"Will PHP Updates Break My Website?"
"WHAT IS PHP?"
In simple terms, PHP is a powerful programming language that is used to build dynamic websites. The PHP community is constantly releasing new, better versions of PHP and continues to support those recent updates.
Each update of PHP is only supported for 2 years from its initial release date. After that, it's only supported an additional 1 year for security issues only. Once those 3 years are done, that PHP update has reached the end of its life and is no longer supported.
"WHY SHOULD I CARE?"
I'm glad you asked. Think of PHP as the latest update on your smartphone. Apple is constantly releasing updates to iOS. After a while, the older iPhone models can no longer support the newer iOS updates, and they either freeze, or something breaks and you can no longer use your phone.
This is also true for websites. The older your website is, the less likely it will be able to stack up to the newer PHP releases. Functionality will start to break, the design may look funny, or the website will go down entirely. Additionally, not having the latest PHP update also poses security risks, allowing potential hackers an open door to your site. Not to mention, Google will not list your website on their search engine if it's broken or insecure.
"WHAT CAN I DO?"
Here's the good news: We can help. Making sure your website is up to date and functioning properly is a part of our monthly website maintenance package. If you already have this package, we're on it. If not, we're still happy to help.
We are offering you a complimentary PHP check & test on your website.
We will look into your website hosting and see what version of PHP your website is on. If it's an old version, we will test the update to one of the newer versions. If your website cannot handle the update, we will switch it back and let you know. From there, we will make a recommendation on how to move forward. It may require website updates, or a complete rebuild.
"I THOUGHT YOU SAID THIS WAS GOOD NEWS..."
Believe it or not, it is. It's important to stay ahead of these updates before something breaks beyond repair. Most websites (yes, even the older ones) are on PHP 7.3, which means we have until the end of this year to test the update and make changes.
This is why I'm bringing this to your attention now - so we have time to plan and rebuild, if necessary.
LEARN MORE: PHP SUPPORT CALENDAR
View a calendar of different PHP Versions and the support times.
Get a complimentary PHP check and test.
Contact us today to request a complimentary PHP test.