How to Check PHP Version : Detailed Tutorial
To run properly WordPress PHP Version minimum requirement 5.2.4. Likewise, all other web applications that run on the web have to meet certain minimum requirements to work efficiently. And in this post, you will learn how to check PHP version.
PHP empower more than 83% of websites. There is a lot of buzz in market about it.If you want to know about the PHP version installed and to collect the general information about the web server installation, then it can be achieved by running a simple PHP function “phpinfo();” .
Using PHPinfo() Function to check the PHP Version
PHPinfo() is an absolutely helpful function present in PHP. This function is used to return the compiled information about PHP version, server information, PHP environment, OS version information, PHP extensions, PHP license, HTTP header, environment information, MySql version and paths.
To run this function, simply create a file and name it anything i.e. test.php and place it into the root directory of your website. In most linux servers root directory for a website in Public_HTML. Open the test.php file in a text editor and add the PHPInfo function in it.
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
Save the file. Now open “http://yourwebsite.com/test.php” and after running this file you should see an output somewhat like shown below.
However, if you want to know about some specific value corresponds to specific settings then getting that information is quite simple. Let’s say you want to see the settings for memory_limit. Here you see two values where the first value is the set value for the present directory and the second value is the master value. The local value plays a vital role as the local value can override the master value.
Importance of WordPress PHP Version Checking
Every modern dynamic website runs on PHP. Do you know which version of PHP your website is currently running on? The basic knowledge about your web server environment will give a better understanding of it. In case of a CMS like WordPress any plugin you install and any theme you install runs a PHP script in the background and then work properly.
Why Check PHP Version and Update it for WordPress WebSite
PHP is the backbone of your WordPress website and it is required to check PHP version and keep it updated so that it keeps working well with all the plugins that you install. The outdated version may expose your site security vulnerabilities.
WordPress is an easy-to-use content management system (CMS). Since WordPress require minimum 5.2.4 version of PHP to run but there are a few plugins that might not work properly or not at all with this version. They require some specific version of PHP to work as intended. Therefore, the latest minimum version of PHP that WordPress fully support is 5.6. Whereas, you should also keep in mind that with PHP version 7 + the performance would increase drastically. So, it is required to upgrade WordPress to PHP version 7.
How to Check WordPress PHP Version
Nobody feels the need to check the PHP version unless there arises the need to do so. Here at Templatetaoster website builder, there are many simple ways to check PHP version of your site.
3 Ways to Check PHP Version
- Check PHP Version with the help of phpinfo(); function.
- You can install a WordPress Check PHP Version plugin
- You can also check the PHP version from the cpanel of your host provider.
The various plugins of WordPress with which you can check PHP version are WordPress phpinfo(), Display PHP Version, Version Info etc. with active installs of 30,000+, 20,000+, 2,000+ respectively. Such convenient plugins can help a non-technical person to determine the PHP version and some other server related information.
Okay, so these were the ways how you can check PHP version whichever suits you go ahead with that.
So, you are now ready to check PHP version
I hope things are clear to you now and you can easily check PHP version and other environmental settings of your web server. As PHP is essential to your websites so always update to the recommended version. This will give you higher security and performance.
If you have checked PHP version and have updated it (if required) then, many Congratulations! Your site is future ready. You can read now best PHP frameworks and PHP Cheat sheet.
If you like this post or have any query regarding anything then I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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This is one of the best article, I have ever read till the time related to PHP language, thanks for posting.
I always using PHPinfo function to check my PHP version, it is really helpful.
I agreed, it is very important to check PHP version to better working.
It helps me a lot to know about every step to check PHP version, I really appreciate you to provide such an informative article.
Every developer need information to develop their knowledge regarding new technologies and updations, this article help to enhance the knowledge.
Ya new updations comes with new security systems, which helps to make our data secure from hackers.
I am using WordPress to check PHP version, it seems a bit easier for me to use rather than other methods.
This type of article is helpful for beginners and experienced candidates. Thanks for posting!
Can we also update the version of our website even after developing a website once?
Thanks for posting such an informative article, it is really very helpful.
There are amazing features in php latest version.