One of the most widely used content management systems (CMS) for creating and maintaining websites is WordPress. Making sure a WordPress website is using the most recent PHP version is an essential part of managing it. WordPress employs PHP, a server-side scripting language, to build dynamic web pages, and updating PHP can enhance website performance and security. We’ll look at how to check a WordPress website’s PHP version in this blog post.
What is PHP?
PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. It is a popular and widely used server-side scripting language primarily designed for web development. PHP is embedded within HTML code and executed on the web server to generate dynamic web pages. It is known for its simplicity, versatility, and ease of integration with various databases and web frameworks. PHP allows developers to create dynamic content, interact with databases, handle forms, process data, and perform other server-side tasks necessary for building interactive websites and web applications.
How Does PHP Work?
- PHP is a server-side scripting language that runs on the web server.
- PHP code is embedded within HTML markup to generate dynamic content.
- The web server processes the PHP code and sends the resulting HTML to the user’s browser.
- PHP can interact with databases, handle form submissions, perform calculations, and execute server-side tasks.
- PHP seamlessly integrates with HTML, allowing developers to switch between PHP and HTML code effortlessly.
- PHP executes its code on the server, ensuring security and generating the desired HTML output for the user’s browser.
There are numerous ways to check a WordPress website’s PHP version:
- Using the WordPress dashboard
- Via the WordPress dashboard, you can quickly determine the PHP version of a WordPress website. You only need to log in, navigate to the “Dashboard” menu, and select “Updates” from the list of options. The current PHP version your website is using should then be displayed in a notification.
- Using a PHP info file
- Creating a PHP info file is another approach to determine the PHP version of a WordPress website. Create a new file called phpinfo.php and add the following code to it to accomplish this:
- Paste the code
<?php phpinfo(); ?> - Using an FTP client, upload the file to the root directory of your WordPress website. Then, go to http://www.yoursitename.com/phpinfo.php. Your PHP version should be displayed on a page.
- Using a plugin
- The PHP version can be displayed using a number of WordPress plugins. The “Show PHP Version” plugin is a well-liked choice because it adds a widget to the WordPress dashboard that shows the most recent version of PHP.
Why is it crucial to examine a WordPress website’s PHP version?
- Importance of updating PHP version for your website:
- Updating the PHP version is crucial for several reasons.
- Newer PHP versions often bring performance enhancements, resulting in a faster and more efficient website.
- Outdated PHP versions may have security vulnerabilities, posing risks to your website and its visitors.
- Performance benefits of updating PHP version:
- Newer PHP versions frequently introduce performance improvements, enhancing the speed and efficiency of your website.
- Updating PHP can lead to optimized code execution and better utilization of server resources.
- Improved performance results in a better user experience and can positively impact your website’s search engine rankings.
- Security risks associated with outdated PHP versions:
- Outdated PHP versions may have known security vulnerabilities.
- Hackers and malicious actors can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to your website or compromise user data.
- Regularly updating PHP ensures that your website is protected from known security risks and vulnerabilities.
- Methods to check and update PHP version in WordPress:
- Verify PHP version through the WordPress dashboard: Check the “Site Health” section under Tools > Site Health.
- Use a PHP info file: Create a PHP file with the code <?php phpinfo(); ?>, upload it to your server, and access it via a web browser.
- Utilize a plugin: Various plugins are available that can display your PHP version and offer additional functionality for managing PHP updates.
- Benefits of maintaining an updated PHP version:
- Ensures your website operates effectively and efficiently.
- Keeps your website secure and protected from known vulnerabilities.
- Enhances user experience and prevents potential security risks.
PHP Version Usage Statistics and Support Timeline
| PHP Version | Usage Percentage | Release Date | Active Support Until | Security Support Until |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHP 8.0 | 33% | Nov 2020 | Nov 2022 | Nov 2023 |
| PHP 7.4 | 28% | Nov 2019 | Nov 2021 | Nov 2022 |
| PHP 7.3 | 21% | Dec 2018 | Dec 2020 | Dec 2021 |
| PHP 7.2 | 14% | Nov 2017 | Nov 2020 | Nov 2021 |
| PHP 7.1 | 5% | Dec 2016 | Dec 2019 | Dec 2019 |
| PHP 7.0 | 2% | Dec 2015 | Dec 2018 | Dec 2018 |
| PHP 5.6 | 1% | Aug 2014 | Dec 2018 | Dec 2018 |
| Others | 1% | – | – | – |
Conclusion:
Maintaining a WordPress website’s performance and security requires regularly verifying the PHP version. Make sure your website is using the most recent version of PHP by checking it using the WordPress dashboard, a PHP info file, or a plugin, if you so want. Your website will operate effectively and safely as a result, and your users will be shielded from any potential security risks.
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