How to Update PHP Version in XAMPP

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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PHP is a popular server-side scripting language commonly used for web development. Many developers use XAMPP as a local server environment to run PHP applications on their computers. Sometimes, it is necessary to update the PHP version in XAMPP to take advantage of new features, improve performance, or ensure compatibility with modern code. This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to updating the PHP version in XAMPP.

Understanding XAMPP and PHP versions

XAMPP is a free and open-source cross-platform web server solution stack package. It includes PHP along with Apache HTTP Server, MySQL database, and Perl. These components make it easy to set up a testing environment on your PC. However, over time, the PHP version included in your XAMPP package may become outdated. Therefore, it is necessary to update PHP manually to get new functionality, security improvements, and better performance.

Preparing to update PHP

Before you begin, it's important to backup your current settings and any existing projects. This will be helpful if you encounter any problems after the update. The worst-case scenario is losing important configuration or data, but a backup ensures you can quickly restore the old environment.

Steps to update PHP version in XAMPP

Step 1: Download the latest version of PHP

First, you need the latest PHP version for your needs. You can find and download it from the official PHP website www.php.net. Choose the thread-safe version that matches your system's architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Execute the download by selecting the appropriate zip file.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded PHP files

After downloading, extract the files from the zip archive. Place the contents in a new folder within your XAMPP installation directory. For example, if your XAMPP is located at C:\xampp, create a new folder named php-new and extract all the files there.

Step 3: Backup your current PHP folder

Before changing the PHP version, you should backup your existing PHP folder. Go to your XAMPP installation directory and find php folder. Rename it to something like php-backup. This step is important if you need to roll back the changes.

Step 4: Replace the old PHP version

After taking the backup, it's time to replace the existing PHP folder with the new version. Rename the extracted folder php-new to php. Your XAMPP directory should now have the new PHP files in the php folder.

Step 5: Update your PHP configuration file (php.ini)

The new PHP folder will contain php.ini-development and php.ini-production file. Choose the one that best suits your needs, rename it php.ini, and then modify it to reflect any custom settings you had in your previous version. Changes might include setting date.timezone, enabling extensions, or adjusting error reporting settings. Be careful when copying configuration from your backed up php.ini file to the new file to ensure that everything works as before.

Step 6: Update the Apache configuration for PHP

Open httpd-xampp.conf file located in apache/conf/extra directory of your XAMPP installation. This file contains configuration details for your Apache server, specifically for PHP. Look for the line starting with LoadModule:

LoadModule php_module "C:/xampp/php/php5xyz.dll"

Update this line so that it points to the PHP version you just installed. Use the path to the appropriate php7xyz.dll file, making sure the paths match your current directory structure.

Step 7: Test the new PHP version

After updating the configuration files, it is time to check whether the new PHP version works correctly. Start by restarting the Apache server through the XAMPP control panel. After restarting, verify whether the PHP version has updated by creating a test PHP file.

Create a new file named phpinfo.php in your htdocs directory with the following contents:

<?php phpinfo(); ?>

Open a web browser and visit http://localhost/phpinfo.php. You will see a page displaying information about the installed PHP version. Confirm that the version listed matches the version you downloaded. If everything is correct, you have successfully updated PHP!

Step 8: Solve potential problems

While testing, you may receive warnings or errors. Resolve these by carefully reviewing each message. The problem may involve incompatible extensions, incorrect configuration, or faulty scripts. Gradually revert settings or refer to documentation to resolve errors while keeping your application running smoothly.

Sometimes, projects that depend on older PHP versions may break under the new version. Be prepared to debug and refactor the code as needed. Always make sure that third-party libraries are compatible and updated to support the PHP version you have installed.

Conclusion

Updating the PHP version in XAMPP is not complicated when you break down the process into steps. By preparing adequately, carefully replacing outdated files, and verifying configurations, you can easily transition to the new PHP release. Doing so ensures improved security, performance, and compatibility with modern applications.

Maintaining up-to-date software versions is a must in web development. Regular updates protect against vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with contemporary features and security patches. Always keep your project as well as your development environment, such as XAMPP, up to date. By following the steps mentioned, you will manage PHP versions effectively as well as keep interruptions to a minimum, ensuring that your local server remains reliable and efficient during development tasks.

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