In the ever-evolving digital landscape, selecting the right PHP version for WordPress sites is critical for optimal performance and security.
This article delves into the various PHP versions, their compatibility with WordPress, and the significance of choosing the appropriate one. Understanding these aspects is essential for site owners and developers aiming to enhance their site’s speed, security, and overall efficiency.
PHP Versions: Their Significance in the WordPress Ecosystem
Like the many languages spoken around the globe, there are several programming languages, each serving distinct purposes. PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, a scripting language that forms the backbone of WordPress.
The specific version of PHP that a site runs on plays a crucial role in determining its performance, particularly in terms of loading speed. This guide aims to shed light on the importance of PHP version selection for WordPress, focusing on the impacts of outdated versions.
Assessing PHP Compatibility with WordPress
While WordPress is compatible with a range of PHP versions starting from PHP 5.6, it’s essential to note that any version before PHP 7.4 is considered end-of-life (EOL). This means they no longer receive updates, leaving websites vulnerable to security risks. WordPress officially recommends PHP 7.4 or higher for optimal performance and security. Running on outdated versions like PHP 5.6.20+ or MySQL 5.0+ can expose sites to significant security threats.
Moreover, performance benchmarks show that PHP 5.6 is substantially slower than newer versions, such as PHP 7.3, by at least 47%. This gap in efficiency highlights the critical nature of updating to a more recent PHP version to achieve remarkable improvements in site load times.
Determining Your Current PHP Version
Understanding the PHP version your WordPress site is utilizing is the first step in optimizing performance. Since WordPress 5.2, users have access to the “Health Check” tool, integrated into the platform. For those using versions prior to 5.2, updating the WordPress core is highly advisable.
To check your PHP version, navigate to the ‘Site Health’ section under ‘Tools’ in the wp-admin. The ‘Info’ tab within Site Health provides comprehensive server information, including the current PHP version. If your site operates on an outdated PHP version, such as PHP 5.6, it’s crucial to consider an upgrade for enhanced security and performance.
The Benefits of Upgrading to a Newer PHP Version
Upgrading your PHP version offers multiple advantages, crucial for maintaining a robust and efficient WordPress site. The primary benefit is a significant boost in speed. Speed is a pivotal factor for any website’s success; even the most attractively designed site or the best products can suffer from slow load times, reducing user engagement and potential revenue loss.
Upgrading to a more recent PHP version can lead to instantaneous performance enhancements, making it a strategic move for website optimization.
Enhanced Security with Newer PHP Versions
One of the most crucial considerations for any online platform is security. PHP versions that have reached their End-Of-Life (EOL) status no longer receive updates, including critical security patches. Utilizing these obsolete versions significantly increases the vulnerability of your site to cyber threats.
Even sites using PHP 7.4 are not entirely secure, as support for this version is nearing its end. Upgrading to PHP 8.0, PHP 8.1, or subsequent releases is not just a recommendation; it is a necessity for bolstering the security of your site against malicious entities.
Consistent Maintenance and Bug Resolution
When it comes to maintaining smooth operations, software maintenance is key. Typically, when a bug is identified in PHP, it is addressed and patched by the developers. Hosting services often apply these patches seamlessly. However, once a PHP version reaches EOL status, these critical updates cease. This means any bugs or issues in these versions remain unresolved, potentially jeopardizing your site’s functionality.
Proactive upgrading to a newer PHP version ensures ongoing maintenance and bug fixes, preventing emergency situations where a critical upgrade becomes necessary under pressure.
Compatibility with Modern Software
The evolution of PHP is continuous, and with each new release, developers gain access to more advanced features and functionalities. This evolution often leads software developers, including WordPress plugin creators, to phase out support for older PHP versions. For instance, popular plugins like MailPoet and WooCommerce have already discontinued support for PHP 5.6. While this may initially seem inconvenient for end-users, it’s a move aimed at ensuring better performance, security, and overall user experience.
Adhering to the latest PHP releases ensures compatibility with the newest software and avoids issues with unsupported versions.
Disadvantages of Using Outdated PHP Versions
One of the immediate downsides of using an outdated PHP version is the occurrence of PHP errors. These errors often arise when updating WordPress, a plugin, or a theme. For example, a PHP Parse error like unexpected ‘::’ (T_PAAMAYIM_NEKUDOTAYIM) indicates the use of a newer operator not supported by PHP versions older than 5.3.
Similarly, another common error related to older PHP versions is unexpected ‘ ‘ (T_VARIABLE), expecting function (T_FUNCTION). Staying updated with the latest PHP release ensures compatibility with modern software and reduces the risk of encountering such errors.
Guidance for Safely Upgrading Your PHP Version
Upgrading your PHP version can be a manageable task. While technical glitches can occur, following a structured approach minimizes risks. For those who are apprehensive about the process, professional services like Codeable offer expertise in handling such upgrades. The process of upgrading varies depending on your hosting provider, with many offering detailed guides for this purpose.
For instance, Siteground, known for its efficiently managed WordPress hosting, provides comprehensive instructions for upgrading PHP versions. It’s crucial to follow these steps meticulously to ensure a safe and successful upgrade, safeguarding your site’s performance and security.
Step 1: Utilizing a Staging Site for PHP Version Upgrades
Before implementing any significant changes such as a PHP version upgrade, it is prudent to use a staging site, an exact replica of your live website, for testing. This practice offers numerous advantages:
- Risk Mitigation: Upgrading a live site without testing could lead to functionality issues, potentially causing revenue loss. A staging site allows for identifying and resolving problems without affecting the live environment;
- Ample Testing Time: Implementing changes on a staging site provides the luxury of extended testing periods. This contrasts with the hurried testing that accompanies live site updates, where issues can be easily overlooked, adversely impacting user experience;
- Maintaining Reputation: A malfunctioning live site can damage your reputation and deter visitors. By ironing out issues on a staging site first, you safeguard your reputation and ensure a seamless user experience.
