WordPress is a content management system (CMS) written in the PHP programming language. That means that in order to run WordPress on your web server, you need to have PHP installed. WordPress has minimum requirements for the version of PHP that it will run on, but for the best performance, you should always install the latest stable version of PHP. At the time of this writing, the latest stable version of PHP is 7.4. So if you’re wondering which PHP version to install for WordPress, the answer is always the latest stable version. Not only will this give you the best performance, but it will also ensure that you have all of the latest security fixes and features.
Why Install the Latest PHP for WordPress
1. Increased Loading Speed
The PHP version installed on the web server affects the speed of WordPress. If you’re running an older version of PHP, upgrading to the latest version can improve speed. For example, upgrading from PHP 5.6 to 7.0 can decrease WordPress load times by up to 50%. In addition, using an object-caching system like APC or Memcached can further improve performance. Object caching stores objects in memory so they can be retrieved quickly, reducing the number of times WordPress has to query the database. If you’re looking to speed up your WordPress site, upgrading to the latest version of PHP and installing an object-caching system are two good places to start.
2. Improved Security
WordPress is a tempting target for hackers, as there are always new vulnerabilities to exploit. That’s why it’s important to keep your WordPress installation up to date, including the PHP version that it runs on. Older versions of PHP are no longer supported by the WordPress team, which means they may contain security vulnerabilities that have not been patched. By running the latest version of PHP, you can help to keep your WordPress site secure against potential attacks.
3. Compatibility
Certain WordPress versions have to be compatible with the PHP version running in your hosting server. That’s why compatibility is the most important to check before installing or using a certain PHP version.
What PHP Versions are Compatible With WordPress?
WordPress is compatible with PHP 5.6 and any version onwards like PHP 7.0 and the latest. Although, PHP 7.3 is no longer be supported with updates because of its EOL or end-of-life status. PHP 7.3 versions and below, including PHP 5.6 version, may expose your website to security breaches so WordPress doesn’t recommend it.
Visit this link how to check your PHP version. Also, how to update your PHP version in your hosting panel.
So the best version of PHP to install for your WordPress is PHP 7.4 as it is also recommended by WordPress.org. Make sure that your WordPress and MySQL versions are also in the latest versions.