What Wordpress Changes Do I Need to Make After Upgrading PHP?

Hi,

Generally for WordPress - no, you wouldn't need to make any changes. WordPress works perfectly well with 7.3. However, outside of Core WordPress you'll have themes (along with their functions), and plug-ins. There could be issues with any of those. If you're using up-to-date plug-ins and themes then it's unlikely you'll have any problems, but there's no guarantee.

The full, technical way forward is to run your code (specifically the plug-ins and themes) through a PHP Compatibility checker, but that's quite a detailed, technical way forward, and you'd need to be fairly comfortable working at the terminal (SSH into your AWS instance).

If possible, whenever performing upgrades like this, it's often better to do the upgrades on a staging (non-production) site first so you can check for any issues.

Hi Tessando,

(From David:)  'Also as Chris said, the real question is about themes + plugins.'

In my humble experience this is where 99% of potential issues will lie...the PHP + WordPress marriage can be counted on to remain stable through main releases because that relationship is so strongly supported by both sides---doesn't mean its bullet-proof, I'm just saying any volatility that I've experience has always come from short-coded themes and/or 3rd party plug ins...So I would test and check documentation on those (and eliminate any you don't need or no longer use).

You can also check with your hosting provider for tips and info relating to this particular PHP release as it may relate to your hosted site.  They may well have a video or some documentation to help you, but if they don't, you are in great hands with the Experts already on this thread--I go to them myself regularly!!!

Thanks!

Mike

E-E, HelpDesk

As Michael said, most WordPress installs survive PHP updates... if and only if... they use code from the WordPress repository.

All the WordPress + PHP problems I've seen occur from using 3rd party software, which includes custom build themes + plugins.

Most custom built themes + plugins are built by people who's goal is to produce code to meet a current design, with no consideration to future WordPress or PHP changes.

If you stick to using WordPress repository code, it's very rare you'll ever have a WordPress + PHP problem to debug.

Thanks Everyone. I was able to get PHP upgraded and there was only one WordPress Plugin that didn't place nicely. Of course, after I upgraded the Activation for it (which incurred a cost), it worked as expected!

Thanks everyone for your help. I value you guys and the vast depth of knowledge you share with the world. Thank you!

You're welcome!