WordPress, the most commonly used blogging platform is a favorite among bloggers and writers alike. WordPress was built using PHP, the quintessential scripting language for the server side. Since its inception, WordPress has been updated several times. This means that if you are using an updated WordPress version and attempt to run it on an older PHP version, then chances of you running into problems are high.
This is why we need to update PHP to the latest available version, to ensure and enable a smooth and hassle-free running of applications. Srishti Campus provides the best php training in Trivandrum, Kerala. Come join to Srishti campus, and learn php training.
The other benefits of running WordPress on a latest version of PHP are improved security for your site, enhanced loading speed, and highly improved SEO. PHP being an open source programming language, it is easy to use and this also makes it vulnerable to attack by hackers. However, it would be a grave understatement to suggest that older versions of PHP like PHP 5 are devoid of security features. Updation just strengthens the already existing security features.
It is a no-brainer that any application or technology evolves over a period and the latest versions are always expected to run faster and more efficiently, Hence the updated PHP version in WordPress means that your site loading speed is automatically enhanced. Did you know that any website whose loading speed is greater than 6 seconds will suffer massively due to bounce rates? Meaning, your site’s loading speed should be less than 6 seconds else the chances are that 53% of users will lose patience and check out of your site.
It is no surprise that the site that loads faster will fare better in Google’s search results.
Now that we have addressed the “why” of the problem, let’s dive into the “how” of it.
How to update PHP in WordPress?
Before updating PHP version, it is necessary to ensure the following steps
- Taking a back-up for your website so that in case of an unexpected turn of events, no data in your website will be lost. A number of free backup plugins are available that a user can utilize to take back-up.
- Updating WordPress themes and plugins
- Checking and Ensuring PHP compatibility and fixing if there is a compatibility issue.
Updating PHP in WordPress
Once you have taken your website’s back-up, and all compatibility tests are diligently done and dusted, it is time to go to the updating task. The steps to update PHP version for your WordPress site are as follows-
- Updating using the C panel- After logging into the Control Panel, search for “Select PHP Version” tab.
- Click on Select PHP Version
- The following page will give you the current PHP version.
- From a drop down menu, select the version you want to update to, i.e. the latest version available.
- Click “Set as Current”.
Voila! And you have updated the PHP version.
But in case you cannot locate the control panel or the option to update PHP is not to be found, then the next practical step is to contact your hosting company who will either update the PHP version, or will give you the instructions to do the same.
The world of technology is constantly changing and every updated version comes with added features and enhanced performance. So, utilize the changes to the best and reap the benefits of every updated version. Lerarn php training from experts! Come join to Srishti campus, the best software training centre in Trvndrum.