How to Change PHP Version via CloudLinux Selector in DirectAdmin

Changing the PHP version for your website in DirectAdmin using CloudLinux Selector is a crucial task, especially for ensuring compatibility and security of your websites. CloudLinux Selector allows you to select specific PHP versions for different domains or subdomains hosted on your server. Here’s how you can change the PHP version via CloudLinux Selector in DirectAdmin:

Steps to Change PHP Version in DirectAdmin

1. Log in to DirectAdmin

• Open your web browser and navigate to your DirectAdmin login page.
• Enter your credentials to log in to the DirectAdmin control panel.

2. Access CloudLinux Selector

• Once logged in, look for the option labeled ‘Select PHP Version’, ‘PHP Selector’, ‘CloudLinux Selector’, or something similar. This is usually found under the ‘Extra Features’ or ‘Advanced Features’ section.
• Click on it to access the CloudLinux Selector interface.

3. Choose the Domain

• If you have multiple domains or subdomains, select the domain for which you want to change the PHP version. Some interfaces automatically display the domain you are currently managing.

4. Select the PHP Version

• In the CloudLinux Selector interface, you’ll see a dropdown menu or a list of available PHP versions.
• Choose the desired PHP version from the dropdown menu. Available versions typically range from older versions like 5.x to the latest releases.
• After selecting the version, the interface may automatically update, or you may need to click on a ‘Set as current’, ‘Update’, or ‘Apply’ button.

5. Adjust PHP Extensions (Optional)

• After changing the PHP version, you might need to configure PHP extensions. CloudLinux Selector allows you to enable or disable specific PHP extensions for the selected version.
• Check or uncheck the extensions as per your application requirements.

6. Verify the Change

• Once you have selected the new PHP version and configured extensions, it’s a good practice to verify that your website is functioning correctly with the new version.
• You can create a PHP info file to check the current version of PHP being used.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Compatibility Check: Before changing the PHP version, ensure that your website’s applications, like CMS or plugins, are compatible with the new version to avoid any functionality issues.
• Backup: It’s always wise to back up your website before making changes like this, in case you need to revert to the previous state.
• Propagation Time: The change in PHP version usually takes effect immediately, but in some cases, it might require a few minutes or a server restart.

Conclusion

Regularly updating the PHP version for your websites is important for security and performance. CloudLinux Selector in DirectAdmin simplifies this process, allowing for flexibility and control over the PHP environment of each domain or subdomain. Always ensure compatibility and back up your site before making such changes, and verify the website functionality post-update to ensure a smooth transition. As a website developer or server administrator, staying on top of such maintenance tasks is key to the smooth operation of your online platforms.