Jenny O'Brien November 27, 2024 A 4 minute read

Why Upgrading PHP in 2024 is Essential for Your WordPress Website

If you manage a WordPress website, you’ve probably heard of PHP. It’s the programming language that powers WordPress, and having an up-to-date version of PHP is critical for keeping your website secure, fast, and functioning properly.

At O’Brien Media, we want to ensure your website is running as smoothly as possible, so let’s explore why updating PHP is so important and how we can help if your website needs a boost.

What is PHP, and Why Should You Care?

PHP is the backbone of WordPress. It handles all the behind-the-scenes processes, like generating pages, retrieving content from the database, and serving it to your visitors.

However, like any software, PHP gets regular updates to improve performance, security, and compatibility. If your website is using an outdated version of PHP, you may face:

  • Security vulnerabilities: Older PHP versions don’t receive security updates, leaving your website exposed to potential attacks.
  • Slower website performance: Newer versions of PHP can process requests much faster, improving loading times and overall user experience.
  • Compatibility issues: The latest versions of WordPress and plugins are designed to work with newer versions of PHP. Using an outdated PHP version could break functionality or prevent updates from being applied.

How to Check Your PHP Version

To find out which version of PHP your WordPress website is using:

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Tools > Site Health and click on the Info tab.
  3. Under the Server section, you’ll see your current PHP version.

If the version is older than PHP 8.0 (or even worse, PHP 7.4), it’s time to upgrade, but if you do have an older version of PHP it is worth checking that there isn’t a reason for this first!

The Benefits of Updating PHP

Upgrading to the latest version of PHP offers several advantages:

  • Increased speed: The latest PHP versions are significantly faster than older ones, meaning your website will load quicker and handle more visitors at once.
  • Improved security: New PHP versions patch known vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
  • Better compatibility: The newest WordPress updates and plugins are optimised to work with the latest PHP versions, ensuring your website runs smoothly.

Why O’Brien Media’s Hosting is a Cut Above

At O’Brien Media, every website we host has its own dedicated resources. This means your site is independent from others on the same server, including having its own PHP version set specifically for your needs. This approach enhances performance and ensures you can always run the most suitable version of PHP for your website.

Support Package Customers: Let Us Handle the Upgrade for You

If your WordPress website is hosted by O’Brien Media or you’re signed up for one of our support packages, you can use your support time to upgrade your PHP version. We’ll handle the entire process for you, ensuring everything is updated smoothly and any compatibility issues are addressed.

For customers not already on a support plan, we can still help! Simply get in touch, and we’ll provide a tailored quote to assist with your PHP upgrade.

What’s Involved in a PHP Upgrade?

Upgrading PHP isn’t as simple as flicking a switch—it requires careful preparation to ensure your website doesn’t experience downtime or errors. Our team will:

  1. Check compatibility: We’ll review your WordPress version, theme, and plugins to ensure they’re compatible with the latest PHP release.
  2. Create a backup: Before making changes, we’ll back up your entire website to safeguard your data.
  3. Test the upgrade: We’ll update the PHP version on a staging environment and test your website to ensure everything works as expected.
  4. Apply the update: Once testing is complete, we’ll update your live site and monitor it to confirm everything runs smoothly.

Ready to Get Started?

Upgrading PHP is an essential part of keeping your WordPress website secure, fast, and compatible with modern technologies. If your site is overdue for a PHP upgrade, let O’Brien Media take the stress out of the process.

  • Support package customers: Use your included support time to complete the upgrade.
  • Hosting customers: Enjoy the benefits of dedicated resources and tailored PHP settings for your site.

Get in touch with us today at [email protected] or call 01793 239239, and we’ll ensure your website is running at its best!

By staying up to date with PHP, you’ll protect your site, improve its performance, and keep it future-proofed for years to come. If you need any help, our team at O’Brien Media is here for you!