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The PHP programming language has been used for years as the foundation of many modern websites and content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and PrestaShop. Since this language is an integral part of many sites’ performance, choosing the right version can significantly impact the site’s speed, security, and stability. At the same time, ignoring the PHP version can lead to serious problems, including plugin incompatibility, performance degradation, or even complete site downtime.

This article will examine why the PHP version matters, their differences, and how to choose and manage it correctly.

The Importance of the PHP Version in Site Performance

One of the first and most important reasons to choose a PHP version is its direct impact on the site’s performance and speed. In newer versions of PHP, the code processing engine has been significantly optimized, which increases the speed of command execution, reduces page load time, and ultimately improves the user experience.

For example, tests conducted on different versions of PHP show that a WordPress site based on PHP 8.1 or 8.2 can load up to 2 to 3 times faster than the same site on PHP 5.6. This performance difference for sites with high traffic or online stores will directly impact user satisfaction and SEO.

The impact of PHP version on site security

Security is one of the most sensitive areas related to site management, and the PHP version plays an important role. After a while, the development team no longer supports older versions of PHP, and security updates are no longer released. If a site uses PHP 5.6 or even 7.0, it will not be protected against many vulnerabilities and may become an easy attack target.

In addition to receiving regular security patches, newer versions include more secure structures that help reduce the risk of code injection, unauthorized script execution, and exploiting software holes.

Compatibility of plugins and themes with the PHP version

Another critical aspect of choosing the correct PHP version is the compatibility of themes, plugins, and scripts with that version. If you use a new version that some plugins do not yet support, you may encounter programming errors or performance problems. Conversely, using an ancient version can cause plugins that are designed only for newer versions not to run correctly or install.

So, it’s best always to use a secure version compatible with your theme and plugins. Checking plugin documentation, knowing the minimum PHP version required, and running local tests before upgrading are ways to manage this better.

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How do you check your site’s PHP version?

There are a few easy ways to check the current version of PHP running on your site. If you’re using a control panel like cPanel or DirectAdmin, there’s usually an option called Select PHP Version or PHP Settings that displays the current version.

You can also create a file with a name of your choice (e.g., phpinfo.php) and place the following code in it:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

After uploading this file to the host’s root and opening it in the browser, complete information about the PHP version and server settings will be displayed. Of course, it is recommended that you delete this file for security reasons after viewing the information.

How to change the PHP version?

Changing the PHP version varies depending on the type of hosting service, but in shared cPanel-based hosts, it is usually possible through the “Select PHP Version” section. In this section, you can select your desired version from the list and apply it by clicking the Save option.

You must install and manage the PHP version on dedicated or VPS servers through the terminal and operating system commands (such as apt or yum). Also, on servers using the PHP-FPM tool, you can set the version separately for each site or folder.

In all cases, before changing the PHP version, it is recommended to:

• Make a full backup of the site’s files and database.
• Make the necessary arrangements with the hosting support team.
• If possible, test the new version on a staging environment first.

Which PHP version should we choose?

Currently (2025), PHP 8.1 and 8.2 are the stable and recommended versions for general use. These versions are fully supported in security, have high performance, and are compatible with the most up-to-date plugins and themes.

Some sites also use PHP 7.4, but its official support has ended, and it is better to migrate to higher versions. Using versions lower than 7.4 should be strictly avoided, as they pose security risks and are incompatible with current web standards.

Summary: Updating the PHP version is a simple but crucial step

The PHP version of your site is a critical factor in its performance, security, compatibility, and future-proofing. While many site owners may not pay enough attention to this issue, choosing and managing the correct PHP version can directly impact loading speed, reducing errors, preventing intrusion, and improving search engine rankings.

It is recommended that you regularly check the status of your site’s PHP version and, in coordination with your hosting support, upgrade it to a secure and stable version if necessary.