PHP Version

Hi @joe777,
Thanks for your message.

Moving forward, BNFW will only support PHP 8.0+. There’s a bit more detail about it in this support thread: https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/bnfw-now-requires-at-least-php-8-0/

Not sure if this helps but it looks like you can update your PHP version on FatCow: https://www.fatcow.com/help/article/how-to-change-your-php-version-foundation

If BNFW works for you, you don’t need to update it to 1.9.4 from 1.9.3 but I recommend updating your version of PHP where possible moving forward anyway.

Let me know if you need any more help.

Thanks for your reply. And, thanks for BNFW. Sorry that I didn’t see that support thread before submitting this one. I searched and it didn’t turn up for me. I talked to fatcow before I submitted this question, and they told me that they don’t yet support PHP 8.0+. The link you gave me is not what I see on my fatcow interface. I think the link is in error. Here’s what I see: https://www.fatcow.com/help/article/scripting-how-to-switch-your-php-version, or https://www.fatcow.com/controlpanel/foundation/hosting, or this video starting at 1:40: https://www.fatcow.com/help/article/how-to-update-your-php-version-video. My opinion is that you jumped the gun a bit by requiring PHP 8.0+ too soon. BNFW is the ONLY plugin that requires it (that I use anyway). But, it’s your opinion that counts, not mine, and I appreciate your plugin, and I will just stay with BNFW 1.9.3.

I was wondering: what happens if I run 1.9.4 with PHP 7.4? Will BNFW just quit working, or will there be limited functionality?

BTW: Here is the quote that I got from fatcow: “I I understand your concern about more plugins moving to version 8.0. We are actively working on making version 8.0 available as soon as we can. We know it’s important to keep up with the latest plugin updates, and we are prioritizing the release of 8.0 to ensure our customers have access to the features and functionality they need. Please keep an eye out for our announcements regarding the 8.0 release timeline. In the meantime, let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with.”

Hi @joe777,
I appreciate your response.

I’ve personally used lots of plugins that require PHP 8.0 or higher. BNFW now requires some functions that PHP 7.4 doesn’t provide so will most likely break if you try and install it on PHP 7.4 or lower.

I would genuinely see the lack of PHP 8 support by your host as a red flag. PHP 8.0 is 4-years old now and WP Engine, the largest managed WordPress host in the world, is providing long term support for PHP 7.4 far beyond PHP who have now stopped supporting it alltogether, but also require upgrading to PHP 8.0 minimum (8.2 recommended) moving forward. I would highly recommend trying to get onto PHP 8.1 at least if you can somehow – you’ll probably see some nice speed improvements too. WordPress may be dropping support for PHP 7.4 this year too.

I appreciate some of this is just my opinion but hope you appreciate the perspective and that I’ve put a lot of thought into this decision.