PHP 8.3: How to Update the PHP Version of Your Website
Each new PHP version comes with a specialized feature set aimed to support the users and provide them with a seamless user experience. For example, PHP 7’s speed optimization update helped gain higher rankings on the SERPs, and PHP 8 revolutionized how programmers work.
Continuing its legacy, PHP surprised enthusiasts with the release of PHP 8.2 on November 24, 2022. Now, we have PHP 8.3, released on November 23, 2023. PHP 8 lets you write concise code and build more exemplary applications with exciting changes and improvements to the earlier RFCs. Considering the new improvements, it would be a crime not to upgrade your current PHP version to PHP 8.3 on your website.Common PHP 8 Compatibility Issues with Your Website
With every update come compatibility issues. If you want to have a hassle-free PHP 8 experience, its recommend opting for the latest stable version of CMS or MVC framework installed.
If your website run's on older version of framework and you’re concerned about potential errors during an upgrade, there’s no need to worry. We always suggest setting up an staging environment where you can test your website, ensuring a smooth transition before upgrading your live website version. If you get any errors in the staging environment, then we’d recommend getting the help of a professional developer from an agency to diagnose and debug the errors before you move ahead with the update.PHP 8 on Your Host Server: Installation Prerequisites
Before upgrading to latest PHP version, it’s wise to check the current PHP version that your website is running.
Using an older version?You can upgrade the PHP version to enjoy the new features and improvements. But not so fast! Remember, safety always comes first. When we talk about security, we consider the “what ifs.”
What if your site is not compatible with the latest version, and you end up losing or corrupting your data in the process. Nope, you don’t want that. Don’t lose hope – With your hosting service, you can create a clone of your website to test it on the latest version.If the clone website works smoothly after upgrading to the latest PHP version, you can move ahead with updating your actual site. This portion will list out the steps to create a clone website to test it under PHP 8.3 .
Clone a Website via Your Web Hosting Provider
Fortunately, managed hosting solutions like Godady, NameCheap, Bluehost, Hostgator, allow users to create their site’s duplicate without dealing with any complexities.
Follow the steps below to create your website’s clone via CPanel.
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* Login to CPanel with your credentials.
* Locate the application you want to clone and click the 3 vertical dots next to it.
* Select “Clone App/Create Staging” from the options.
* Choose a server for the clone application and checkmark the option to create it as a staging site. Then, click “Continue.”
* Look for the “www” icon next to the server you selected, and click on the staging site.
How to Update PHP to the Latest Version on your CPanel Host?
Announced its availability of PHP 8 soon after PHP’s official release, maintaining its reputation of being the early bird to accept the latest updates and providing the best PHP hosting. Follow the easy steps below to upgrade your current PHP version to the latest one.Step# 1: Log in with CPanel
Step# 2: PHP Selector
Step# 3: Upgrade Your Latest PHP Version
What Is Holding back Users From Updating to the Latest PHP Version?
The major reason that’s holding back users from upgrading to PHP 8 is the incompatibility of their favorite themes and plugins with PHP 8.
That said, every savvy user would like to enjoy the latest PHP features and RFC improvements. Anyone who wants to stay back and keep working with the legacy software would abstain from upgrading their PHP version. Using the latest PHP versions allows for better and easier development of new features and also facilitates maintenance. Even if some of the themes and plugins are not working on the latest PHP version, they will eventually be updated.Why Should You Upgrade to PHP 8?
Imagine using an outdated image editing tool for making logos or editing photos. While the world has moved to the latest version and is saving time and getting better quality and performance with the latest edition, you are still doing it the old way. Not really a smart decision, right?
Similarly, why would anyone abstain from upgrading to a newer PHP version when the new upgrade is specifically introduced to bring ease to the user’s end? You should definitely upgrade to latest PHP version if you want to benefit from the latest features and get better error handling, improved RFCs, and optimizations. PHP 8.3 will have active support and security updates planned through 23 Nov 2025. This longevity makes this newest version a lot more trustworthy and secure than the previous versions. Most of the popular plugins/extension and fronten themes have accepted PHP 8 and are now compatible with it.Placeholder text by Elderberry Tech Facebook Page .