Managing PHP Versions on the Command Line: A Simple Guide

PHP is a versatile and widely used scripting language for web development. As projects evolve, you may find the need to switch between different PHP versions based on compatibility requirements or new features. Managing PHP versions on the command line allows you to efficiently handle these transitions without disrupting your workflow. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started:

Checking Installed PHP Versions

Before you begin managing PHP versions, it’s essential to know which versions are already installed on your system. You can do this by opening your terminal and typing

This command displays the currently active PHP version along with detailed information about the PHPconfiguration.

Installing Different PHP Versions

Using Homebrew (for macOS and Linux)

If you’re using macOS or Linux, Homebrew provides a convenient way to install and manage PHP versions:

1. Install Homebrew: If you haven’t already installed Homebrew, you can do so by following the instructions on brew.sh.
2. Install PHP Versions: Use Homebrew to install different PHP versions. For example, to install PHP 7.4, you would run:
   brew install php@7.4


   Similarly, for PHP 8.0:

   brew install php@8.0

3. Switching PHP Versions: Homebrew creates symbolic links for each version. To switch between versions, use brew link and brew unlink. For example, to switch to PHP 7.4:
   brew unlink php && brew link --force --overwrite php@7.4


   Replace php@7.4 with the version you want to switch to.

Using PHP Version Manager (phpenv)

Another popular tool for managing PHP versions is phpenv. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Install phpenv: Follow the installation instructions from the phpenv
2. Install PHP Versions: Once phpenv is installed, you can list available PHP versions and install them easily:
   phpenv install 7.4.0


   Replace 7.4.0 with the version number you want to install.

3. Switching PHP Versions: phpenv allows you to set a global PHP version or specify a version for a specific directory:
   phpenv global 7.4.0


   This sets PHP 7.4.0 as the global version. To set a version for a specific directory:

   phpenv local 8.0.0


   This command creates a .phpenv file in the current directory to specify PHP 8.0.0 for that project.

Verifying the PHP Version

After switching versions, it’s important to verify that the correct version is now active. Again, use:

This command confirms the currently active version.

Conclusion

Managing PHP versions on the command line doesn’t have to be daunting. With tools like Homebrew and phpenv, you can seamlessly switch between PHP versions to meet the requirements of your projects. Whether you’re testing compatibility or exploring new features, these steps ensure you have the flexibility to work with different PHP versions efficiently. Mastering version management empowers you to tackle diverse web development challenges with confidence.