On my production server I have version 5.4.28. On my local testing server I am using MAMP with version 5.4.42. How important is it to upgrade to something like 5.6.10? This would require that I mess around in WHM, which I’m not overly familiar with. It would not be good if upgrading brings my production server down…even for a short amount of time.
Is it better to just leave things alone? If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it…right?
I welcome your comments.
Thanks!
You should at least stay up-to-day on the minor version you are on. PHP has a number of vulnerabilities fixed in the 5.4 branch up until .41. http://php.net/ChangeLog-5.php
Also, you might as well start working your way towards migrating to PHP5.6, as support for PHP5.4 will end in the next couple of months. http://php.net/supported-versions.php
Scott
There is always a certain level of risk when upgrading PHP versions. However, 5.4 to 5.6 the risk is minimal. So you might as well try it. It goes without saying though test on local before deployment to production.
That is a faint line in the sand. If you were to tell me that you have 10 years of web applications running on servers with 5.4 I might be inclined to say the risk/cost is to high. However, if you were to tell me the server handles a single site, built within the last few years than I would probably say the benefit outweighs the risk. Again though 5.4 to 5.6 isn’t a huge leap. It isn’t like <=5.2 to 5.6 or anything.
In reality incremental updates is the best plan of action though that isn’t always practical given specific circumstances. Enforcing best practices and keeping up to date is the best way to not fall behind. However, keeping up to date and meeting expectations on time and budget are normally at odds with each other. It is certainly a delicate balance.
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