In the ever-evolving world of the internet, one powerful tool reigns supreme: PHP. This open-source scripting language is the backbone of most web servers and content management systems, including the mighty WordPress.
Estimates put WordPress at powering over 42% of all websites on the web.
It’s no exaggeration to say that PHP is the lifeblood of the online world, with a staggering 80% of all websites on the internet utilizing its power in some form or another.
Let’s explore the PHP factor of the web and, believe it or not, how it can impact you (especially if you have a WordPress website).
- How did this technological titan rise to be a juggernaut of the web?
- Should servers hosting WordPress sites update PHP?
- Will updating PHP break your WordPress website?
The Rise of PHP
Rewind to the early days of the world wide web, when Geocities and Netscape were all the rage. It was around 1994 that a German web developer named Rasmus Lerdorf created PHP, initially as a tool to track visitors on his personal website showcasing his resume. He called it Personal Home Page Tools, but through numerous evolutions, the name eventually morphed into the snappy moniker we know today: PHP. And from those humble beginnings, this dynamic programming language has grown to become the backbone of the modern internet, powering everything from blogs and e-commerce sites to social media platforms and beyond.
Like all software, PHP has seen generations of updates and improvements. The latest versions of WordPress support the new PHP 8 release. PHP has pushed “point” releases like 8.1 and 8.2.
Reasons for Updating PHP
Updating your web server hosting your WordPress website to PHP 8 or a higher version is crucial for several reasons:
- Security
The older versions of PHP are more vulnerable to security attacks and can expose your website to risks such as malware, hacking, and unauthorized access. By upgrading to the latest version of PHP, you can ensure that your website is more secure and less susceptible to such risks. - Performance
The latest versions of PHP are optimized for better performance, which can improve your website’s loading speed and overall user experience. This is especially important since online visitors have very little patience for slow-loading websites and may abandon them if they take too long to load. And faster websites have better SEO (search engine optimization). - Compatibility
Many WordPress plugins and themes only work with the latest version of PHP. By upgrading your PHP version, you ensure that your website remains compatible with the latest WordPress updates and plugins, which can add new features and improve your website’s functionality.
However, there are risks, as not all those swimming in the vast WordPress ocean have gotten on board with the latest version of PHP.
But There Are Risks with WordPress
While upgrading your web server hosting your WordPress website to PHP 8 or higher can offer significant benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges involved.
The creators of PHP tried to make security updates backward compatible to work with existing software. However, sometimes this is just not possible. For example, early mobile phones used analog technology. But it became a colossal security liability, so providers moved to digital. Thus, we all had to buy new cellular devices for the updated digital tech making the old analog phones obsolete. As with mobile devices, PHP requires exploiting new technologies to guard against growing security threats. Often this tech did not exist when many WordPress websites went online, making some sites incompatible with these improvements.
Because of the massive WordPress ecosystem, some plugins and themes may not be compatible with the latest version of PHP. Upgrading the server can cause them to break or stop working altogether. It could lead to WordPress completely crashing. It’s essential to thoroughly test any updates before implementing them on a live website and ensure you have a backup in case anything goes wrong.
Your WordPress Site is Overdue for a Change
If you have not updated your WordPress theme and plugins in years, you could be at risk. And you could be missing out on new features that could help your organization grow.
Your outdated WordPress theme may be like an old beloved car that is outdated and needs work. But many times, it’s more economical to get a new car than fix an old one. Security threats lurking on the web today did not exist when many WordPress themes were created, even ones just a few years old. Often it is complicated, if not impossible, to adapt these older themes to the sophistication of these latest hacker attacks. Updating the old theme would be like converting your old gas car to an electric. It would be cheaper to buy a new electric one.
Web design trends and user preferences change, sometimes at a racecar-like pace. Your outdated theme may no longer meet the needs of your audience. Updating it can help ensure that your website is aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, and optimized for mobile devices.
There are new WordPress features springing up on a daily basis. You could be missing out if you haven’t refreshed your website in a while.
The good news is WordPress’s design allows you to use a new theme and add plugins without breaking the bank. That’s not always the case with other website builder tools. (I’m looking at you Wix and Squarespace.)
Get Updated
At TecAdvocates, we are in the process of updating our servers to PHP 8.2. This version is most widely accepted by the WordPress community offering improvements in performance and security. If TecAdvocates host your website, you don’t need to worry – we are doing the backups and compatibility checking for you. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with hosting providers.
Look into migrating your site to a web hosting service that supports the latest version of PHP. Having an updated and secure website is worth the effort, as it will give you peace of mind knowing your website uses a safe platform.
TecAdvocates can help you stay ahead of the curve with our comprehensive WordPress maintenance services, including advice on server upgrade strategies and website migrations. We can also help you resolve any compatibility issues that may arise from moving from a behind-the-times hosting provider. With our expertise, you can rest assured your website is secure and up-to-date.
Contact us about updating your WordPress website and getting it on a safe and secure version of PHP.