PHP isn’t a sexy thing to talk about, but it sure is important. It keeps your website running fast and secure. Most website are built using PHP. This includes WordPress and Zen Cart. If you want your website to run flawlessly, updating to the PHP 7.4 is required.

What is PHP?

PHP is software running on your server. And being software, it is continuously updated with patches and updates. As of this writing (February 2021) the current version is 7.4. PHP version 7.3 is getting only security updates. Anything older is not being maintained at all. This is best explained by the authors of PHP when they say, “Users of [unsupported versions] should upgrade as soon as possible, as they may be exposed to unpatched security vulnerabilities.”

PHP supported versions

How to update to PHP 7.4?

This will vary from one hosting company to another. If you have cPanel, you’ll likely have access to do this yourself. But don’t until you read further.

Not all hosting companies will offer PHP 7.4. If they do not, contact them to ask for it. If they don’t offer it, a new hosting company should be in your future. If they are not willing to provide you with a safe, up to date hosting environment, find someone who will.

Can updating to PHP 7.4 break my website?

YES, it can. Your website, be it WordPress or Zen Cart, needs to be compatible with PHP 7.4.

Zen Cart
The following table shows the PHP versions compatible with each version of Zen Cart.

  • Zen Cart v1.5.7 is designed for PHP 5.6 through PHP 7.4
  • Zen Cart v1.5.6 is designed for PHP 5.5 through PHP 7.3
  • Zen Cart v1.5.5 is designed for PHP 5.5 up to PHP 7.1
  • Zen Cart v1.5.4 is designed for PHP 5.5 and PHP 5.6

WordPress
WordPress recommends PHP 7.4. It will run on PHP 5.6 but that will leave you exposed to security vulnerabilities.

This does not take into account your theme and any plugins. These also must be compatible with PHP 7.4 too. Proceed with caution, or contact an expert, before proceeding to update your PHP version.

Maintaining a flawlessly running website takes time and attention. Updates and patches, like PHP 7.4 are part of the cost of ownership.

Contact us to learn how we can help your website run flawlessly.