Introduction: Understanding the Evolution of PHP 8
WordPress users need to start Upgrading to PHP 8. It offers greater security, increased speed, and new capabilities that make websites more effective and efficient. PHP 7 is the most recent major version.
But, there are important factors to take into account to guarantee a seamless transition before diving right into the upgrading.
If you follow web development trends or are a developer, you are surely aware that PHP received a significant update towards the close of the previous year. It could be on your mind whether updating to this latest edition of your website is a wise move.
With PHP 8, significant performance gains are anticipated along with a plethora of new features and modifications. The response isn’t always obvious, though, as significant version updates may cause problems with WordPress core and WordPress plugin compatibility.
At ARZ Host, we’ll go over the main improvements and features of PHP 8 in this post, along with suggestions for when (and whether) to upgrade.
Now let’s get started!
An Overview of PHP 8: What’s New and Improved
November 2020 saw the introduction of PHP 8, the most recent iteration of the well-known scripting language. PHP is one of the primary programming languages used on websites such as WordPress and throughout the internet, in case you’re unfamiliar with it. The majority of WordPress’ essential components are written in PHP.
When compared to the current version (7.4), PHP 8 introduces a significant number of modifications to the language.
Together with improvements to attributes and error handling, there are new features and functions such as the Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler. To see every detail, you can view the whole list of modifications.
Naturally, this update may also include “breaking changes,” or code updates that render software developed with earlier PHP versions incompatible. That is to be expected from any significant PHP release.
In this sense, PHP 7 was the same. It’s wise to proceed with caution and conduct extensive investigation and testing prior to updating as a result.
We’ll investigate all of these specifics shortly. Let’s first examine a few of PHP 8’s new features, though.
8 Key Changes in PHP 8 You Need to Know
PHP 8 is a major update for developers, bringing with it several improvements and new capabilities. New PHP functions for more efficient coding, named parameters for better function calls, and enhanced performance via the Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler are some of the major updates.
Error handling has been improved to capture more problems, and attributes v2 make metadata assignment simpler.
Moreover, weak maps provide memory management advantages, saner numeric strings remove type conversion problems, and arrays can now have negative indexes. Together, these modifications improve performance and streamline development.
1: Significant Performance Enhancements in PHP 8
PHP 8 brings a dramatic boost in performance, mainly due to the introduction of the Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler. The JIT compiler translates PHP code into machine code, allowing certain operations to be executed faster. Unlike previous versions that depended solely on interpretation, JIT enables PHP to perform some tasks on par with compiled languages, like C++.
For example, CPU-intensive tasks, such as mathematical calculations or data processing, can see significant speed improvements. However, the overall performance gain for web applications may vary, as they depend on multiple factors, including I/O operations.
The JIT compiler works alongside the Opcache, ensuring that frequently used code is stored in memory, reducing the need for repeated parsing. This combination allows for smoother, faster application performance, making PHP 8 almost three times faster than its predecessors in certain benchmarks.
Furthermore, these improvements reduce CPU usage, which can lead to cost savings when running PHP applications on cloud services where computing resources are billed.
Despite the excitement surrounding JIT, it’s essential to evaluate whether your specific application will benefit significantly from it. Most traditional web applications may not experience the same gains as more computationally intensive tasks, but improvements to the engine mean that even basic operations, such as string manipulations and array handling, will still be faster.
Additionally, PHP 8 has implemented various bug fixes and optimizations, improving performance even without JIT.
Ultimately, the performance enhancements in PHP 8 are an invitation for developers to consider upgrading, as they offer the potential to make applications faster and more efficient.
With PHP 8, users can expect shorter load times, better server response, and an overall smoother user experience, which is especially important for websites with high traffic volumes or resource-intensive operations. See our detailed Article What Is PHP And How Does its Power WordPress.
2: New PHP Functions to Improve Your Codebase
PHP 8 introduces several new functions that streamline coding and improve readability. One of these is str_contains (), which checks if a substring exists within a string. Unlike the older strops () method, str_contains () is more intuitive and returns a simple boolean value.
Another addition is str_starts_with () and str_ends_with (), functions that allow developers to quickly check if a string begins or ends with a specified substring. These new functions simplify string manipulation tasks, making the code cleaner and more readable.
Another useful function is fdiv (), which performs division but returns INF, -INF, or NAN when a division by zero or a similar operation occurs. This allows for safer numerical calculations without generating errors that would disrupt the program. PHP 8 also introduces get_debug_type (), which offers a more precise output compared to gettype (), making debugging simpler.
