What should you consider before updating your PHP version?


If your current OpenCart store already has multiple extensions, modifications, themes, and custom features, complications may arise if you update your PHP version without ensuring that everything still works.

If you don't take this into consideration and update to a version that's incompatible with the modifications to your site, this could partially or completely break your store.

To find out if your OpenCart store will continue to run smoothly in the new PHP version, it's a good idea to back up your data and test the new version on a test server, or contact us to check.


Are older PHP versions safe?

So far, major hosting providers continue to support versions:

PHP5 series: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6

PHP7 series: 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4

PHP8 series: 8.0, 8.1

Method: Enter the root directory of the website to create a phpinfo.php file, and then enter [website address]/phpinfo.php to confirm the PHP version.


[Old PHP 5.x version]

Title: PHP 5 has stopped supporting. If hackers find vulnerabilities in the old version, they will not be patched. The potential security risks of corporate websites will become the current focus.

PHP 5 stopped supporting on December 31, 2018, but corporate website upgrades around the world are still slow. Businesses must be aware of this risk. Although hosting providers still support the PHP 5 series, these older versions no longer provide security updates, which means that websites using these versions are more vulnerable to intrusions, data theft, or malicious programs being implanted into the website. who are at risk. In addition, this may also raise relevant legal issues.


[Old PHP 7.x version]

PHP version 7 will stop supporting security updates in November 2022

Although the current PHP version has reached version 8, version 7 is still the largest. However, version 7 reached the end of its life cycle on 2022/11/28 and is no longer supported, that is, the version and security no longer support updates (but can still be used).

The next version will start to enter version PHP 8. Version 7 may face unpatched security vulnerabilities. If necessary, please contact us to check.


[New PHP 8.x version]

Opencart's connection under the new version of PHP 8 has officially released version v3.0.3.9. This is the first update of the 3.0.x.x series in more than two years. The biggest highlight is that it supports PHP 8.1 & 8.2, which makes OpenCart The 3.x version ecosystem can last for several more years.