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Installing PHP 7.4 on Ubuntu 18.04 is a crucial step for developers looking to build PHP-based web applications. PHP 7.4 is the latest stable release of PHP and offers significant performance enhancements and new features compared to its predecessors. Being a widely used programming language, PHP is essential for creating dynamic websites and web applications. In this blog post, we will discuss how to install PHP 7.4 on Ubuntu 18.04, providing detailed step-by-step instructions and insights into the process.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we begin, make sure you have the following requirements in place to successfully install PHP 7.4 on Ubuntu 18.04:
1. A computer running Ubuntu 18.04 or a compatible distribution.
2. Administrative access to the Ubuntu system (sudo or root access).
3. An active internet connection to download the necessary packages.
4. Basic knowledge of the Linux command line and package management.
What Requires Your Focus?
Installing PHP 7.4 on Ubuntu 18.04 requires your focus in the following areas:
1. Understanding the package management system: Ubuntu uses the Advanced Package Tool (APT) to manage software packages. Familiarize yourself with APT and learn basic operations like package installation and removal.
2. Configuring the PHP repositories: Ubuntu’s default repositories may not have PHP 7.4 available. You will need to add the Ondrej PHP repository, which provides the latest PHP versions for Ubuntu.
3. Resolving dependencies: PHP has various extensions and dependencies that need to be installed along with the core PHP package. Ensure that all required dependencies are met to avoid any issues during the installation process.
4. Configuring PHP settings: After the installation, you may need to adjust the PHP settings based on your specific requirements. Understanding how to modify and customize the PHP configuration is essential for a smooth development experience.
Method 1. How to Install PHP 7.4 via APT
Method Overview:
Installing PHP 7.4 via APT is the simplest method as it involves adding the Ondrej PHP repository and using APT to install PHP and its dependencies.
Steps:
Here are the detailed steps to install PHP 7.4 via APT on Ubuntu 18.04:
1. Open a terminal on your Ubuntu system.
2. Add the Ondrej PHP repository by running the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ondrej/php
3. Update the package list to include the new repository:
sudo apt update
4. Install PHP 7.4 and its commonly used extensions by executing:
sudo apt install php7.4
5. Additionally, you can install more PHP extensions as per your requirements using the following command:
sudo apt install php7.4-EXTENSION (replace ‘EXTENSION’ with the desired PHP extension)
6. Verify the PHP installation by checking the installed PHP version:
php -v
7. You can also verify the PHP extensions installed with the following command:
php -m
8. Restart the web server for the changes to take effect:
sudo service apache2 restart
9. Congratulations! You have successfully installed PHP 7.4 on Ubuntu 18.04 via APT.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward installation process. | 1. May not have the very latest PHP version available in the default Ubuntu repositories. |
| 2. Automatically installs necessary dependencies and extensions. | 2. Limited control over PHP compilation options. |
| 3. Package manager handles updates and security patches. | 3. May require additional repositories depending on specific PHP extensions needed. |
Method 2. How to Install PHP 7.4 from Source
Method Overview:
Installing PHP 7.4 from source allows for more customization options and complete control over the PHP compilation process.
Steps:
Here are the detailed steps to install PHP 7.4 from source on Ubuntu 18.04:
1. Open a terminal on your Ubuntu system.
2. Install the necessary build dependencies by running the following command:
sudo apt install build-essential
3. Download the PHP source code from the official PHP website or via the following command:
wget https://www.php.net/distributions/php-x.x.x.tar.gz (replace ‘x.x.x’ with the desired PHP version)
4. Extract the downloaded source code archive:
tar -xvzf php-x.x.x.tar.gz (replace ‘x.x.x’ with the extracted PHP version)
5. Change into the extracted PHP source code directory:
cd php-x.x.x (replace ‘x.x.x’ with the extracted PHP version)
6. Configure the PHP compilation options by running the following command:
./configure
7. Compile PHP by executing:
make
8. (Optional) Run the test suite to ensure a successful build:
make test
9. Install PHP by running the following command:
sudo make install
10. Verify the PHP installation by checking the installed PHP version:
php -v
11. Congratulations! You have successfully installed PHP 7.4 from source on Ubuntu 18.04.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides complete control over PHP installation options. | 1. Requires manual handling of dependencies and extensions. |
| 2. Allows customization of PHP compilation flags and features. | 2. No automated package management for updates and security patches. |
| 3. Ideal for advanced users and those with specific PHP requirements. | 3. Can be more time-consuming and complex compared to APT installation. |
Method 3. How to Install PHP 7.4 via PPA
Method Overview:
Installing PHP 7.4 via Personal Package Archive (PPA) provides an alternative method for adding the Ondrej PHP repository and installing PHP on Ubuntu.
