• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Essential Premium WooCommerce Plugins - WP Desk
  • Plugins
  • Bundle
  • Support
  • Blog
  • My Account
  • 0

Stay updated on our how-to articles

WP Desk news, WooCommerce tips, promo codes - right to your inbox.

By entering your e-mail, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Tomasz Drzewiecki

WP Desk plugins switch to PHP 7.0

Updated: January 28, 2022 / Plugin Updates, Tech Posts

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  • why we decided to drop support for outdated PHP versions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Over 2 years ago we informed on our blog that the creators of WooCommerce decided to abandon the outdated versions of PHP.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.

 

WooCommerce performance using different PHP versions. Source: Kinsta

 

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.

Tweet

2 minutes read1956 views

Tomasz Drzewiecki

From 2020 in WP Desk. First as a Happiness Engineer in the Rangers team. Now as a QA Engineer in the Sailors team.

Powered by WP Desk

WP Desk brings you great WooCommerce plugins. We strive to save your time and money by speeding up your processes. Use our plugins to build a better store. Awesome support included in the package.

Premium WooCommerce Plugins →

Stay updated on our how-to articles

WP Desk news, WooCommerce tips, promo codes - right to your inbox.

By entering your e-mail, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WP Desk › Tech Posts › WP Desk plugins switch to PHP 7.0

Footer

WP Desk - WooCommerce Plugins

At WP Desk we create great WooCommerce plugins with awesome support. Save time and money with our e-commerce solutions. See how we can help you improve your e-store →

Secured by Comodo

WP Desk

  • About us
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact us

Products

  • Premium Plugins
  • Get Support
  • WooCommerce Invoices
  • Email Marketing
  • Octolize

Legal

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Refund Policy
  • Support Policy
  • Privacy Policy

© 2023 WP Desk