What is WordPress?

• WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
• Open Source Project
• Content Management System

More About WordPress.org
- https://wordpress.org/about/

How Does WordPress Work?

At a basic level, WordPress and other CMSs are comprised of files and a database.

What is PHP?

• Sever-Side Programming Language
• Open Source Project
• Originally Created in 1994

PHP Version Timeline

PHP Versions on WordPress Installations

What Version Are You Running?

PHP 7.2

Released: Nov 30, 2017; 6.8% of WP sites

Main Benefits of Keeping PHP Up-To-Date

• Your website will be faster.
• Your website will be more secure.

PHP 5.6 Support

Released: Aug 28, 2014; 37.3% of WP sites

Do-It-Yourself

1. Run a Backup (BackWPUp, BackupBuddy, etc.)

2. Test Compatibility

• Test your site on PHP 7.2 (local install)
  - http://bit.ly/wpneo-wamp (Windows)
  - http://bit.ly/wpneo-mamp (Mac)
  OR
• Use Compatibility Checker Plugin
  - http://bit.ly/wpneo-php-checker

3. Look for anything out of the ordinary or error messages at the tops of pages (admin or front-end).

4. Contact theme/plugin authors if anything doesn't work or if there are errors.

5. If everything looks good, switch your version on your host.

Get Help Upgrading Your PHP Version

Ask a web developer or your hosting company for assistance with any of the steps. Some hosts don't allow the user to change their PHP version, so you might have to contact your hosting company for that.

Sample Messages to Web Host: http://bit.ly/wpneo-php7