Considerations Before updating PHP version

When updating the PHP version on your web hosting account—whether through cPanel or DirectAdmin—there are several critical factors to consider. Changing the PHP version affects the core runtime environment of your website, so it must be approached with care.

Key Considerations Before Updating PHP:

1. Website Compatibility

• Codebase Compatibility: Ensure your website’s scripts (WordPress, Joomla, Laravel, custom PHP, etc.) are compatible with the version you're upgrading to. Older code may rely on deprecated functions.
• Plugin/Theme Compatibility: In CMS platforms like WordPress, many themes and plugins are version-sensitive. An incompatible plugin can crash your site.
• Check with a Staging Environment: If possible, test the upgrade in a staging or development environment first.

2. Deprecation & Removed Functions

• Every new PHP version removes outdated functions and introduces changes. For example:
  • mysql_* functions were removed in PHP 7.0
  • Certain error reporting behaviors changed in PHP 8.0+

3. CMS & Application Requirements

• Modern CMSs like WordPress often recommend the latest stable version of PHP for performance and security—but only if all plugins/themes support it.
• Some apps explicitly require a minimum PHP version, so upgrading might actually be necessary.

4. Backup Everything

• Always create a full website and database backup before making any PHP changes. This allows you to restore your site quickly if anything breaks.

5. Error Reporting & Logs

• Enable error reporting temporarily after the upgrade to catch issues early.
• Check your hosting error logs (in cPanel or DirectAdmin) to diagnose any runtime failures.

Potential Effects on Your Website

Positive Effects

• Improved Performance: Newer PHP versions are significantly faster and more efficient.
• Better Security: Older versions (e.g. PHP 7.4 and earlier) no longer receive security updates.
• Modern Features: You get access to new syntax, typing, and performance-enhancing features.

Negative Effects (If Not Managed Well)

• White Screen of Death: A broken plugin or theme may prevent the site from loading altogether.
• 500 Internal Server Errors: These typically signal deprecated or incompatible code.
• Broken Features: Parts of your site (contact forms, login systems, galleries, etc.) might stop working.
• Email Failures: PHP mail functions may behave differently if the script is outdated.

Post-Update Checklist:

• Clear all caches (browser, server-side, CDN like Cloudflare).
• Check your site on desktop and mobile.
• Test contact forms, shopping carts, login areas, etc.
• Monitor error logs for issues in the first 24–48 hours.
• Revert to a previous PHP version temporarily if needed, then debug the issue.

If you’re managing multiple websites or large-scale environments, using a tool like PHP Compatibility Checker (for WordPress) can help you identify potential issues before you upgrade.
Let me know if you want a checklist template or help reviewing compatibility for specific software like WordPress, Joomla, Laravel, etc.