Typically, when we build websites ourselves, we choose open-source software. Among website open-source software, WordPress likely has the largest user base. WordPress runs on PHP. According to statistics, most sites are still using PHP 5.* versions, while the latest PHP version before this article was published is PHP 7.3. Does PHP 7.3's performance help improve website performance? And how do you upgrade the PHP version? Let's take a look.
Testing Environment
WordPress Version 5.1 Server:
Linode2 Cores, 4GB RAM, 48GB SSD PHP Versions: 5.6, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 User Concurrency: 15 Duration: 60 seconds OPCache Memory: 128MB Twenty Nineteen default Theme
Benchmark Test Results
From the chart above, we can see the number of requests processed per second by different PHP versions. It's evident that there is a significant performance gap between PHP 7 and above compared to PHP 5.6. The best performer is undoubtedly PHP 7.3. Therefore, if your server supports it or can be upgraded to PHP 7.3, upgrading is a good choice.
How to Upgrade PHP Version
Method to Upgrade PHP using Baota Panel
In the Baota Panel's Software Store, select PHP 7.3 and install it. After installation, go to the website settings and choose PHP version 7.3. (You can choose to delete or keep previously installed PHP versions.)
Method to Upgrade PHP using LNMP One-click Installation Package
After logging into SSH, navigate to the lnmp folder of your current version, then execute: .\/upgrade_php.sh Go to http:\/\/www.php.net\/downloads.php to get the version number, enter the version number, e.g., 7.3.7, press Enter, then press Enter again to confirm and start the upgrade.
Method to Upgrade PHP on Shared Hosting
This method is not guaranteed to be supported by your Shared Hosting. If you use a cPanel panel, you can find a 'Select PHP Version' option, then enter and choose 7.3.
If your Shared Hosting uses the Directadmin panel, look for the PHP version switch icon. Then, select the corresponding PHP version.
Note: In some Directadmin panels, the PHP version selection might be located within the site settings.
From the chart above, we can see the number of requests processed per second by different PHP versions. It's evident that there is a significant performance gap between PHP 7 and above compared to PHP 5.6. The best performer is undoubtedly PHP 7.3. Therefore, if your server supports it or can be upgraded to PHP 7.3, upgrading is a good choice.
If your Shared Hosting uses the Directadmin panel, look for the PHP version switch icon. Then, select the corresponding PHP version.
Note: In some Directadmin panels, the PHP version selection might be located within the site settings.
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