Do you need to update PHP and MySQL?
Sergey Medvedev from Columbus, Co-founder / CTO
Yes, updating PHP and MySQL is essential. New versions run faster, consume fewer resources and close known vulnerabilities, while outdated ones eventually lose developer support and become an open door for attackers.
Key takeaway
Why you should update PHP and MySQL, how it affects speed and security and how we do it with no downtime.
When a version of PHP or MySQL reaches end of official support, security patches stop being released for it. This means any new vulnerability stays unpatched, and the site risks virus infection or hacking. Up-to-date PHP also speeds up page generation, which directly affects speed and behavioral factors.
The key is to update carefully. Here's how we do it:
- we check the compatibility of the code and plugins on a test copy;
- we create a backup before switching the version;
- we roll out changes with no downtime for visitors;
- we monitor the site after the update.
This approach delivers results on two fronts at once: speed and security. Thanks to proactive 24/7 monitoring, we notice any failures instantly and keep uptime at 99.8%. CMS, PHP and MySQL updates are part of our subscription model: all tasks go straight into work, with no approval for every little thing.
Not sure which version your site runs on in Columbus? Request a free audit — we'll check the current PHP and MySQL versions and advise on what to update safely first.