The Importance of Keeping PHP and WordPress Updated | SeDigital

Why it is important to update PHP on your hosting

1. Security: Each new PHP version includes security improvements, bug fixes, and known vulnerability patches. By keeping PHP updated, you make sure you have the latest protections against possible attacks and security vulnerabilities.
2. Performance: New PHP versions generally include performance improvements and optimizations. By updating to a more recent version, you will usually notice that your website runs faster.
3. Compatibility: PHP is widely used on the web, and many projects and libraries are based on specific PHP versions. By keeping your PHP version updated, you ensure compatibility with the latest technologies and tools.

What PHP has to do with your website

At SeDigital, we like to think about these kinds of “problems” through a layered system, to understand how all the gears work differently (server, technology, and CMS); in this case, we are looking at the second layer. PHP is a programming language that runs directly on your hosting, and WordPress is “built” on PHP.

Logically, the PHP version directly affects how your website works, as it has an impact on performance and, above all, incompatibilities. The main problems your WordPress site may have in relation to the PHP version are usually that plugins or themes are optimized for a certain version and, when that version is updated, they stop working. That is why it is important to keep your plugins and theme updated.

How the WordPress version affects your website

The WordPress version is important, as it is the “base” of the website. Normally, the plugins you install respect WordPress’s internal functions. Logically, when developers update their plugins, they do so following the official WordPress documentation.

In some new WordPress branch (changes from 6.1 to 6.2, for example), old functions are often “discarded” and new ones are added, their functionality changed, improved…

If you do not update WordPress, these new functions will not exist, and if the new plugins DO use these functions, an error will occur. If these functions change, both in name and performance, and the base is not updated, there will be incompatibilities.

Important

The first reason you should update your WordPress is security.

What to consider when updating PHP and WordPress versions

First of all, it is time to make a backup. Updating PHP and WordPress is no small task; there is usually always some complication, especially due to outdated plugins.

You need to set up a test environment with the same current PHP version and install the backup (this process depends almost entirely on the size of the database, but it can take up to 1 hour). Then you can proceed with the update.

From experience, we tend to find all kinds of situations. Some websites update everything without any problem, while others stop working as soon as the PHP version is updated.

The more version jumps that need to be updated, the more problems there usually are. Updating from PHP 7.4 to 8.0 or from WordPress 6.1 to 6.2 is not the same as updating from WordPress 5.8 to 6.2. You can see the “time” difference between versions on the WordPress releases page.

How long it takes to update PHP / WordPress

The correct answer is “it depends”. Every project and hosting is different, and there is no standard. As a general rule, our PHP/WordPress updates usually take us between 1-4 hours. But, as we say, in some cases we have encountered more problematic hosting providers that did not allow downgrading the PHP version or did not allow changing the PHP configuration file (php.ini).

Activity breakdown:

• Create the backup: Between 10 min - 60 min (depending on the size of the website).
• Create test environment: Approx. 10 - 20 min.
• Import backup to the test environment: Between 5 - 20 min (depending on the size of the website).
• Update WordPress: 5 min
• Update PHP: 5 min
• Check that everything is working and fix errors: 5 min - x min (this is the complicated step; if it goes well, nothing needs to be done. If there are errors, you need to debug and look for possible solutions).
• Replicate in development: 10 min - x min

Who should handle these tasks

The development agency is generally responsible for the technical management and maintenance of the website. This includes updating WordPress, installing new PHP versions, and implementing security best practices.

The SEO agency is not responsible for updating WordPress or PHP, although it is advisable for them to be informed about the updates and understand their impact on the website’s performance and security.

At SeDigital, we have technical knowledge because of our background as developers, so we usually handle these tasks (billing them, logically, as a separate service).

The importance of hosting in the PHP version

Your choice of hosting when hiring an accommodation service for your website matters more than you might think, since some hosting providers charge you an additional monthly cost if you have an old PHP version, even if it does not involve any added cost for them. It is simply another way to earn a few more euros.

In our view, a hosting provider should NOT charge more for using older versions, just as it should NOT charge for installing free security certificates (Let’s Encrypt).

As mentioned, not all hosting providers allow you to freely choose which PHP version you run on their servers. So, although it is not normal, we have found cases where the client has had to migrate hosting in order to keep everything updated.

Why is it important to update plugins in WordPress?

Updating plugins on a WordPress site is essential for several reasons:

1. Security: Plugins are third-party software that integrate with your WordPress site. Over time, vulnerabilities can be discovered in these plugins. Developers usually release updates to fix these security issues. If you do not update, your site may be exposed to attacks.
2. Compatibility: WordPress is also updated regularly. If you keep your plugins outdated, compatibility problems may arise with the latest version of WordPress. This can cause errors or even make parts of your site stop working correctly.
3. Improved features: Plugin developers often add new features or improve existing ones. By updating, you make sure you have access to the latest features and the best version of the plugin.
4. Optimization and performance: Plugin updates often include code improvements that can make the plugin run faster or more efficiently. This can have a positive impact on your website’s speed and performance.
5. Bug fixes: In addition to security vulnerabilities, plugins can have errors or bugs. Updates often fix these issues to provide a smoother user experience.
6. Support and assistance: If you experience problems with a plugin and seek help, the developer will likely ask you to make sure you have the latest version before offering support.