Why Your WordPress Site Might Be Struggling
TALK TO A WordPress site owner in any niche and, before long, they will voice a familiar complaint. In a world of powerful hosting, a third of sites say they experience performance challenges as their underlying software lacks the right updates. On even the most robust servers, a quarter have the same complaint. Technical debt is, apparently, not just a problem for large enterprises. Web hosts report that developers, designers, and site administrators consistently worry about running outdated, unsupported software. From simple blogs to complex WooCommerce stores, over two-thirds of site owners will eventually moan about features breaking or poor performance, often a direct symptom of an aging technology stack.
The Core of the Problem: Outdated PHP
This widespread issue frequently boils down to one critical, yet overlooked, component: the PHP version powering the server. An outdated PHP version is a common root cause for a WordPress not working correctly. You might experience a slow admin dashboard, features like the WooCommerce search failing to return results, or even the dreaded White Screen of Death. While you're focused on updating to the what is latest WordPress version, your progress can be completely halted if your server's PHP is years behind. The good news? Checking your version is the first and easiest step toward resolution. For any WordPress user, knowing how to check the php version in linux is a fundamental skill.
How to Check Your PHP Version in Linux
If your site is acting up, don't panic. Here’s a straightforward way to investigate. You'll need access to your hosting account's control panel (like cPanel) or SSH access. For most users, the control panel is the simplest path.
Via Hosting Control Panel (cPanel):
- Log into your web hosting account.
- Navigate to cPanel (or your host's equivalent dashboard).
- Look for a section labeled "Software" or "Metrics."
- Click on an icon or link called "PHP Version" or "Select PHP Version."
- The current version will be displayed prominently on the page.
Via SSH (For Advanced Users):
If you have SSH access, you can open a terminal and run a single command:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| php -v | This command will immediately return the PHP version currently active on your server. |
My suggestion? Always aim to run a PHP version that is actively supported. As of this writing, PHP 8.1 or newer is ideal for both performance and security. If you discover your version is 7.4 or older, it's time for an upgrade.
Don't Navigate This Alone
Identifying the problem is only half the battle. Updating PHP can sometimes cause compatibility issues with older themes or plugins. This is where professional help ensures a smooth transition without breaking your site.
At WPutopia, we specialize in taking these technical worries off your plate. Our WordPress services include comprehensive maintenance, ensuring your PHP version, core software, themes, and plugins are always current and compatible. From a simple plugin installation to a full theme upgrade and server configuration, we handle the complex backend work so you can focus on your business. If your site is showing signs of distress, let our experts provide a complete health check and get you back on track.