Step 2: Essential Website Backup Procedures
Backing up your website before attempting any upgrade is non-negotiable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to efficiently backup your site using a popular plugin:
- Plugin Installation: Navigate to your site’s admin panel, go to plugins, and add the “Updraft” plugin. Follow the installation and activation process;
- Initiating Backup: Upon activation, start the setup wizard and select the ‘Backup now’ option. Ensure that both your database and files are included in the backup;
- Completion and Verification: Depending on your website’s size, the backup process can range from a few minutes to half an hour. Once completed, verify the backup’s success and ensure its presence in your backup list.
Step 2a: Securely Downloading Your Backup
Post-backup, it’s advisable to store the backup externally. Here’s how to download it:
- In the admin panel, under UpdraftPlus Backups settings, locate your backups;
- You’ll find options to download different components: Database, Plugins, Themes, Uploads, and Others;
- Download each component to ensure you have a complete backup stored safely off-site.
Step 3: Collaborating with Your Hosting Provider
Your hosting service can be an invaluable ally in upgrading your PHP version. However, ensure you have a backup before proceeding. Most hosts are equipped to manage the upgrade and monitor for any subsequent issues. A concise communication template for your host might read:
“Dear [Host Name],
I am planning to upgrade the PHP version for enhanced performance and security. Could you please assist by upgrading to PHP 7.4 or higher and monitoring for any errors in the website’s log?
Thank you for your assistance.”
This approach can often be the simplest and most efficient way to upgrade, with the added benefit of professional oversight.
Step 4: Engaging with PHP Upgrade Specialists
If you prefer a more hands-off approach or require specialized expertise, consider hiring a professional. There are several platforms where you can find qualified experts:
- Codeable: Offers top-tier professionals, albeit at higher costs;
- Upwork and PeoplePerHour: Provide a range of experts; careful selection based on ratings and reviews is advised;
- Fiverr and Jobs.wordpress.net: These platforms also offer a variety of experts for different budgets and needs.
When selecting a professional, treat it as you would any significant hiring decision. Ensure they have the necessary skills and experience, and that you feel confident entrusting them with your site.
Ensuring Safety When Working with External Experts
When engaging with external professionals for PHP version upgrades, it’s crucial to maintain a secure environment:
- Create Separate Accounts: Instead of sharing your personal login credentials, create unique accounts for each expert. This not only keeps your primary account secure but also allows for tracking changes made by each individual;
- Conduct Thorough Research: Investigate the professional’s background and expertise. Look for reviews or testimonials from previous clients. Negative reviews or a lack of experience in PHP upgrades should be red flags;
- Ask Probing Questions: Inquire about their process, timeline, and experience with similar projects. A proficient expert should confidently navigate these queries.
As a general rule, a standard PHP version upgrade and testing should not exceed three hours for a moderately complex site.
Step 5: Rigorous Testing of Plugins and Themes
After updating the PHP version, it’s critical to ensure compatibility with existing plugins and themes:
- Set Up a Testing Environment: Install a fresh WordPress instance on a local server or development site;
- Replicate Your Live Environment: Install the same plugins and themes used on your live site;
- Upgrade and Test: Update the PHP version in the testing environment. Examine each plugin and theme for compatibility issues;
- Seek Alternatives if Necessary: If incompatibility arises, seek alternative plugins or themes that function correctly with the new PHP version;
- Final Verification: Once all elements are verified in the test environment, proceed to update the live site.
Step 6: Transitioning from Staging to Live Site
The transition from a staging to a live site is a critical phase:
- Thoroughly Check All Elements: Ensure all plugins, themes, and site functionalities operate seamlessly on the staging site;
- Utilize Hosting Tools for Transition: Most hosting platforms provide tools for transitioning from a staging to a live environment. Familiarize yourself with these tools in advance;
- Backup Before Going Live: Always perform a full backup of the live site before pushing changes. This acts as a safety net in case of unforeseen issues.
Understanding PHP Version Support and Longevity
- Review the PHP Release and Support Lifecycle: Each PHP version has a defined lifecycle, comprising initial release, active support, and security support phases;
- Consider Future-Proofing: Opt for versions with longer remaining support lifespans to minimize frequent upgrades;
- Regularly Monitor PHP Updates: Stay informed about upcoming PHP releases and end-of-life announcements for your current version.
The Impact of PHP Versions on Site Performance
- Speed Enhancements: Newer PHP versions often offer significant improvements in execution speed, benefiting overall site performance;
- Resource Efficiency: They may also be more efficient in memory usage, enhancing your site’s ability to handle higher traffic volumes;
- Compatibility Challenges: Be aware that some older plugins or themes may not be optimized for the latest PHP versions, necessitating updates or replacements.
Conclusion
Upgrading the PHP version of a WordPress site is an essential step in ensuring its performance and security. While the process may initially appear daunting, it is quite manageable with a systematic approach. Whether undertaking the upgrade personally, seeking assistance from your hosting provider, or engaging a professional, there are viable options to suit different skill levels and needs.
By following the steps outlined, from testing in a staging environment to ensuring compatibility of plugins and themes, one can ensure a smooth transition to a newer PHP version. Remember, staying informed about PHP releases and maintaining a proactive approach towards upgrades is key to keeping your website secure, efficient, and ahead in the digital landscape.