How to Upgrade & Install PHP on Ubuntu

Upgrading or installing PHP on Ubuntu 22.04 can enhance your web application’s performance and security. As of this writing, PHP 8.2 brings significant improvements and new features over its predecessors. This article outlines the steps for installing or upgrading PHP to version 8.2 on Ubuntu 22.04.

Why Upgrade to PHP 8.2?

PHP 8.2 introduces several new features and enhancements, including:

• Readonly Properties: Allowing properties to be declared as readonly, making them immutable after their initial assignment.
• Disjunctive Normal Form Types: This provides better type handling for complex applications.
• Performance Improvements: Overall performance enhancements, leading to faster execution times.
• New Functions: PHP 8.2 includes new built-in functions, making coding easier and more efficient.

Upgrading ensures that you have access to the latest features and improvements.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that:

1. You have an active Ubuntu 22.04 system.
2. You have sudo privileges to install and upgrade packages.
3. It’s recommended to back up your existing applications and databases to avoid data loss during the upgrade.

Step 1: Update the System

Start by updating your package list and upgrading existing packages. Open your terminal and run:

Step 2: Add the PHP Repository

Ubuntu 22.04 may not have PHP 8.2 in its default repositories. To access the latest PHP versions, you can add a repository called ondrej/php:

After adding the repository, update the package list again:

Step 3: Install PHP 8.2

Now, you can install PHP 8.2 along with some common extensions:

This command installs PHP 8.2 and several essential modules for running most applications.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

To verify that PHP has been installed correctly, check the version:

You should see output indicating that PHP 8.2 is installed.

Step 5: Configure PHP Settings

Depending on your application needs, you may want to configure PHP settings. The main configuration file is located at:

Edit this file using your preferred text editor:

After making your changes, remember to restart the PHP service to apply them:

Step 6: Upgrade from Older PHP Versions

If you’re upgrading from an older version of PHP, ensure that your applications are compatible with PHP 8.2. You can remove the older versions of PHP using:

Make sure to test your applications after the upgrade to resolve any potential issues.

Conclusion

Installing or upgrading to PHP 8.2 on Ubuntu 22.04 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your web applications. With the new features and improvements, you can build more efficient and modern applications. Always remember to back up your system and test your applications for compatibility after upgrading.

For more detailed information on PHP installation and features, you can check the official PHP documentation.