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All websites are code-based. In the past, it was pure HTML, and today’s mix is usually CSS and JavaScript. However, they are only loaded once. If you own a WordPress website, you will surely do have an idea that these websites are based on PHP language. It’s always good to have an updated system for better security. In this article, you will learn How to update PHP on WordPress easily.
Reason to Update update PHP on WordPress Site
As PHP is so essential for WordPress, the site performance is also central. After all, PHP means that the middle man takes the right database data, wraps it in HTML and CSS, and then provides it to the visitor’s browser as a finished site. Here we have listed some of the reasons to update PHP on the WordPress Site.
Updates Brings Improvement to your Website
Firstly, there is a constant improvement in the programming language. Over the years, it has seen a lot of versions.
Your server needs PHP 5.2.4 for running WordPress. The official advice now, however, is to run PHP 7 or higher (current version is PHP 7.1).
Just like WordPress, new PHP versions are bringing with them many improvements. As it progresses, the languages become safer, faster, sleeker, less hungry for resources, and better overall. The only step forward was the jump from PHP 5.6 to PHP 7.
PHP 7 Version is Best
One of PHP 7 ‘s significant enhancements to WordPress users is speeding up. The new version is twice as quick as its predecessor, as demonstrated by benchmarks.
In handling errors, PHP 7 got much better. It can solve script problems now without the entire process having to end. This is good news for visitors who don’t like faulty websites.
No Support for Older Versions
The lifetime of older PHP versions runs out in addition to the above. Version 5.6 ended at the start of 2017 with active support. Only until the end of 2018 will security support be provided. There are more fantastic things you can learn about in PHP 7.
Check your PHP version of your WordPress site.
You have several options for finding out if you want to know which version of PHP currently supports your WordPress site. Ok, let’s quickly go over them.
From Your Hosting Management Panel
The first and the easy way to check your current PHP version is with your hosting provider. From the Hosting Management Panel of your hosting account, you will indeed find a menu labeled PHP Settings, PHP Version Manager, or something identical. From the given option, you can check your current PHP Version on your own.
Moreover, you can also manually update your PHP from here.
From a WordPress Plugin
You have plugins that can do the same for you in the WordPress ecosphere. Display PHP Version is one of the easiest to use.
You have to install and activate the plugin almost everything you have to do. Then you can see the current PHP version in the WordPress dashboard under At a Glance.
How to update PHP on WordPress Easily
While PHP 7 is cool, upgrades involve some risks. This usually means that the code on your website may not be compatible with a new version (in WordPress core, topics, plugins, and scripts).
If this is the case, it could break all or part of your site or show a bad behavior when you do the switch. That is why it is vital to check it in advance, and we’ll show you how below.
Important Note: How to update your live platform is the procedure set up here. An even better idea is to create a local copy of your site and to run it on your computer once. This reduces even further the chance of getting into any disgusting surprises.
Backup and Update
As reported, updates to PHP are typically not compliant with the current release due to older coding. The easiest way: update the platform. The WordPress group fully encourages the use of the new PHP update. This is why core, plugin, and theme developers ensure that their work is appealing.
Therefore, having the website up-to-date is the first stage to make sure that the site would not create issues. For security purposes, this is something you can do either way.
Save your backup, then whenever appropriate, press the update button.
Now use PHP Compatibility Checker.
WP Engine has launched a free plugin in the WordPress directory named PHP Compatibility Checker. It tests the whole code on the website and identifies potential bugs.
Steps to use this plugin:
- Install it and activate it
- After you activate the plugin, look for a new menu known as PHP Compatibility under Tools Section.
- Now choose PHP Version you would like to upgrade to.
Begin scanning. When done, the plugin will show you a list of errors and warnings. It also tells you where it reached the name and line number of the file.
Here it would help if you took action to repair damaged plugins or themes or find another alternative. The plugin also provides recommendations.
Finally, Upgrade Your PHP Version
Now, We hope you have followed all the steps. After you finish tracking down the errors and resolving them, you can now upgrade your PHP Version.
There is a way of upgrading the PHP Version, which is through SSH commands. This might be an easy step for some, but for most of the users, it is tough. So, we will be updating our PHP Version using our control panel from our hosting provider.
For us, we are using Bluehost.
- Login to your Cpanel.
- Locate to PHP Configuration setting. ( different hosting providers may have a different environment; you need to find something that has a similar meaning.)
- Click on PHP Configuration
- Now click on the latest PHP Version option.
- Save the changes now.
Check Your Website
The last thing you have to do is go back to the front end of the Website and browse around. Check your website to see if everything looks right and whether the site’s components are missing or equivalent. Check all the plugins and theme functions you are using. However, it is quite doubtful that there was a concern if you have taken the steps described above.
And this is it. And this is it. Good wishes! PHP for your WordPress website has just been successfully updated.
Sum Up
PHP is the force that binds WordPress together. Therefore, keeping it up to date is critical. You can also take advantage of speed and protection.
Earlier in this article, you understand PHP and why updating is necessary. We addressed how you can determine which edition is running your site and how you can plan it for upgrading. We have also told you how you should use your hosting control panel to execute the update.
We hope your website is working fine now with the latest PHP version installed. Do leave any suggestions or questions regarding the process in the comment box below.