PHP is the programming language that powers your WordPress website and is integral for your site running smoothly. While most major web hosting companies have already upgraded and set PHP 8 as the default version, it’s still not uncommon to see WordPress websites running on PHP 7.4 or older.
Why is PHP 8 Important?
Upgrading to PHP 8 is crucial for several reasons, with security and performance being the primary concerns:
- Security: PHP 7.4 is no longer actively maintained and will soon stop receiving security patches. This makes websites running on older versions vulnerable to exploits. PHP 8 ensures that your site is protected against known security threats and vulnerabilities.
- New Features: PHP 8 introduces a range of new features and improvements, such as JIT (Just-in-Time) compilation, union types, and new error-handling methods. These advancements offer plugin developers and theme creators more efficient ways to build and maintain high-performance websites.
- Speed: PHP 8 is significantly faster than its predecessors. Websites running on PHP 8 benefit from quicker loading times, reduced latency, and improved overall performance, which leads to a better user experience.
If you’re unsure about which PHP version your site is using or if you’re receiving warnings about an outdated PHP version, it’s essential to take action promptly.
This screenshot was originally taken on September 15th, 2019, and shows the lifespan of various PHP versions at the time. However, it has been superseded by newer information.
Contact your web developer or hosting provider immediately to ensure that your server’s PHP version is up to date. By staying current with the latest PHP versions, you not only ensure the security of your WordPress site but also benefit from the most recent performance and feature enhancements.
