Why You Should Be Using Supported PHP Versions

The Significance of PHP in Modern Web Development

PHP stands as one of the most prevalent scripting languages in contemporary web development. According to data from W3Techs, PHP underpins over 77% of websites using server-side programming languages. This statistic underscores PHP’s enduring relevance, debunking any claims of its demise. In fact, PHP plays an indispensable role in the WordPress ecosystem, serving as the foundation for the entire content management system.

Checking Your PHP Version

For those looking to quickly ascertain their PHP version, creating a phpinfo page is the way to go. This article aims to address the pressing issue of why it’s crucial for all stakeholders, including businesses, developers, and hosting providers, to adopt the latest PHP versions. This imperative is rooted not only in security concerns but also in the pursuit of enhanced performance and support.

The Challenge of Outdated PHP Versions

Like any software, PHP follows a release life cycle, adhering to predefined timelines for updates and improvements. Major PHP releases typically receive full support for two years following their launch. During this period, bugs and security vulnerabilities are routinely addressed. However, the problem lies in the fact that many businesses, developers, and hosting providers have lagged behind in adopting these latest PHP versions.

Supported PHP Versions for WordPress

WordPress, a cornerstone of the web, relies heavily on PHP. It’s essential to recognize how various PHP versions are managed, particularly concerning WordPress.

The End of Life for PHP 5.6, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4

Versions of PHP such as 5.6, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4 have reached their end of life. This means they no longer receive security support, leaving them vulnerable to unpatched security threats. For instance:

• PHP 7.4 reached its end of life on November 28, 2022.
• PHP 7.3 reached its end of life on December 6, 2021.
• PHP 7.2 reached its end of life on November 30, 2020.
• PHP 7.1 reached its end of life on December 1, 2019.
• PHP 7.0 reached its end of life on December 3, 2018.
• PHP 5.6 officially reached its end of life on December 31, 2018, marking the end of an era for PHP 5.

According to official WordPress statistics, over 55% of WordPress users are still on PHP 7.4 or lower. When combined with other end-of-life PHP versions, a staggering 85% of users are using PHP versions that lost support as of November 2022.

The Broader Impact Beyond WordPress

This issue extends beyond the WordPress community. W3Techs reports that PHP 5 is still employed by 22.9% of all PHP-based websites. This situation not only poses security risks but also means that a substantial portion of WordPress sites misses out on the performance enhancements offered by PHP 8.2.

Barriers to Swift Adoption of Newer PHP Versions

Several factors contribute to the slow adoption of new PHP versions:

1. Lack of Awareness: Many business owners are unaware of their PHP version, placing the responsibility on developers, agencies, or hosting providers.
2. Development Effort: Updating code to support newer PHP versions requires time and effort, encompassing websites, themes, plugins, and more.
3. Testing: Ensuring compatibility with new PHP versions demands extensive testing, especially considering the vast array of WordPress plugins (over 49,000) available.
4. Host Reluctance: Hosting providers may be hesitant to push out updated PHP versions, fearing potential support issues resulting from site breakages.
5. Client Constraints: Developers and agencies often face dilemmas when clients resist allocating resources for updates, especially for third-party applications.

The Imperative to Keep PHP Current

While these challenges are real, they shouldn’t justify running on outdated PHP versions. Staying current is crucial for security, performance, and compatibility. PHP maintains a substantial market share and continues to evolve.

Benefits of Updating PHP Versions

Here are compelling reasons to update your PHP version:

1. Enhanced Security: Regular updates ensure your PHP version receives security patches, protecting your website from vulnerabilities.
2. Performance Boost: Recent PHP versions, like 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 8.0, deliver significant performance improvements, surpassing older counterparts.
3. Developer Support: Staying updated guarantees that developers can provide support for your plugins and themes, reducing the risk of compatibility issues.
4. New Features: PHP updates introduce new features and enhancements, offering developers more tools and capabilities to create dynamic websites.
5. Compatibility: Up-to-date PHP versions align with modern WordPress requirements, ensuring smoother integration with the latest themes and plugins.

How to Approach Outdated PHP Versions

For users facing compatibility issues with newer PHP versions, consider the following actions:

1. Update Plugins and Themes: Always keep your plugins and themes up to date to maintain compatibility with the latest PHP versions.
2. Reach Out to Developers: Contact the developers of plugins or themes that are causing compatibility problems and request updates for PHP 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, or 8.0 support.
3. Explore Alternatives: If compatibility remains a challenge, explore alternative plugins or themes that offer similar functionality and support your desired PHP version.
4. Hire a Developer: If budget allows, consider hiring a WordPress developer to address compatibility issues and update code as needed.

Updating Your PHP Version

When transitioning to a newer PHP version, it’s essential to test your site for compatibility before making the switch. Create a staging environment to replicate your live site, then follow these steps:

1. Test Locally: Test your WordPress site locally or in a staging environment to ensure it functions correctly with the new PHP version.
2. Update WordPress: Ensure your WordPress installation is up to date, as running a new PHP version with an outdated WordPress version can lead to issues.
3. Select Hosting with Latest PHP: Opt for hosting providers that offer the latest PHP versions, ensuring your site’s performance and security.
4. Change PHP Version: If you’re a Kinsta customer, change your PHP version through the dashboard. Kinsta supports PHP versions 8.0, 8.1, and 8.2.
5. Use cPanel: If your host uses cPanel, access the “Select PHP Version” option under the “Software” category to change your PHP version.
6. Manual Server Update: For those managing their servers, consult the official PHP installation documentation for specific instructions based on your operating system.

In conclusion, staying current with PHP versions is imperative for web development. It enhances security, improves performance, and ensures compatibility with the latest themes and plugins. While compatibility challenges may arise, there are ways to address them, from updating existing components to seeking alternatives or hiring developers. With proper testing and the right hosting provider, transitioning to a newer PHP version can be a smooth and beneficial process.