We decided to support only new and completely secure versions of PHP. That is why in the near future all WP Desk plugins will require PHP version 7.0 and higher. Please upgrade the PHP version if the server with WP installation is still running PHP version lower than 7.0.
This article explains
- why we decided to drop support for outdated PHP versions
- how we will make changes
- what actions to take to make the website run stable
The reasons behind our decision
Officially PHP 5.6 is no longer supported and developed. Developers have also long been preparing to abandon PHP support for the entire 5.X branch. We are going in the same direction because we want our plugins to be as safe and efficient as possible.
Making changes
We will gradually require the use of PHP 7.0 or higher in our plugins. Information about the required PHP version can be found in the header of the plugin main file. If the site is still based on a lower PHP version - then WordPress will block automatic plugin updates and display the following message:
WooCommerce environment
Over 2 years ago we informed on our blog that the creators of WooCommerce decided to abandon the outdated versions of PHP. Then WooCommerce started to require PHP 7 with the release of version 3.9. We are now declaring that WP Desk plugins work with WooCommerce version 4.1.X and above.
Safety first
The old branches of PHP have security gaps. These versions are no longer developed so hackers can exploit their vulnerabilities to try to break into websites. We want WP Desk plugin users to be safe so we encourage them to use only safe PHP versions.
Performance
Newer versions of PHP are better optimized. This is mainly because modern solutions allow for more effective use of the computing power of servers. It means that the website will run faster and will also be able to handle more traffic after updating the PHP version. Another advantage is that there is a lower risk that such a website will stop working during periods of increased customer interest.
Greater possibilities
New versions of PHP support modern solutions so plugin developers have the option of using tools that were previously unavailable due to the requirement of a PHP version higher than 5.6. All reputable hosting companies offer their customers a free PHP version upgrade to 7.0 and above. The option to change the PHP version is usually available from the server management panel. Please contact the server administrator in case of problems with changing the PHP version to a newer one.
How to check the PHP version
Please go to the WooCommerce status to find out which PHP version the site is using. Then find the "Server environment" section on the list and look at the value in the "PHP version" line.
If the PHP version on the website is:
- 7.X - nothing to worry about as the website will work properly with WP Desk plugins
- below 7.X (eg 5.6 or lower) - be sure to update the PHP version on the server
Installing the WP Desk plugin with an outdated PHP
If a plugin requires PHP 7 on the server then it will not run after installation if the server uses an earlier PHP version. In this situation WordPress displays the following message:
The plugin cannot run on PHP versions older than 5.6. Please contact the hosting administrator and request an update.
