Conquering the Code Corral: How to Update PHP on RedHat 7 (Without Wrangling Llamas)
You've heard the whispers, the rumors of a better, faster PHP. Maybe your website's getting a little sluggish, or your code's throwing tantrums about outdated syntax. Well, fret no more, intrepid developer! Today, we're wrangling some digital steers and herding them into a glorious PHP update on your trusty RedHat 7 system.
But hold on there, buckaroo! Before we start wrangling code, there's a heads-up. Updating PHP can sometimes be like wrangling...well, actual wrangling. Things might get a little dusty under the hood. So, if you're new to this rodeo, take a deep breath, saddle up, and let's ride!
Lassoing the Right Version: A Choice More Complicated than a Stetson
First things first, you gotta decide which shiny new version of PHP you want to mosey on over to. RedHat 7 doesn't come with all the fancy bells and whistles by default, so we might need a little help from the Red Hat Software Collections (RHSCL). Think of it as the general store for all your cutting-edge PHP needs.
Hold Your Horses! Do you have a subscription? If not, some of the neater versions might be behind a paywall. Check with your system admin or channel your inner accountant to see what's in the budget.
Unleashing the Update Stampede: Here Comes the Fun Part!
Alright, partner, now the real fun begins. Here's what you need to wrangle that new PHP version:
- Enable the RHSCL Repository: This is like opening the gate to the corral. Use this nifty little command:
subscription-manager repos --enable rhel-server-rhscl-7-rpms
- Saddle Up Your Package Manager: Now that the gate's open, it's time to grab the new PHP. Depending on which version you chose, the command will vary, but it'll look something like this:
yum install rh-php74 rh-php74-php rh-php74-php-gd rh-php74-php-mbstring rh-php74-php-mysqlnd rh-php74-php-intl rh-php74-php-ldap
(Replace 74 with your desired version number)
- Taming the New PHP: Once the installation is all dusty and done, you gotta tell your system to use the new version. This might involve some wrangling with Apache configuration files, but that's a story for another campfire.
Whoa There! Don't forget to disable the old PHP version to avoid conflicts. Think of it like putting the old horse out to pasture.
Howdy, Partner! You've Done Diddly-Darn Did It!
Congratulations, rootin' tootin' developer! You've successfully updated your PHP version on RedHat 7. Now your website can run smoother than a greased saddle, and your code will be singin' like a happy cowboy.
But hold on a sec, cowboy! Before you ride off into the sunset, here's a quick FAQ to answer any lingering questions:
Howdy Partner, Got Any Questions?
How to check my current PHP version?
php -v
How to switch back to the old PHP version (if something goes wrong)?
You can usually manage this by editing your Apache configuration files. But this might be a good time to call your system admin for some backup!
How to install specific PHP modules?
Just add them to the end of your yum install command, like rh-php74-php-xml.
How to know if I need a subscription for the version I want?
Check the RedHat documentation for your desired PHP version.
How to find a good system admin to wrangle all this for me?
Well, that partner, depends on your negotiation skills!
