PHP is the scripting language that WordPress is written with. It works in the background to allow you to create dynamic and responsive websites. When we first started designing websites, they were static, but today, with WordPress, you can create dynamic sites with a whole host of features thanks to PHP.
WordPress is widely used by beginners and pros alike because it is built so that you don't need to know anything about PHP, HTML, CSS, or any other coding languages. What you do need to know is that using the most up-to-date version keeps your site secure, stable, and faster, and it can improve how your website ranks in search engine results.
New versions of PHP can help to:
If you visit your site for the first time ever, or after updating WordPress, and see an error message like this: "Your server is running PHP version 5.4.45, but WordPress 5.6.2 requires at least 8.1." This message means that the version of PHP you're running is too old for the version of WordPress you've installed.
To fix this, you have to update your WordPress site's PHP version at least the recommended version listed in the error message. We, however, highly recommend updating to the latest version available on our servers.
If you're able to log into WordPress, then you are using a current version that is enough for it to run. Still, you may see a notification about needing to update the PHP to the recommended version, like the screenshot below.
If you do see this notification, you should update your site's PHP version
But first! Create a backup of your website before you update anything. Having a backup of your site while it looks and works the right way enables you to restore your site if something goes wrong during an update.
Updating your PHP version is relatively quick and straightforward. Once you've created a backup, the process to update PHP can take less than a minute to complete. We put together this guide, How to Update the PHP Version, that includes a video and step-by-step instructions you will need to take to update PHP in your cPanel.
WordPress allows you to use any number of themes and plugins. However, updating your PHP version without first making sure your theme or plugins are compatible with the latest version could cause your site to be down or not function properly.
Our administrators are continually adding the most recent PHP versions to our servers so that you can update them once you're ready. First, you have to make sure your theme and plugins are compatible with the new version.
Typically, when there is an update for WordPress or PHP being rolled out, most developers will update their themes and plugins to make them compatible. This information is commonly available from the developer on the theme or plugin page on wordpress.org if it is still being updated.
This way, you can update them before updating to the latest version of WordPress or PHP.
