High requirements

  • [outdated] Requires PHP 8.0, so I cannot use it with 7.4. That’s higher requirements than most of the other WP plug-ins. Probably without any real reason though.

    • This topic was modified 3 months ago by Jānis Elmeris. Reason: +1 for author explanation
    • This topic was modified 2 months ago by Jānis Elmeris. Reason: I cannot withdraw my rating, so let it be 4 as the default
Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
  • Plugin Author bnfw

    (@voltronik)

    Hi @jaanise,
    I was sorry to read your review regarding the plugin’s requirements for PHP 8 over PHP 7.4.

    The reason is outlined in this recent support thread which I felt I did a reasonable job of explaining this decision: https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/bnfw-now-requires-at-least-php-8-0/

    You can always use an older version of the plugin in order to remain using it on PHP 7.4 for as long as it works with WordPress, other plugsin, etc. This is available from this page: https://www.ads-software.com/plugins/bnfw/advanced/

    I’m not expecting you to change your mind or your review but I hope this goes someway to explaining the reasoning behind this.

    Thread Starter Jānis Elmeris

    (@jaanise)

    Thank you for explaining your reasoning!

    I’m adding one star for considering the interests of the overall ecosystem (although supporting newer versions doesn’t mean not supporting older ones).

    I would leave forcing the PHP version up to WordPress, if I were you (which I’m not, of course). You point out that the existing users of your plugin would just not get updates past 1.9.3, however you’re missing out on new users. If I go to “Add plugin” and search for “notifications”, I get 5043 plugins listed. Your plugin comes up in the 8th place, however it is the only one on the first page that is marked as incompatible with my installation. On the first three pages, among 108 plugins, there are just 2 more like that.

    As per this article – https://peq42.com/blog/wordpress-to-finally-start-dropping-old-versions-of-php/ – about 50% of WordPress installations are still using PHP 7 (April 2024). Which means you’re needlessly (unless your plugin actually makes good use of the new PHP 8+ language features) losing out on half of potential new users for your plugin.

    BTW, where has WordPress, as a project, announced that PHP 7.4 will be dropped within the next 8-months? The latest WordPress is supporting even 7.2. It seems unlikely that they’ll drop support for 7.2., 7.3, and 7.4 just after 8 months now.

    Plugin Author bnfw

    (@voltronik)

    Hi @jaanise,
    Thank you for your reply – I appreciate all of your points, and the update to add another star to your review. I’ll continue to keep my eye on all things WordPress and PHP to see how it moves and adjust the plugin’s requirements accordingly should it be needed.

    Thanks again for your review and for trying BNFW.

    Eli

    (@realact)

    Wow @jaanise taking off two stars just for not supporting PHP 7.4? Don’t be lazy and upgrade your stuff. Otherwise, hackers will force you to.

    Not fair giving a plugin such low rate just because PHP requirements, in my opinion.

    Regards

    Plugin Author bnfw

    (@voltronik)

    Hi @realact,
    I’ve now revised the plugin to allow for PHP 7.4+ again.

    Please feel free to leave your own review of the plugin, should you wish, and find it useful.

    All the best to you both.

    Eli

    (@realact)

    @voltronik I already have, and I gave it 5 deserved stars!

    Plugin Author bnfw

    (@voltronik)

    @jaanise Thanks for the upgrade in review. Much appreciated ??

    @realact Thank you also for leaving your review previously ??

Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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