When you hear PHP versions, the different releases of the Hypertext Preprocessor language used to build dynamic websites. Also known as PHP releases, it's the engine behind 77% of all websites using server-side code—including WordPress, Wikipedia, and Etsy. Not all PHP versions are equal. Some are fast, secure, and modern. Others are slow, outdated, and risky. Choosing the right one isn’t about following trends—it’s about keeping your site alive, fast, and safe.
PHP 8.3 is the current standard in 2025. It’s faster than older versions, has better error handling, and includes built-in features that used to need plugins. If your site runs on PHP 7.4 or earlier, you’re running on software that’s no longer supported. That means no security updates, no bug fixes, and no help if something breaks. Hackers target old PHP versions because they’re easy to exploit. Upgrading isn’t optional—it’s basic maintenance, like changing your car’s oil.
Related to this are PHP development, the practice of building websites using PHP code, often with frameworks like Laravel or Symfony, which rely on modern PHP versions to work properly. You can’t use Laravel 11 on PHP 7.4—it simply won’t run. And if you’re using WordPress, which powers over 43% of all websites, your plugins and themes are designed for PHP 8.0+. Older versions break functionality, slow down load times, and hurt your SEO.
Some people still ask, "Is PHP outdated?" But the data doesn’t lie. Over 77% of websites still use PHP, and most of those are on PHP 8.3. It’s not dying—it’s evolving. Frameworks, tools, and hosting providers have all optimized for modern PHP. The real question isn’t whether PHP is dead—it’s whether you’re still running an old version that’s holding you back.
You don’t need to be a coder to check your PHP version. Most hosting dashboards show it. If you’re unsure, ask your provider. If they don’t know, it’s time to switch. This isn’t about tech jargon—it’s about keeping your site running without crashes, security breaches, or lost traffic.
Below, you’ll find real guides on what PHP versions actually do, why some are dangerous, how they affect your site’s speed, and whether you should still learn PHP in 2025. No fluff. Just what works.
Outdated PHP versions like 7.4 and 8.1 are no longer secure or supported. Learn which versions to avoid, how to check your PHP version, and why upgrading to PHP 8.3 is critical for security, speed, and compatibility.