Switching PHP Versions in cPanel: A Beginner’s Guide

Publish By:- CodeInputs

PHP versions have evolved from PHP 5.x to PHP 8.x. PHP 5.6 was widely used but is now outdated and unsupported. The PHP 7.x series, including versions like 7.4, brought major performance improvements, better error handling, and new features like type declarations. PHP 8.x introduced further enhancements with PHP 8.0, 8.1, and 8.2, adding a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler, named arguments, union types, and improved performance. PHP 8.2 also supports readonly classes. The choice of PHP version depends on compatibility, performance needs, and security considerations, with PHP 8.x being ideal for modern applications due to its speed and new features.

Changing PHP versions in applications is essential for several reasons. Newer PHP versions provide improved performance, allowing applications to run faster and use server resources more efficiently. They also include security updates, protecting against vulnerabilities that may exist in older versions. Additionally, newer PHP releases offer modern features and functions that can simplify development and improve code maintainability. Updating the PHP version ensures compatibility with the latest frameworks and libraries. Failing to update may result in security risks, slower performance, and compatibility issues, making it crucial to keep applications on a supported and updated PHP version.

To log in to your cPanel using the credentials provided by your hosting provider, follow these steps:

1. Find Your cPanel URL: Typically, it looks like `https://yourdomain.com/cpanel` or `https://yourdomain.com:2083`.

2. Enter Your Username and Password: Use the username and password provided by your hosting provider. These credentials are often sent via email when you set up your hosting account.

Passphrase (if required): If your hosting provider requires a passphrase for added security, enter it when prompted during the login process.

Click 'Log In': After entering the details, click on the login button to access your cPanel dashboard.

After logging into your cPanel account, you'll see your cPanel dashboard. To select or change your PHP version, follow these steps:

1. Locate the Software Section: Scroll down to find the "Software" section on the dashboard.
2. Select "Select PHP Version": Click on the "Select PHP Version" icon. This will take you to a page where you can see your current PHP version and options to change it.

3. Choose Your Desired PHP Version: From the dropdown menu, select the PHP version you wish to use for your applications.

4. Set as Current: After selecting the desired version, click the "Set as current" button to apply the changes.

5. Optional - Enable Extensions: You can also enable or disable PHP extensions based on your application's requirements before saving the changes.


6. Save Changes: Make sure to save any changes you've made.

Your PHP version is now updated, and you can check if your applications run correctly with the new settings.