[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #33381: Strategize the updating of minimum PHP version.

[WordPress Trac]

#33381: Strategize the updating of minimum PHP version.
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 Reporter:  alexander.rohmann                    |       Owner:  jorbin
     Type:  enhancement                          |      Status:  assigned
 Priority:  normal                               |   Milestone:  Awaiting
Component:  General                              |  Review
 Severity:  normal                               |     Version:
 Keywords:  needs-codex dev-feedback 2nd-        |  Resolution:
  opinion                                        |     Focuses:
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Comment (by nerrad):

 Replying to [comment:81 dd32]:
 > My experience of having a plugin require PHP 5.4 was a lot of people who
 just don't understand what is wrong when software says their version of
 PHP is outdated. They blame the plugin for being broken, even when told
 their PHP is many years out of date.

 > I don't know the answer here, but every time this comes up I get one
 more step towards encouraging a banner of some form within WordPress. I
 used to be highly against it, but backed by a properly designed and
 informative page, might be the only option available to WordPress in the
 long-run.

 With Event Espresso, we upped our minimum requirement to PHP5.3 back in
 August 2014, and we:

 - made an announcement ahead of time: https://eventespresso.com/2014/08
 /raising-php-requirements-event-espresso-4/
 - added a required version banner to the plugin that appears when users
 don't have the required PHP version on their host and then deactivate the
 plugin.

 We made the switch when the number of users on php5.2 fell below 10%.  Our
 experience was and is very positive.  We have had very LITTLE pushback
 from our users after the switch and most feedback has been positive.
 Almost always, when users see the notice they end up either having their
 host help them switch their php versions or switch hosts if their host
 isn't responsive.

 Here's the message we show:

 > We're sorry, but Event Espresso requires PHP version 5.3.0 or greater in
 order to operate. You are currently running version xxx.  In order to
 update your version of PHP, you will need to contact your current hosting
 provider. For information on stable PHP versions, please go to
 http://php.net/downloads.php.

 Whats interesting about our experience is that for the most part, our user
 install base consist non-technical or non-developers.

 Our experience seems to suggest:

 1. Users won't be as put off by having to bug their hosts about updating
 php version as we think they will be.
 2. Users understand the words/phrases `security` and `end of life` and
 that goes a long way towards explaining the switch.
 3. It goes well when the reasons are communicated well and in a way
 readily visible to users.

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Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/33381#comment:83>
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