We’re changing our current default version of PHP from 4 to 5 from the 6th September. As many of you will know, to use PHP 5 at the moment you need to enable this in a .htaccess file on the server. From the 6th September, we will swap this around so that PHP 5 is the default and PHP 4 may be called via a .htaccess file in the directory you wish to use PHP 4 from.
This is unlikely to affect many people as nearly all scripts written in PHP now operate on PHP 5 (for example all the PHP scripts available in your eXtend control panel).
We’re now at a point where having PHP 5 as the default version makes more sense for users; PHP 5 was released in 2004, whilst PHP 4 hasn’t been updated since 2008. If you’re operating legacy software that will not work on PHP 5, please set up a .htaccess file with the following line in it:
SetEnv DEFAULT_PHP_VERSION 4
This needs to be done before the 6th September so that your software will continue to work as normal.
If you have any questions, please raise a support ticket from your control panel for a prompt response.
To a certain degree would it not be sensible for you to do this as default for all existing accounts? Then we have the choice to delete the .htaccess to move to PHP5 – all new accounts being PHP5 by default.
I just know that going manually through a large number of accounts is going to make this a very painfull affair.
I support going to PHP5 and understand the security implications of PHP4 – but working out which projects need what is going to be tricky!
Will there still be the option to switch between the two options in the eXtend control panel?
Phil,
Yes we will be keeping that functionality and updating the icon so it changes from PHP 5 to 4, rather than PHP 4 to 5.
Matt
Nice! I’ve been waiting for this announcement; but as Neil said, I have many accounts that are using PHP 4 extensions and I can’t check through all of them and add the .htaccess to all of them. What should I do?!
Neil,
All existing accounts will be affected by this change, not just new accounts.
Bijan,
Unfortunately we know that it’s going to be time-consuming for those with lots of accounts – but that’s why we’re giving plenty of notice so you can prepare. If you need more help please raise a support ticket