How to use alternative PHP versions on your web hosting product or web server in parallel

In a previous post, I described how easily you can flexibly install different PHP versions on a self-administered product such as a virtual server or root server and use them in parallel. You can do the same with a shared hosting product such as a web hosting package or a web server. I'll show you how.

Install alternative PHP version

First, install an alternative PHP version for your web hosting product. To do this, log into our customer information system KIS. Select the product on which you want to install an additional PHP version and click "Configure".

Go to the "Scripts" menu item and open the "PHP Versions" function.

Select an alternative PHP version. Then click on "Save". The alternative PHP version is now activated.

Use alternative PHP version

In order to be able to use the alternative PHP version, you must assign the PHP version to a directory on your product's web space (this directory is also referred to as the vhost path). Under "PHP versions" you will find an overview of the current Vhost paths.

By default, domains are created in the /www directory. Of course, you can simply assign the new PHP version to the entire /www vhost path. To do this, click on the corresponding radio button and confirm the changes with "Save".

If you only want to assign an alternative PHP version to certain applications that run under their own domain, you must first assign these domains to a new vhost path. (You can create virtually unlimited vhost paths.)

Change domain mapping

To change the Vhost assignment of individual domains, please select the "Domains" menu item and open the "Edit domain assignment" function. Unless you have made any individual changes, all domains are assigned to the directory path /www by default.

First, create a new directory path for the domain that you want to map to an alternate PHP version. All you have to do is rename the path and save this change. In our example from "/www" to "/www-php5-5".

Caution!
If you make changes to directories that are used by web applications, you must of course also adapt these path specifications to the corresponding web applications. All domains under which web applications have been installed are therefore marked with a red X. With a mouse-over you get more detailed information about which programs are running under the corresponding domain.

Assign alternative PHP version to selected domains

You can use the "PHP versions" function to assign the alternative PHP versions. You can find these under the menu item “Scripts”.

For example from PHP 5.3 to PHP 5.5...

... or from PHP 5.3 to PHP 5.4

Why do web hosting and web server products use PHP 5.3 by default?

The stability and, above all, the compatibility of the scripts used play a particularly important role in web hosting products. PHP 5.3 is still widely used, especially in older products and web applications. The use of PHP 5.3 therefore enables a smooth migration of data and web applications when changing products. For example, you can easily switch from an older web hosting product to a current one, upgrade your product quickly and easily or switch to a more powerful web server or – for high-performance requirements – to a dedicated web server. All data as well as the installed applications including all settings are automatically migrated (moved) to the new system.

Learn more about upgrades with automatic migration of all data and settings.

Choose the optimal platform for your applications

In addition to choosing the right PHP version for your web applications, you should make sure that your hosting product has enough performance for smooth operation. That is why we have put together product recommendations for the most important web applications for you.

Which web hosting package is suitable for which web project? Our recommendation!

More information about PHP

Do you need PHP 5.6 or do you need an older PHP version? Our virtual and root server products offer you even more flexibility. How to install alternative versions of PHP on your server.

PHP requirements for the most popular web applications

WordPress
Minimum requirement: PHP 5.2.4
Recommendation: PHP 5.4+
Further information

Joomla 3.3
Minimum requirement: PHP 5.3.10
Recommendation: PHP 5.4+
Further information

Type 3 CMS 6.2.14 LTS
Minimum requirement: PHP 5.3.7
Recommendation: PHP 5.5+
Further information

Type 3 CMS 7.3.1
Minimum requirement: PHP 5.5
Recommendation: PHP 5.5+
Further information

Drupal 7
Minimum requirement: PHP 5.2.5
Recommendation: PHP 5.4+
Further information

Drupal 8
Minimum requirement: PHP 5.5
Recommendation: PHP 5.5+
Further information

Magento Community Edition
Minimum requirement: PHP 5.4
Recommendation: PHP 5.5
Further information

Status: July 2015

The installation of alternative PHP versions via our customer information system is possible for the following products:

Do you have any questions or suggestions on the subject? Then we look forward to your comment.