One of the more interesting new features is match, a switch-like construct that offers more concise and strict code. Unlike a switch, the match is an expression, meaning it returns a value. This function also allows strict type comparison, making it a safer and more predictable alternative for developers.
PHP 8 has also enhanced existing functions. For example, implode () now has better error messages when passing incorrect parameters, which helps developers quickly understand issues and fix them.
These changes collectively make PHP coding more intuitive, safer, and less prone to common bugs, allowing developers to focus on building functionality rather than handling quirks.
3: The Introduction of Named Parameters for Better Code Readability
Named parameters are a game-changer for PHP developers. This feature allows parameters to be passed to a function based on the parameter name instead of their position, offering greater flexibility and readability.
Named parameters are particularly beneficial when dealing with functions that have multiple optional parameters.
Instead of remembering the order of each parameter, developers can specify only the parameters they need to change, reducing the chance of errors.
For example, a function call that traditionally looked like this:
- createUser (‘John’, ‘Doe’, 30, true);
can now be written as:
- createUser (first Name: ‘John’, last Name: ‘Doe’, age: 30, is Active: true);
This new syntax makes the code self-explanatory, particularly when calling functions with many parameters, some of which might be optional.
This also helps avoid issues that arise when parameters are added or removed from a function’s definition, as named parameters will not be affected by positional changes.
Named parameters also work well with default values, allowing you to skip optional parameters effortlessly. This feature contributes to cleaner and more maintainable code, reducing the need for long and often confusing function calls.
4: Attributes v2: Simplifying Metadata in PHP
Attributes, also known as annotations, provide a new way to add metadata to PHP code. This feature was already present in many other programming languages, and its addition to PHP 8 marks a significant step forward in terms of modernizing PHP development.
Developers can now define attributes for classes, methods, functions, and properties, enabling more organized and readable code.
Attributes allow for a more declarative approach to programming. For example, if you are using a custom validation rule for a function, instead of defining it separately, you can directly attach it as an attribute.
This not only makes the code more intuitive but also simplifies processing, as tools can read attributes directly from the code and apply specific behaviors based on them.
Here is an example of how attributes might look:
- #[Route(“/home”)]
- function home () {
- // Code here
- }
The #[Route(“/home”)] line is an attribute that tells the application what URL should trigger the function. This syntax is cleaner than the traditional way of defining routes in a separate configuration file.
Attributes in PHP 8 can replace various kinds of metadata in comments, helping reduce dependency on custom parsers. This will make codebases cleaner and easier to manage, especially in projects with extensive metadata requirements, such as those using frameworks like Symfony or Laravel.
Related Article: How to Add PHP Code in Divi Builder
5: Improved Error Handling for Better Debugging
One of the most crucial improvements in PHP 8 is its enhanced error-handling capabilities. PHP has long been criticized for inconsistent and vague error messages, but PHP 8 introduces Error exceptions, leading to more precise and actionable error reporting.
With PHP 8, if a function call results in a fatal error, it will throw an Error exception, which can be caught and handled gracefully by the developer.
This change leads to more reliable applications as developers can now write better exception-handling code, preventing complete program crashes. Additionally, PHP 8 provides more informative error messages, making it easier for developers to debug issues.
The new throw expression also adds flexibility by allowing exceptions to be thrown in contexts where this was previously not possible, such as in ternary operators or arrow functions. This gives developers more control over how errors are managed, enabling more predictable and controlled code execution.
6: Arrays with Negative Indexes: What It Means for Developers
PHP 8 brings a subtle yet important improvement to array behavior, allowing arrays to start with a negative index.
Previously, if you initialize an array with a negative index, subsequent keys would continue in positive sequence. PHP 8 changes this, allowing arrays to maintain negative keys if they begin that way.
- $array = [-2 => ‘a’, 0 => ‘b’, 1 => ‘c’];
- // Outputs: [‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’]
This new behavior brings more consistency to how arrays are handled, and it can be particularly useful when dealing with data that inherently includes negative indices, such as certain types of mathematical sequences or datasets.
This change might seem minor, but it demonstrates PHP’s effort to provide developers with more flexibility and predictability in how data structures behave.
For those working in fields requiring precise index handling, this update will help avoid cumbersome workarounds that were necessary in previous versions.
7: Weak Maps: Introducing Better Memory Management
Weak maps are a new addition to PHP 8 that allows for memory-efficient handling of objects. A weak map holds references to objects but does not prevent them from being garbage collected.
