Why Upgrade Your WordPress Site’s PHP Version?

Are you a WordPress website owner using an older version of PHP? If that’s the case, then you have come to the right place! We aim to provide you with a deep dive into the benefits and steps to upgrade your website’s PHP version. But, before we dive in, let’s first identify what PHP is.

What is PHP?

PHP is a server-side scripting language that creates dynamic websites that can interact with databases. Simply put, all dynamic content on your WordPress website is possible through PHP. With WordPress built using PHP, it is vital to keep tabs on the version being used as it impacts website performance.

Why should you upgrade your WordPress site’s PHP version?

Upgrading may seem daunting to keep up with the latest web technology. However, it is an essential aspect of maintaining a fast and secure website. Here are some reasons to upgrade:

1. Improved website speed: Newer versions of PHP are faster, which means that your website will load faster after upgrading.
2. Security: Upgrading your PHP version will make your website not only faster but also more secure. Using outdated versions of PHP can cause security risks because vulnerabilities in older versions aren’t patched in newer versions.
3. Compatibility: Newer versions of PHP have many new features that are not available in older versions. These features are necessary for running modern WordPress plugins and themes, providing specifically upgrading your PHP version helps you avoid compatibility issues with plugins and themes.
4. Support: Using outdated versions of PHP can cause difficulties in getting help from your hosting provider. This is because many hosting companies only offer support for the latest version of PHP.

How to upgrade your WordPress site’s PHP version

Upgrading your WordPress site’s PHP version might not be a challenging task, but it is crucial to ensure that you perform it correctly. Below are some important steps to follow:

1. Check your current PHP version: Before upgrading, check the PHP version of your website by creating a phpinfo.php file or logging into your site’s cPanel. If you’re unsure, ask your hosting provider for help.
2. Backup your website: Always back up your website before making any significant changes to it. Utilise a WordPress backup plugin or manually backup your website and database.
3. Check plugin compatibility:Make sure that the plugins and themes used on your website are compatible with the new PHP version. Don’t upgrade until you’re sure they are.
4. Upgrade your PHP version: Start the upgrade process after the above steps. Most hosting providers offer a simple upgrade process via their cPanel. If you’re unsure, ask your hosting provider to perform the upgrade for you.
5. Test your website: Test your website after upgrading PHP thoroughly to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Test your website’s functionality by checking your plugins and themes.

In Conclusion

Upgrading your website’s PHP version is critical for maintaining a fast, reliable, and secure WordPress website. By following the above steps, you can safely upgrade your PHP version without experiencing problems. Remember, periodically upgrading your website’s PHP version increases website performance, functionality and security, so it’s an essential move as a WordPress website owner.