Solve PHP problem (obsolete version)

This guide explains why it is dangerous to use a version of PHP that is no longer officially up-to-date and how to use a newer version of PHP with a website hosted by Infomaniak.

Is it dangerous to have an obsolete version of PHP?

When you are using a version of PHP (in a short time) that is vulnerable on one or more of your sites, a warning message is displayed in the relevant hosting dashboard.

PHP language evolves regularly and when you use a version of PHP that is no longer up to date, you expose your website to security risks For example, malicious people could exploit known security flaws to enter your site and modify its content. It is therefore strongly recommended to always use a recent version of PHP.

3 statutes are possible:

• PHP version is fully supported‍: no action is required
• PHP version only receives security updates‍: it is recommended to use a more recent version of PHP
• PHP version is no longer up to date‍: it is strongly recommended to use a more recent version of PHP

Further information: http://php.net/supported-versions.php

Use a more recent version

The latest versions of PHP are more efficient and speed up the loading of websites.

Before to use a more recent version of PHP, it is necessary to take the following precautions:

• If your site works with a CMS or web application (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc.), it is recommended to check that its current version is compatible with the PHP version you plan to use
• if your site has been developed by hand, it is necessary to consult the official documentation of PHP in order to become aware of the modified functions as well as possible incompatibilities

If you find problems after you migrate a site to a more recent version of PHP, it may be possible to go back to a previous PHP version if it is still supported.