Perplexity and Burstiness of Updating PHP Version in WordPress

Have you ever wondered how to update your PHP version in WordPress? Look no further! WordPress is a globally used open-source CMS that is highly customizable and flexible. Keeping your PHP updated is crucial to protecting your website, given the influx of threats in this technology-driven era. In this article, we will guide you through the perplexing but straightforward process of updating your PHP version in WordPress.

Why Update Your PHP Version?

Before diving into the realm of updating your PHP version, let’s understand the importance of doing so. There are several reasons to ponder:

1. Security: With evolving technology comes new threats that hackers can exploit through the use of outdated PHP versions. Updating your PHP version to the latest one helps secure your website.
2. Performance: Upgrading to PHP 7.x versions could improve your website’s functionality and speed as compared to previous versions.
3. Compatibility: New plugins and themes are developed with specific PHP versions. Updating to the latest PHP version ensures compatibility with new themes and plugins.

Process of Updating PHP Version

Step 1: Check PHP Version

To start, you’ll need to check your current PHP version. This can be achieved by logging into your hosting account and navigating to the “PHP version” or “Select PHP version” icon available in cPanel. If you can’t find the PHP version, don’t worry! Contact your hosting provider, and they will assist you.

Step 2: Backup Your Site

Before proceeding further, it’s essential to back up your site to ensure that you can restore it to its previous version if anything goes wrong during the update process. Choose a backup method that works best for you and store the backup files in a secure location.

Step 3: Update PHP Version

Once you have backed up your site, you can proceed with updating your PHP version. Log into your hosting account and navigate to the “PHP version” or “Select PHP version” icon in cPanel. Choose the latest PHP version, and set it as the current version.

Note: It’s advisable to choose a stable and supported PHP version. PHP 7.4.x is currently the latest stable version supported by WordPress.

Step 4: Check Website Functionality

After updating your PHP version, you must check your website’s functionality to ensure that everything is working correctly. Check your website’s pages, posts, forms, and plugins. If any plugin or theme disrupts your website’s functionality, you can try disabling it. If the problem persists, use the backup you created earlier to restore your site.

Conclusion

Updating your PHP version is vital to secure your website, improve its performance, and ensure compatibility with the latest themes and plugins. Remember to back up your site before updating your PHP version, select a stable and supported PHP version, and test your website’s functionality after the update. If you face any issues during the process, contact your hosting provider for assistance.