php5 to php7 Migration FAQ

ECN is working on switching web sites utilizing the php web server scripting language from version 5.6 to version 7.4.

php version 5.6 end-of-life was December 2018, and no longer receives security patches. In order to increase web site security, ECN is announcing that it will stop running php version 5.6 on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. As a replacement, php version 7.4 will be available.

Most ECN web sites will operate the same when php is updated to version 7.4. The document Migrating from PHP 5.6.x to PHP 7.0.x is available to help with fixing web sites that exhibit unexpected results or errors, but most likely, if the web site is using a prepackaged appilication, upgrading the application to the latest version will fix most problems.

The following FAQs will help answer questions concerning migrating a web site from php 5.6 to php 7.4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is impacted by this change?

Any entity, user or group web site running on the Engineering web cluster, using Apache and php 5.6. The ECN staff will contact the web site's owner to indicate that migration is pending.

Will I be impacted by this change?

While most php code operates the same between version 5.6, there are some differences that will inhibit the web server from operating correctly. See the document Migrating from PHP 5.6.x to PHP 7.0.x for a list of changes that could alter the operation of the web site, such as producing non-functioning web pages, or changing the web site appearance, especially php warning messages that may show through to the user's web browser.

How do I test my user or entity web site?

User and entity web sites running php code can use a test web server designed to run php 7.4 instead of php 5.6. If a web site is in the form of a URL like:

https://engineering.purdue.edu/~username

Then the equivilent version of the php 7.4 web site would be:

https://workshop01.ecn.purdue.edu/~username

Performing a test on the workshop01 will require an on-campus network connection, or use a VPN.

How do I test my group web site?

Group web sites can only be tested live. That is, the group web site will need to be switched from php 5.6 to php 7.4 in the control panel, then tested using the web site URL. Should problems arise from the testing, the web site can be switched back to php 5.6.

To change the group web site from php 5.6 to php 7.4, refer to the document Using the ECN Web Group Server, and select the command "add mod_php7" followed by a "restart" command. To revert a web site back to php 5.6, select the command "add mod_php" followed by "restart". If you need help with either of these operations, contact the ECN Staff and we'll perform the changes on your behalf.

Once a successful switch to php 7.4 is accomplished, then the migration is complete and no further action is needed. Web sites that have not switched to php 7.4 by the due date will be switched automatically.

When should the migration be completed?

ECN will be retiring php 5.6 on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

Where can I get help converting my website?

ECN staff can help with any conversion questions. Contact us by sending a message to the ECN Staff.