This is useful when creating caches or managing object lifecycles, as it avoids potential memory leaks caused by circular references.
For example, consider an object cache that stores references to objects created earlier in the code.
In previous PHP versions, objects in a cache could persist indefinitely, consuming memory even after they were no longer needed. With weak maps, PHP 8 allows these objects to be collected once they go out of scope, freeing up memory.
- $weakMap = new WeakMap();
- $weakMap[$object] = $data;
Weak maps are especially helpful in cases where you need to cache objects temporarily without interfering with their normal garbage collection cycle.
This new feature makes PHP more efficient, particularly in long-running processes where memory management is critical.
8: Saner Numeric Strings: Improving Number Handling in PHP
Saner handling of numeric strings helps avoid subtle bugs caused by PHP’s previous loose type handling.
For example, when performing mathematical operations, the new handling ensures that any non-numeric content within a string will cause an error, preventing accidental conversions:
- $result = ‘123abc’ + 1; // Throws TypeError
This change encourages developers to write more explicit and clean code, reducing the need for manual validation of numeric strings. The consistency in behavior aids in preventing logical errors that could arise from implicit type coercion.
PHP uses strings that the language interprets as numbers, or what are known as “numeric strings.” There were three categories for strings containing numbers in earlier versions of PHP:
- Numeric strings
- Leading-numeric groupings
- Strings that are not numbers
Depending on the procedure being carried out, the first two categories—which are numerical strings—were handled differently. Not all of this makes sense, and you might obtain some unexpected outcomes if you weren’t aware of these variances.
These divisions have been combined into one idea in PHP 8. The official documentation states that only numeric characters with leading and trailing whitespace are accepted.
When used in a numeric environment, any other kind of string is non-numeric and will result in Type Errors.
As a result, the underlying mechanism is considerably simpler. Overall, this is a good adjustment because it helps to clarify expected outcomes for developers.

WordPress Compatibility with PHP 8: Ensuring Smooth Integration
WordPress and its plugins rely so heavily on PHP that updates to the language may cause compatibility problems if other software hasn’t been updated. This is especially true for significant version releases, like PHP 8.
To facilitate a seamless transition, WordPress usually publishes new versions in tandem with these significant PHP changes. WordPress 5.6, the most recent version, is intended to serve this purpose. WordPress, however, has declared that version 5.6 is now only “beta-compatible.”
The developers have conducted considerable testing to ensure that WordPress 5.6 is compatible with PHP 8. However, the developers cannot yet promise that everything will function flawlessly because there is still a chance that WordPress core may have unidentified problems.
This update also only affects WordPress core. It may require some time to update third-party developers’ plugins and themes individually.
For you, what does that mean? First, make sure the theme and plugins you use are approved as compatible by their developers if you’re thinking about updating.
It is also a good practice to test any significant modifications on a test server before bringing them into production. PHP 8 is no exception; it needs extensive testing.
You have two options for testing: either make a local copy of your website with programs like XAMPP, MAMP, and Local or use a staging environment that you set up with your hosting account. You can make a copy of your website on your PC using any of these techniques.
This allows you to make any necessary setup adjustments and tests without affecting your live site in any way. A great approach to experimenting with new things is with tools, most of which allow you to make as many local installations as you wish.
Lastly, if there is a feature in PHP 8 that you simply cannot live without, you should only think about updating at this time. PHP 7.4, the preceding version, will continue to get security patches for an additional year after November 28, 2021, when active support ends. For Further Guidance, CLick Top 8 Security Practices for PHP.
Accordingly, you won’t have to upgrade until the end of 2022. Take your time, make sure everything works as it should, and only update your site when you are certain that the new version will work properly.
How to Update Your PHP Version: A Step-by-Step Guide
ARZ Host makes it simple to obtain PHP 8 whether you’re keen to use it in a live setting or for testing. First, you’ll need to access your cPanel. Go into your ARZ Host Account to accomplish this. You may handle all things related to your websites and domains from this admin area.
After finding the domain you wish to edit, select cPanel Login.
Next, select the PHP version by scrolling down to the Software section.
You may quickly change your PHP version, extensions, and settings all in one location with the help of this tool. Simply select the desired version from the drop-down option at the top of the page to make changes.
If you’d like, you can even go back to a previous version of PHP. See our knowledge base for comprehensive instructions if you require more help.
