As a WordPress user, keeping your website up-to-date for security and performance reasons is essential. One critical component that needs to be updated is PHP, the programming language that powers WordPress.
In this article, we’ll discuss why updating PHP is essential, how to check your PHP version, and the steps to update PHP in WordPress.
Why is updating PHP important?
PHP is a scripting language used to power WordPress and other web applications. The latest version of PHP is faster, more secure, and has improved features and functionalities. When you update PHP in WordPress, you can expect the following:
- Improved website performance: The latest version of PHP is optimized for speed and can handle more requests per second.
- Enhanced security: Older versions of PHP may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain access to your website. Updating PHP to the latest version ensures that your website is secure.
- Access to new features: The latest version of PHP comes with new features and improvements that can enhance the functionality of your WordPress website.
Checking Your PHP Version
Before you update PHP in WordPress, you need to know which version of PHP your website is currently using. Here’s how to check your PHP version:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to “Tools” > “Site Health.”
- Click on the “Info” tab.
- Look for “Server” and “PHP Version”
Steps to Update PHP in WordPress
Now that you know which version of PHP your website is using, it’s time to update it to the latest version. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Backup Your Website
Before making any changes to your website, creating a backup is essential. This will ensure you can restore your website if anything goes wrong during the update process. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to back up your website.
Step 2: Check Plugin Compatibility
Not all plugins may be compatible with the latest version of PHP. Before you update PHP, you must ensure that all the plugins on your website are compatible with the latest version. You can use the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin to check if your plugins are compatible.
Step 3: Update PHP on Your Server
The next step is to update PHP on your server. This will depend on the hosting provider you’re using. Some hosting providers have a one-click option to update PHP, while others may require you to update it manually. You can contact your hosting provider for instructions on how to update PHP.
Step 4: Test Your Website
After updating PHP, you must test your website to ensure everything works properly. You can use a plugin like PHP Compatibility Checker to test your website for compatibility issues.
Final Tips
Updating PHP in WordPress is crucial to ensure your website is secure and performs optimally. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can update PHP in WordPress without any issues.
Always back up your website before making any changes, check plugin compatibility, and test your website after updating PHP.
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FAQs
What happens if I don’t update PHP in WordPress?
Suppose you need to update PHP in WordPress. In that case, your website may be vulnerable to security threats, not performing optimally, and you may need access to the latest features.
How often should I update PHP in WordPress?
It’s recommended to update PHP in WordPress every 6-12 months.
Will updating PHP break my website?
Updating PHP may break your website if your plugins are not compatible. That’s why it’s essential to backup your website, check plugin compatibility, and test your website after updating PHP.
