--- title: "PHP 8: What’s New" description: "PHP 8.0 is here, just one year after PHP 7.4 was released in November 2019. Some of the most popular content management systems (CMSs) including WordPress and Moodle depend on the scripting language..." url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/php-8-whats-new/ date: 2021-01-07 modified: 2024-03-05 author: "InMotion Hosting" categories: ["Web Development"] type: post lang: en --- # PHP 8: What’s New ![](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/canva-php-8-1024x538.jpg) [**PHP 8.0**](https://www.php.net/releases/8.0/en.php) is here, just one year after PHP 7.4 was released in November 2019. Some of the most popular [content management systems (CMSs)](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/what-is-a-cms/) including [WordPress](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/what-is-wordpress/) and [Moodle](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/moodle-lms-remote-education/) depend on the scripting language as part of the **LAMP Stack**: - [**Linux**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/what-is-linux/) operating system (OS) (e.g. CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu) - **Apache** web server software - [**MySQL**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/server/databases/mysql-versus-mariadb/)/MariaDB database management system There’s a lot you can do [with Linux server hosting](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/what-can-you-do-with-linux-vps-hosting/). However, you’re not applying most of those use cases on a dedicated or [VPS server](/vps-hosting) in the most secure manner without the latest PHP version. Before we cover the new hotness, keep in mind that PHP 7.4 will be actively supported until [December 2021](https://www.php.net/supported-versions.php). However, you should upgrade PHP on your server OS as soon as possible for the best performance possible. The major challenge for system administrators ([sysadmins](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/managed-vps-hosting-sysadmins-perspective/)) is ensuring every component of your cloud infrastructure is fully compatible and *stable*. ![PHP 8.0 and 7.4 Support](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/php-supported-versions-jan-2021-1024x275.png)*PHP 7.4 active support ends in December 2021* Below we’ll cover: - [New Features in PHP 8](#new) - [When You Should Start Using PHP 8](#when) - [Popular Web Applications Supporting PHP 8](#popular) - [Applications Incompatible with PHP 8](#incompatible) - [How to Install PHP 8](#install) - [cPanel Managed Servers](#cpanel) - [Unmanaged Linux Servers](#unmanaged) - [Other News in Linux Web Hosting](#other) ## New Features in PHP 8 Here are a few notable additions to the PHP language. **Just In Time (JIT)** compilation caches part of your code in runtime to improve performance. In time, developers may be able to implement this for improved website speed to negate the need for third party [content delivery network (CDN)](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/what-is-a-content-delivery-network/) services. [**Type juggling**](https://www.php.net/manual/en/language.types.type-juggling.php) will be more strict for better [data input validation](https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Input_Validation_Cheat_Sheet.html), mitigating some common code injection attacks. [**Named arguments**](https://wiki.php.net/rfc/named_params) and [**Union types**](https://wiki.php.net/rfc/union_types_v2) optimize calls for cleaner code and better readability during [security scans](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/security/clamav-or-imunifyav/). Removal of functions that were deprecated in PHP 7.X including `create_function()` and `$php_errormsg`. Get more in-depth info about new functions at [PHP.net](https://www.php.net/releases/8.0/en.php). ## When You Should Start Using PHP 8 Because of the major changes coming in this new PHP version, every web application and third-party plugin/module/extension developer will address the matter differently with various timelines.  For business owners, the simple answer is *as soon as everything in your server environment can use it in a stable manner*. The complexity lies in the applications and third-party integrations you rely on to run your business. In many cases, the best option may be: 1. Check changelogs and contact developers for all essential applications in use 2. Create a [backup](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/backup-your-website/) for archival purposes and a [snapshot](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/what-is-high-availability/#snap) for quick restorations 3. Create a staging environment, or schedule a maintenance window on the production system, to test everything with PHP 8 4. Note issues and make adjustments from there For developers, the answer is tied to how your application dependencies are working toward the new standard. The major CMSs undoubtedly want stable support sooner than later. But the *“how”* is where it gets tricky. It may be harder for devs to build plugins in CMSs maintained by smaller teams. [Kanboard](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/getting-started-with-kanboard-kanban/), [OctoberCMS](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/log-into-octobercms/), and [OpenCart](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/opencart-3/) come to mind. Those communities may require lengthy [internet relay chat (IRC)](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/website-design/embed-a-chatroom-with-kiwi-irc/) or [GitHub](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/git/why-of-why-not-use-github/) conversations