There’s a potential that the hosting company you’re with offers a comparable tool. Using the documentation from your supplier or getting in touch with help are your best options.
Conclusion: PHP 8’s Impact on Development
PHP 8 is a popular scripting language that offers new capabilities and considerable efficiency improvements. In particular, there has been a lot of excitement over the new JIT Compiler, which appears to live up to the anticipation.
But be aware that PHP 8 is the only version of WordPress (5.6) that is “beta compatible.” If your website plays a vital role in your business, you might want to wait. To find out more about what it offers in the interim, you can test it out on a testing site.
Check out our WordPress hosting options to make sure you’re always running the newest and best software, including PHP 8. Every necessity and price range are covered!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1: What are the key new features in PHP 8?
PHP 8 introduces several significant features that enhance performance, improve syntax, and add new capabilities. One of the most notable is the JIT (Just-In-Time) compiler, which can lead to substantial performance improvements for CPU-intensive tasks by compiling code into machine language.
Additionally, PHP 8 includes union types, allowing developers to specify multiple acceptable data types for function parameters, enhancing type safety. The match expression offers a more powerful alternative to switch statements, with support for returning values and no need for break statements.
Other features include attributes (annotations) for metadata, constructor property promotion for simplified property declaration, and enhanced error handling with throwable exceptions.
2: What should I consider before upgrading to PHP 8?
Before upgrading to PHP 8, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive review of your existing codebase.
Start by checking compatibility with the latest PHP version, as some deprecated features and functions may no longer work in PHP 8. Use tools like PHP Compatibility or phpcs to identify any compatibility issues.
Additionally, review third-party libraries and frameworks to ensure they support PHP 8. It’s also advisable to back up your application and test the upgrade in a staging environment before deploying it to production to identify any potential issues without affecting live users.
3: Will upgrading to PHP 8 improve my website’s performance?
Yes, upgrading to PHP 8 can significantly enhance your website’s performance, particularly for applications that require intensive computations or those that leverage the new JIT compiler. Many users report improved execution speeds and reduced load times after upgrading.
Furthermore, PHP 8 optimizes memory usage, making applications more efficient. However, the performance improvements may vary depending on the complexity of your application and how well it leverages the new features.
It’s advisable to conduct performance benchmarking before and after the upgrade to assess the benefits accurately.
4: How do I prepare my code for the PHP 8 upgrade?
Preparing your code for the PHP 8 upgrade involves several steps. Begin by identifying deprecated features in your codebase and replacing them with recommended alternatives.
Review your type hinting and consider implementing union types where applicable. Additionally, refactor your code to take advantage of the new match expression for cleaner logic.
It’s essential to run your existing test suites and add new tests to cover any new functionality introduced in PHP 8. Consider using modern PHP development practices, such as adhering to PSR standards, to ensure your code is up to date.
5: What if I encounter errors after upgrading to PHP 8?
If you encounter errors after upgrading to PHP 8, the first step is to check the error messages and logs for insights into what went wrong. PHP 8 introduces stricter type checking and error handling, which may expose issues that were previously unnoticed in earlier versions.
Review your code for deprecated functions or features and replace them with their modern counterparts. If the errors stem from third-party libraries or frameworks, ensure you are using the latest versions that support PHP 8.
Engage with the developer community or consult the documentation for specific error resolutions. Reverting to the previous version may be necessary if the issues persist and cannot be resolved quickly.
6: How can I test my application for compatibility with PHP 8?
To test your application for compatibility with PHP 8, begin by setting up a separate development or staging environment that runs PHP 8. Use automated testing frameworks like PHPUnit to execute your test suite and identify compatibility issues.
Additionally, tools such as PHPStan and Psalm can help analyze your code for potential problems. Make use of the phpunit/phpunit library to run unit tests and ensure that your application functions as expected.
Moreover, consider using feature flags to incrementally test new PHP 8 features without fully committing to the upgrade until you are confident in your application’s stability.
7: Is it safe to upgrade to PHP 8 for my production environment?
Upgrading to PHP 8 can be safe for your production environment if proper precautions are taken. Ensure thorough testing in a controlled environment before deploying the upgrade to production.
Validate that all your application’s dependencies are compatible with PHP 8, and back up your application and database to prevent data loss in case of issues. Monitor your application closely after the upgrade for any unexpected behavior or errors.
Implementing a rollback plan is also advisable, allowing you to revert to the previous PHP version quickly if serious issues arise. If your application is mission-critical, consider a phased rollout of the upgrade to minimize risk.
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