Behind each WooCommerce retailer is software program written in PHP. You don’t must know the way it works, however preserving it updated is among the easiest issues you are able to do to maintain your retailer quick, safe, and operating easily.
Consider PHP just like the engine in a automotive. Newer engines are extra fuel-efficient and dependable. Older engines nonetheless work, however they’re more durable to keep up and extra susceptible to issues. The identical is true for PHP.
PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress and WooCommerce. When a buyer visits your retailer, PHP is working behind the scenes to load your merchandise, course of orders, and show your pages.
You don’t work together with PHP straight — your internet hosting supplier manages it for you. However the model of PHP that your website runs on could make an actual distinction to your retailer’s efficiency and safety.
Safety
Older PHP variations finally cease receiving safety updates (also referred to as patches). PHP 7.4, for instance, reached its “finish of life” in November 2022. Meaning any safety vulnerabilities found since then haven’t been patched. Operating an outdated model is a bit like leaving your retailer’s again door unlocked.
Velocity
PHP 8.1+ is considerably sooner than older variations. Quicker web page masses imply a greater expertise on your clients — and might even enhance your search rankings.
Compatibility
As WooCommerce and WordPress proceed to evolve, we optimize for newer PHP variations. Staying present means you’ll have entry to the most recent options and fewer compatibility complications.
WordPress makes this simple with a built-in device referred to as Website Well being. Right here’s discover it:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Instruments → Website Well being.
- Click on the Data tab.
- Broaden the Server part.
- Search for the PHP model row.
Should you’re operating PHP 8.1 or increased, you’re in nice form. Should you see PHP 7.4 or 8.0, it’s time to consider upgrading.
What to do in case you’re on an older model
The excellent news: upgrading PHP is often easy, and your internet hosting supplier handles the technical work. Right here’s what to do:
1. Contact your host
Most internet hosting suppliers supply PHP model controls of their dashboard, or can improve you upon request. Search for a setting referred to as “PHP model” or “PHP selector” in your internet hosting management panel, or attain out to their assist workforce.
2. Select the best model
We advocate PHP 8.3 for one of the best stability of efficiency, safety, and compatibility. PHP 8.2 can also be a stable alternative. You may discover that PHP 8.3 is newer than PHP 8.2 — so why would somebody select 8.2? New PHP variations introduce enhancements, however they’ll additionally embrace adjustments that take time for internet hosting platforms, plugins, and themes to totally undertake. That’s why many manufacturing websites run a model that’s extensively examined and confirmed throughout the ecosystem, even when a more recent model is accessible.
Should you’re curious what’s modified between variations, the PHP mission publishes detailed launch notes for every model.
3. Take a look at first if doable
Some hosts supply staging environments the place you may check the improve earlier than making use of it to your reside website. This can be a good precaution, particularly in case you use lots of plugins.
Should you’re looking for a brand new internet hosting supplier — or evaluating whether or not your present one nonetheless meets your wants — PHP model assist is value checking. An excellent WooCommerce host ought to:
- Provide PHP 8.2 or 8.3 by default.
- Make it simple to modify PHP variations.
- Preserve PHP up to date mechanically as new variations are launched.
Yow will discover our beneficial hosts on the WooCommerce internet hosting web page.
Checking your PHP model takes lower than a minute, and upgrading is often only a fast message to your host. It’s a type of small upkeep duties that pays off in higher safety, sooner efficiency, and peace of thoughts.
You probably have questions on your retailer’s server setup, our assist workforce is glad to level you in the best course.
Brent MacKinnon is the director of product advertising and developer advocacy at WooCommerce, serving to to make the platform higher for builders and retailers alike. With over a decade of expertise in product advertising and technique, Brent is keen about supporting the WooCommerce group and serving to entrepreneurs of all types succeed with Woo.
