What PHP version should I use for Drupal?

Drupal PHP Version Requirements

When hosting Drupal sites with HostingDuty, selecting the correct PHP version is critical for security, performance, and compatibility. Drupal maintains a strict version support lifecycle that directly correlates with PHP version requirements.

Drupal 10 and PHP 8.1+

Drupal 10, our current recommended version for new deployments, requires PHP 8.1 or higher. This version brings significant performance improvements including Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, better type safety, and enhanced error handling. At HostingDuty, we configure our servers to support PHP 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 for Drupal 10 sites.

The PHP 8.1 release introduced readonly properties, enums, and Fibers, which Drupal leverages for improved memory efficiency. You can verify your server's PHP configuration by checking our PHP configuration guide or reviewing your Drupal system requirements documentation.

Drupal 9 and PHP 7.4+

Drupal 9 requires PHP 7.4 or higher, though we recommend upgrading to Drupal 10 for better long-term support. PHP 7.4 introduced typed properties, arrow functions, and improved error reporting. However, PHP 7.4 reached end-of-life in November 2022, meaning it no longer receives security updates.

For existing Drupal 9 sites, we strongly recommend migrating to Drupal 10 and upgrading to PHP 8.1+ as soon as possible. Our migration guide provides step-by-step instructions for this transition.

Version Support Lifecycle

Drupal's PHP version support follows a predictable cadence that aligns with PHP's own release schedule. Major Drupal releases receive security updates for 18 months after their initial release, during which they support specific PHP versions. After this period, you must upgrade both Drupal and PHP to maintain security compliance.

Zend's analysis of Drupal's PHP support lifecycle shows that version compatibility is not optional—running unsupported PHP versions exposes your site to known vulnerabilities. You can review the detailed Drupal PHP support timeline for specific version matrices.

Performance Considerations

Newer PHP versions offer substantial performance gains. PHP 8.1 is approximately 20-30% faster than PHP 7.4 for typical Drupal workloads. This translates to faster page loads, reduced server resource usage, and better scalability under load.

HostingDuty's PHP performance benchmarks show that upgrading from PHP 7.4 to PHP 8.1+ can improve Drupal site response times by up to 40% for database-intensive operations. Our PHP performance optimization guide details specific tuning parameters.

Security Implications

Running outdated PHP versions is a primary vector for Drupal site compromises. Known vulnerabilities in older PHP versions include memory corruption issues, type confusion bugs, and insecure default configurations. Drupal's security team regularly patches issues that exploit these PHP-level weaknesses.

We maintain strict security policies at HostingDuty, requiring all Drupal sites to run supported PHP versions. Our security best practices document outlines additional hardening measures beyond PHP version selection.

Checking Your Current PHP Version

To verify your current PHP version, you can use the php -v command on your server or check the PHP information page at /phpinfo.php. HostingDuty provides a PHP version checker tool that displays your current configuration along with recommended upgrades.

Migration Path

If you're currently running PHP 7.4 or earlier, we recommend the following migration sequence:

1. Audit your site for deprecated functions using drupal-check 2. Update Drupal core and all contributed modules to their latest compatible versions 3. Test thoroughly in a staging environment 4. Schedule maintenance window for production upgrade 5. Monitor error logs and performance metrics post-migration

Our Drupal upgrade checklist provides detailed steps for each phase. For complex migrations, our support team can assist with the transition process.

Conclusion

For new Drupal installations, always start with PHP 8.1 or higher. For existing sites, plan your upgrade to PHP 8.1+ as part of your Drupal 10 migration strategy. HostingDuty supports all current Drupal versions with optimized PHP configurations for maximum performance and security.