Preparing OkayCMS 4.6.0 with PHP 8.3 and PHP 8.5 Support
The OkayCMS team is working on the new OkayCMS 4.6.0 release. One of its key technical changes will be support for PHP 8.3 and PHP 8.5.
However, 4.6.0 does not mean that every project and the entire OkayCMS ecosystem will move to modern PHP versions at once. It will be a transition release, giving online stores, modules, templates, integrations and other solutions time to prepare gradually.
Key point: OkayCMS 4.6.0 will add support for PHP 8.3 and PHP 8.5 while retaining compatibility with PHP 7.4. This will make it possible to move to a modern server environment gradually, without having to update every component of a project at the same time.
What will change in OkayCMS 4.6.0
The new OkayCMS version will add the following to the existing PHP 7.4 support:
- PHP 8.3 - support will be added in the new release.
- PHP 8.5 - will also be supported by OkayCMS 4.6.0.
Support for PHP 7.4 will remain. This means store owners will not have to change their server environment immediately after upgrading to 4.6.0.
Existing projects will be able to continue running on PHP 7.4 for some time, while migration to a modern PHP version can be handled separately after all website components have been checked.
Why a transition release is needed
OkayCMS is more than just the system core. Over the years, a large ecosystem has developed around the platform, including modules, ready-made templates, integrations, partner solutions and custom modifications.
If PHP 7.4 support were discontinued immediately, some existing projects would have to update the CMS, server environment and all additional solutions at the same time.
The transition can therefore be carried out gradually:
- upgrade OkayCMS;
- check the project after the upgrade;
- prepare the server for a modern PHP version;
- check modules, templates and integrations;
- adapt custom modifications where necessary;
- test the changes on a copy of the website before updating the live store.
The transition period is not only for online store owners. After the release of 4.6.0, compatibility work will continue across the OkayCMS ecosystem as current modules, templates and integrations are gradually tested and adapted to modern PHP versions where necessary.
For this reason, the release of OkayCMS 4.6.0 will not mean that every module and template automatically becomes fully compatible with PHP 8.3 and PHP 8.5 on the same day. Some solutions will require additional testing and updates.
What this means for store owners and developers
For online store owners, the most important point is that there will be no need to change the PHP version urgently after OkayCMS 4.6.0 is released. If a website is stable on PHP 7.4, migration to a modern server environment can be prepared separately.
This is especially important for projects using additional modules, third-party integrations and custom code. Before changing PHP, such websites should be tested on a separate copy.
For developers, the release of 4.6.0 will mark the beginning of a new technical stage. Modules, templates, integrations and custom solutions will need to be tested on PHP 8.3 and PHP 8.5 and adapted where necessary.
Solutions developed several years ago and not updated recently may require particular attention. Compatibility of the OkayCMS core with modern PHP versions does not automatically guarantee compatibility of third-party or custom code.
At the same time, the OkayCMS team continues to expand its range of new templates for online stores.
OkayCMS 4.6.x versions will be the last to support PHP 7.4
OkayCMS 4.6.x versions will be the last versions to retain PHP 7.4 support.
Keeping PHP 7.4 support at this stage will give users and developers enough time to prepare their projects and solutions.
Future OkayCMS versions will focus on modern PHP versions without the requirement to maintain compatibility with PHP 7.4.
This will gradually remove technical limitations associated with the older server environment and create more opportunities for further platform development.
What this will mean for the future of OkayCMS
Support for modern PHP versions is not the final goal. It is the technical foundation for the next stage of OkayCMS development.
Gradually moving away from PHP 7.4 limitations will allow the team to focus more on:
- new functionality;
- performance and security;
- development of the OkayCMS core;
- the interface and customer-facing part of the platform;
- new integrations and further development of the module ecosystem.
OkayCMS 4.6.0 is therefore not simply a release that supports newer PHP versions. It is an important step in updating the technical foundation of the platform and its ecosystem.
What else is coming in OkayCMS 4.6.0
PHP 8.3 and PHP 8.5 support will be one of the key technical changes in the new release, but it will not be the only one.
Other system changes, fixes and updates are also being prepared for OkayCMS 4.6.0. Some will be directly visible to users in the interface, while others relate to the internal operation of the platform.
We will publish the full list of changes in OkayCMS 4.6.0 separately when the new version is released. The release article will cover the new features, system changes, fixes and other updates included in OkayCMS 4.6.0 in more detail.
The next stage of OkayCMS development
We understand that the long period without major releases may have raised questions about the future development of OkayCMS. Much of the recent work has been taking place inside the platform and is not always visible to users.
OkayCMS 4.6.0 will open an important transition stage and create the technical foundation for future versions of the system. After that, we will be able to gradually develop the platform without the limitations associated with maintaining PHP 7.4 support.
We would like to thank the users, partners and developers who continue to work with OkayCMS, create their own solutions, submit pull requests and contribute to the development of the project.