to figure things out. Yoast goes deep into the topic of anticipated coding issues with their [compatibility report](https://developer.yoast.com/blog/the-2020-wordpress-and-php-8-compatibility-report/). I’d bet [GRAV](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/install-grav-cms-admin/) website owners are relieved to know this doesn’t affect them. Again, PHP 7.4 is actively supported until December 2021. That *may* suffice if all personnel involved start now. Enjoy high-performance, lightning-fast servers with increased security and maximum up-time with our [Managed VPS Hosting](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/vps-hosting)! ## Popular Web Applications Supporting PHP 8 Here’s the latest on PHP 8 support from the most popular CMSs. **WordPress** supports PHP 8 as of [version 5.6](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2020/11/23/wordpress-and-php-8-0/) but it’s not completely stable. Furthermore, don’t expect all third party themes and plugins to be updated for full compatibility so soon. WordPress core issues may already be [in the queue for resolution](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/query?keywords=~php8&group=milestone&col=id&col=summary&col=owner&col=type&col=status&col=priority&col=milestone&order=priority). [**Drupal**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/drupal/) supports PHP 8 as of [version 9.1](https://www.drupal.org/docs/system-requirements/php-requirements). [**Joomla**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/joomla/joomla-3/joomla-351-released/) added some core updates for compatibility in [version 3.9.23](https://www.joomla.org/announcements/release-news/5828-joomla-3-9-23.html). [**Magento**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/magento/) is currently prioritizing support with the [Magento PHP 8 Compatibility Community Project](https://community.magento.com/t5/Magento-DevBlog/Magento-PHP-8-Compatibility-Community-Project/ba-p/464983). ## Applications Incompatible with PHP 8 There are some popular applications and PHP extensions currently unavailable for PHP 8 including: - [**Dynamic Shared Object (DSO)**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/easyapache/installing-dso-with-mod-ruid2-using-easyapache-4/) handler in [cPanel](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/what-is-cpanel/) and [WebHost Manager (WHM)](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/what-is-whm-on-vps/) - [**ionCube 10**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/what-is-ioncube/) for PHP code protection and obfuscation - [**PHP-PSR**](https://github.com/jbboehr/php-psr) for the [PHP Standard Recommendation (PSR)](https://www.php-fig.org/psr/) specification - [**Snuffleupagus**](https://snuffleupagus.readthedocs.io/), named after the Sesame Street character of the same name, for PHP code patching ## How to Install PHP 8 ### cPanel Managed Servers **cPanel** server administrators on CentOS 7 or later can install the latest version of PHP with [**EasyApache 4**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/product-guides/vps-hosting/how-to-install-php-versions-in-easyapache-4/) in WHM. Then, cPanel users can select and modify the PHP version for individual websites with [**MultiPHP Manager**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/how-to-change-the-php-version-your-account-uses/) and [**MultiPHP INI Editor**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/cpanel/cpanel-multiphp-ini-editor/) respectively. ### Unmanaged Linux Servers [Linux cloud server](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/cloud-server-managed-hosting/) admins can [install the latest PHP version](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/install-php-8-0/) for your web server from OS-specific repositories. Those using [NGINX](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/server/nginx/advanced-nginx-vps-and-dedicated/) may also want to install [**PHP-FastCGI Process Manager (PHP-FPM)**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/server/php-fpm/php-fpm-the-future-of-php-handling/) for an extra boost of speed. Busy sysadmins using Ansible for IT automation can replace redundant tasks with our [PHP-FPM Ansible role](https://galaxy.ansible.com/inmotionhosting/php_fpm). ## Other News in Linux Web Hosting [**HTTP/3**](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/what-is-http-3/), five years after HTTP/2 was first introduced, is becoming more commonplace in websites and web browsers for better performance and security throughout the world wide web. [Secure your server](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/5-web-hosting-new-years-resolutions-for-2020/) with DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) and security HTTP headers to protect users from man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks in 2021. [Server security news](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/ways-to-learn-more-about-cybersecurity/) and [applications](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/8-free-cybersecurity-tools-to-secure-your-server/) help you stay better prepared for current cyber trends. [**Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) drives**](/blog/why-nvme-hosting/) can significantly improve personal (PC) and headless computer (server) performance. Job seekers can transition into an IT career with the help of our [Technical Pipeline Program](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/employment/available-positions/technical-pipeline-program-2). For any additional questions regarding PHP 8, [contact our web hosting experts](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/contact).