As a leading web design and SEO company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, we have recommended to a number of our clients, that they update their hosting provider’s web server PHP version to 8.0 or higher when they are still on version 7.4. As of this writing, the latest PHP version is 8.4, which was released just a few months ago, in November of 2024.
Why Is it Important to Update Your Web Server’s PHP Version?
Updating your web server’s PHP version is an essential step that ensures your website runs more smoothly, securely and efficiently.
What is PHP?
PHP or Hypertext Preprocessor, is a popular, open-source, server-side scripting language that is used to create websites and related applications.
5 Reasons to Update Your PHP Version
Here’s why staying current with your PHP version is paramount.
Security Vulnerabilities
This is arguably the most compelling reason for updating your PHP version. So, like any software, PHP has flaws (vulnerabilities) which hackers can and are looking to exploit. Since older versions of PHP are known to have security weaknesses, ongoing updates often correct these issues, protecting your website and its users from potential hacking, data breaches and malware infections.
Performance Enhancements
Another reason to get the latest PHP version is to take advantage of the improved performance (faster and more efficient). What this means is that your website will load even faster, which of course, is beneficial for its visitors. This in turn, provides a better user experience, and possibly improved SERPs, as well as reduced server load, which can potentially save you money on hosting costs.
Compatibility Issues
As time goes on, new features and technologies emerge are incorporated into newer PHP versions. As a result, older PHP versions may become incompatible with some of these advancements. This can cause compatibility issues with newer WordPress plugins, WordPress themes and even with WordPress core software. Thus using an outdated PHP version might not only mean missing out on crucial new functionalities and integrations, but it could result in a broken website due to compatibility issues.
Loss of Support and Maintenance
Just like old cars, old versions of software are eventually no longer supported. Thus, when a PHP version reaches its “end-of-life,” it no longer receives security updates and bug fixes. This means your website can become increasingly vulnerable to hacking without the official technical support to help you resolve any resulting issues that might arise. Keeping up-to-date with the latest PHP version ensures you have access to technical support and the latest resources.
Enhanced Features
Notwithstanding the performance benefits, newer PHP versions often introduce new features and syntax that make coding easier, more efficient and more powerful. This can improve the quality of your website’s code and allow web developers to build even better experiences.
The Risks of Procrastination
Ignoring PHP updates will eventually catch up with you. Here’s what you risk by delaying:
Security Breaches
The obvious and potentially most devastating risk from not updating your PHP version is a successful cyberattack that can result in the theft of sensitive data, damage your reputation and the time and money spent to fix such problems.
Reduced Website Performance
Visitors often leave slow-loading websites. Therefore, you can lose valuable traffic and potential customers when you are still running an older PHP version on your server.
Website Malfunction
As mentioned earlier, compatibility issues can arise when you are running an older PHP version on your web server. This can cause your website to break, functionality to fail, or display errors, leading to a poor user experience. This can ultimately increase the risk of losing customers and revenue.
Increased Maintenance Costs
When your website experiences errors and/or breaks, you end up paying more money to find someone who can troubleshoot and fix issues arising from the use of an older PHP version.
How Often Should You Update Your PHP Version?
That is a very good question. That said, it is generally recommended that you update to the latest, stable PHP version as soon as it is deemed reliable. To check this, you can visit the official PHP website or go with your hosting provider’s recommendations. It may be a good practice to plan for PHP updates, every year or two, depending on your specific circumstances.
Updating your web server’s PHP version is not just a technical chore, it is a crucial component of maintaining a secure, correctly functioning website. As I have outlined in this article, ignoring these updates can expose your website and its visitors, to significant risks.
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