are confident that everything is functioning correctly, you can push the changes to your live site or simply switch the PHP version on your live site.

Conclusion

Your website’s PHP version is a crucial element that significantly influences both its performance and security. Neglecting to upgrade your PHP version can leave your site vulnerable to security threats and hinder its speed and functionality. By following the outlined steps and staying up to date with PHP versions, you can ensure that your WordPress website remains secure, efficient, and compatible with the latest features and updates. Don’t wait for problems to arise; take proactive steps to manage your PHP version effectively.