PHP

In this article, we will walk you through managing PHP parameters and changing PHP versions using WePanel. These processes are essential to optimise your website’s performance and ensure compatibility with the latest features and security updates. 

Getting Started

To get started, you first need to log into the WePanel through your Online Control Panel. Unsure how to do so? Follow our guide HERE

Changing the PHP Version

When you change your PHP version, your website, plugins, or themes might stop working due to incompatibilities. If this happens, you can revert to the previous PHP version by following the same process outlined below. 

Before You Begin

1. Check Compatibility 

• Ensure your website’s applications, themes, and plugins are compatible with the new PHP version. Refer to the developer’s documentation or update logs. 

2. Update Code and Dependencies 

• Update your CMS (e.g., WordPress, Joomla) and plugins/extensions to their latest versions. Updates often include compatibility fixes. 

3. Review Custom Code 

• Audit any custom code for deprecated functions or features removed in the target PHP version. 

Step One

In your WePanel, go to Other tools and select the PHP versions panel.

Step Two

Select the desired PHP version for your hosting space. Versions between 5.2 and 8.3 are available, however we would always recommend using a version that is within active support by PHP for security and performance reasons. The current supported versions can be seen here

Step Three

Click Update. Changes will take effect within a few moments. 

Editing PHP Parameters

Step One

In your WePanel, go to Other tools and select the PHP parameters panel.

Step Two

Click Options to adjust various PHP settings, such as memory limits and maximum script execution time.

Parameter	Description
allow_url_fopen	Allows PHP functions to retrieve data from remote locations via FTP or HTTP. This poses a security risk and should be disabled unless necessary.
display_errors	Determines whether errors are displayed to the user as part of the output.
error_reporting	Sets the error reporting level, allowing you to define the types of errors reported.
file_uploads	Enables HTTP file uploads. This must be enabled for file upload forms to work.

include_path	Specifies directories where scripts search for files (similar to the system PATH variable). Example: /dir/inc:/usr/lib/php.
log_errors	Specifies whether errors are logged to the server’s error log. Use the error_log directive to set the error log file path.
mail.force_extra_parameters	Additional parameters for the mail() function, used for sending emails.
max_execution_time	Sets the maximum time (in seconds) a script can run before being terminated.
max_input_time	Sets the maximum time (in seconds) allowed for a script to parse incoming data, such as POST and GET.
memory_limit	Sets the maximum memory a script can use. Use -1 for no limit (not recommended).
post_max_size	Sets the maximum size of data sent in a POST request. Should be greater than upload_max_filesize but less than memory_limit.
open_basedir	Restricts files that PHP can access to specified directories. Example: /dir/upload:/usr/tmp.
session.save_path	Directory where PHP stores session data files. Example: /dir/tmp.
short_open_tag	Enables the use of short PHP tags <? instead of <?php.
upload_max_filesize	Sets the maximum file upload size. Use units like K (kilo), M (mega), or G (giga). Example: 128M.

Step Three

Click the Extensions link to view and manage available PHP extensions. Enable or disable extensions as needed for your website.

If you have any further questions, simply raise a support request from within your Online Control Panel or call us on 0345 363 3634. Our Support team are here to help and ready to assist you with your enquiry.

For assistance raising a support request please follow the following guide.