[wp-meta] [Making WordPress.org] #6516: Update the "Update PHP" support page

[Making WordPress.org]

#6516: Update the "Update PHP" support page
----------------------------+-------------------------------
 Reporter:  ironprogrammer  |      Owner:  (none)
     Type:  defect (bug)    |     Status:  new
 Priority:  normal          |  Milestone:
Component:  HelpHub         |   Keywords:  needs-copy-review
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 Proposed updates for: https://wordpress.org/support/update-php/

 == Why?
 - The references to PHP support on this page are outdated, and should
 adhere to current [https://wordpress.org/about/requirements/ PHP 7.4 or
 higher recommendation]
 ([https://make.wordpress.org/core/handbook/references/php-compatibility-
 and-wordpress-versions/ also]).
 - Adds new section for checking PHP version in use.
 - Miscellaneous grammar tweaks and rephrasing.
 - Compatibility checker plugin referenced in article is out of date✦.
 - Steps to update PHP on many hosting providers are out of date✦.
 - When a site's PHP should be updated, Site Health PHP update notices link
 to this page, so it should have current information available to the
 community.

 == Proposed Updates
 - See the
 [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WHlEqtnngiPeAgGfeKmZlRKVnbWgC0e9ippXRFzZALs/edit?usp=sharing
 Google Doc with suggested changes].
 - Copy changes in doc show the **current text** (yellow highlight)
 followed by the **updated/new text** (no highlight).
 - There are two sections in the page✦ where additional discussion is
 needed, but the other changes can be independent of this.
 - Default doc permissions are view only -- ticket participants can request
 comment/edit access as needed.

 == ✦ Additional Discussion Points
 - The [https://wordpress.org/support/update-php/#before-you-update-your-
 php-version currently referenced] [https://wordpress.org/plugins/php-
 compatibility-checker/ PHP Compatibility Checker plugin] does not support
 7.4 and up ([https://wordpress.org/support/topic/the-future-of-php-
 compatibility-checker/ yet]), which foils compatibility checking for non-
 developers, as the recommended alternative is to install `PHP_CodeSniffer`
 + `PHPCompatibilityWP`. This is not optimal for most users. Are there any
 other compatibility checking options available?
 - The [https://github.com/WordPress/servehappy-
 resources/blob/master/tutorials/hosting-specific/tutorials-en.md PHP
 update instructions (per hosting company)] are outdated. It looks like
 these can be updated through a PR to `servehappy-resources`, but is there
 a process for that? Does it involve enlisting `#hosting-community`
 resources to review and update?

 Follow-up to [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/56199 Trac #56199],
 the PHP insecure version awareness initiative updates that are shipping
 with WordPress 6.1.

-- 
Ticket URL: <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/6516>
Making WordPress.org <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/>
Making WordPress.org