PHP 8.2 and 8.3 are now available

PHP 8.2 & 8.3 are now available on WHC's Web Hosting, Reseller Hosting, and Managed WordPress plans. For Cloud and Dedicated plans, these new versions are available provided you have the latest cPanel version. These upgrades offer enhanced performance and introduce several new features for websites running on PHP. If you're ready to upgrade, you can easily switch to the latest version directly from your control panel.

• What is PHP?
• What’s new in PHP 8.2?
• What’s new in PHP 8.3?
• Why should I update to the latest version?
• How do I change the PHP version?
• Where does PHP go from here?

What is PHP?

PHP is a flexible and powerful programming language that helps create dynamic, interactive websites. It's a key part of the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) and supports popular platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Magento. Many major sites and apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Zoom, and Wikipedia, also rely on PHP.

What’s new in PHP 8.2?

PHP 8.2 is another significant step forward for PHP, continuing the evolution of the language with new features, performance improvements, and greater security.

PHP 8.2 is available for Web Hosting, Reseller Hosting, and Managed WordPress plans. Also Cloud and Dedicated plans with the latest cPanel version.

Key Features of PHP 8.2:

• Read-Only Classes: Developers can now make entire classes read-only, not just individual properties. This helps keep your data secure and unchangeable where needed.
• Improved Type Handling: PHP 8.2 offers more flexible options for combining different types of code, making it easier to write and maintain.
• Deprecation of Dynamic Properties: For greater code consistency and maintainability, dynamic properties are now deprecated.
• Improved Performance: Various internal optimizations have been added to further enhance speed and memory usage, making PHP 8.2 one of the fastest versions yet.

For a full list of updates, check the official PHP 8.2 Release Announcement.

What’s new in PHP 8.3?

PHP 8.3, the latest release, brings even more enhancements to improve the performance, developer experience, and feature set of PHP, making it easier to build and maintain modern web applications.

PHP 8.3 is available for Web Hosting, Reseller Hosting, and Managed WordPress plans. Also Cloud and Dedicated plans with the latest cPanel version.

Key Features of PHP 8.3:

• json_validate: A new function that makes it easier to check if JSON data is valid, without needing extra tools or libraries.
• Simplified Closures: With auto-capture closures, you can now write less code to achieve the same functionality, making your coding faster and cleaner.
• Anonymous Read-Only Classes: You can create read-only anonymous classes, offering more flexibility when you need quick, secure solutions.
• Better Performance: PHP 8.3 improves speed and reduces memory usage, making websites run more efficiently than ever.

Developers eager to explore the latest features can check out the official PHP 8.3 Release Announcement.

Why should I update to the latest version?

Upgrading to PHP 8.2 or 8.3 unlocks a range of powerful new features that can significantly enhance your website’s speed, security, and functionality. Developers can tap into the latest tools for more efficient coding, while website owners may notice performance improvements across the board. However, it's essential to check that your site's plugins, themes, and applications are fully compatible with these newer versions before making the switch.

To minimize disruptions, it’s often best to wait a few months before upgrading to a newly released version, especially if your site uses older plugins or themes that haven't been updated to be compatible with the latest PHP versions. By delaying for a few months, you give developers time to release updates that work smoothly with the new version. 

Always test your website after changing PHP versions and, if available, test your updates in a staging environment first to ensure everything runs as expected. Website forms, order forms and login pages are particularly susceptible to breaking when changing PHP versions.

How do I change the PHP version?

It’s easy to switch PHP versions, right from your cPanel. If you discover a problem on your website following the switch, you may use this procedure to switch back to a prior version.

Where does PHP go from here?

With the release of PHP 8.3, PHP continues to evolve and improve, with further performance boosts, stability improvements, and new features on the horizon. Expect to see even more advancements that make PHP faster, more secure, and easier to use. PHP 8.4 is scheduled to be released on November 21, 2024

Stay updated with PHP's development by visiting the official PHP website.