PHP is a server-side programming language used by many websites. The PHP version affects which language features are available and which application code can run.

Before Upgrading

• Review your CMS requirements.
• Check theme and plugin requirements.
• Look for deprecated functions in custom code.
• Confirm required PHP extensions.
• Take a complete backup.

Test First

If possible, switch a staging copy to the target PHP version. Test important pages, administration, forms, scheduled tasks, and application logs.

Common Symptoms

Blank pages, HTTP 500 responses, and undefined-function errors can indicate compatibility problems, although they have other possible causes. Check the error log before assuming PHP is responsible.

Keep the runtime on a supported release and plan upgrades before security support ends.