Steps:
Here are the detailed steps to install PHP 7.4 via PPA on Ubuntu 18.04:
1. Open a terminal on your Ubuntu system.
2. Add the Ondrej PHP repository by running the following commands:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ondrej/php
sudo apt update
3. Install PHP 7.4 and its commonly used extensions with the following command:
sudo apt install php7.4
4. Additionally, you can install more PHP extensions as per your requirements using the following command:
sudo apt install php7.4-EXTENSION (replace ‘EXTENSION’ with the desired PHP extension)
5. Verify the PHP installation by checking the installed PHP version:
php -v
6. Restart the web server for the changes to take effect:
sudo service apache2 restart
7. Congratulations! You have successfully installed PHP 7.4 via PPA on Ubuntu 18.04.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Adds the Ondrej PHP repository automatically. | 1. May not have the very latest PHP version available in the PPA repository. |
| 2. Contrary to APT, this method does not require adding the repository manually. | 2. Limited control over PHP compilation options. |
| 3. Provides an alternative for installing and managing PHP versions. | 3. May require additional repositories depending on specific PHP extensions needed. |
Method 4. How to Install PHP 7.4 via Docker
Method Overview:
Installing PHP 7.4 via Docker allows you to create a containerized PHP environment, isolating the PHP installation from the host system.
Steps:
Here are the detailed steps to install PHP 7.4 via Docker on Ubuntu 18.04:
1. Install Docker on your Ubuntu system by following the official Docker installation guide.
2. Open a terminal on your Ubuntu system.
3. Pull the PHP 7.4 Docker image from the Docker Hub by running the following command:
docker pull php:7.4
4. Create a Docker container using the PHP 7.4 image by executing:
docker run -it php:7.4
5. Verify the PHP installation within the Docker container by running the following command:
php -v
6. Congratulations! You have successfully installed PHP 7.4 via Docker on Ubuntu 18.04.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Isolates the PHP installation from the host system. | 1. Requires Docker to be installed on the host system. |
| 2. Provides reproducible and portable PHP environments. | 2. Learning curve for Docker if not familiar with containerization. |
| 3. Ideal for development and testing of PHP applications. | 3. Additional configuration may be required for network and file access. |
Why Can’t I Install PHP 7.4?
While the above methods cover most installation scenarios, you may still encounter issues preventing the successful installation of PHP 7.4 on Ubuntu 18.04. Here are some common reasons why you might face difficulties and their potential fixes:
1. Compatibility issues: Check if your Ubuntu version is compatible with PHP 7.4. Some older Ubuntu versions may encounter incompatibilities. Consider upgrading your Ubuntu version if necessary.
2. Missing dependencies: PHP 7.4 requires certain dependencies to be installed. Double-check that you have installed all the necessary dependencies. You can manually install the missing dependencies using APT or consult the official PHP documentation for guidance.
3. Conflicts with existing PHP installations: If you have a previous PHP installation on your Ubuntu system, it can cause conflicts during the PHP 7.4 installation. Remove any existing PHP versions and associated packages before attempting to install PHP 7.4.
4. PPA repository issues: Sometimes, the PPA repository may not be accessible or may not have the PHP 7.4 package available. In such cases, ensure that you are using the correct repository and consider trying another installation method.
Remember to always backup your system and data before making any significant changes to your software setup.
Implications and Recommendations
Now that you have successfully installed PHP 7.4 on Ubuntu 18.04, here are three recommendations to further enhance your PHP development experience:
1. Use a PHP version manager: Consider using a PHP version manager like phpbrew or phpenv to easily switch between different PHP versions. A version manager allows you to test your PHP code across multiple PHP versions without affecting the system-wide PHP installation.
2. Explore PHP frameworks and libraries: PHP has a vast ecosystem of frameworks and libraries that can streamline your development process. Popular PHP frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter provide robust foundations for building web applications, while libraries like Guzzle and PHPUnit offer additional functionality for specific use cases.
3. Stay updated and secure: Regularly update your PHP installation and associated packages to benefit from bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches. Subscribe to PHP-related forums, mailing lists, or blogs to stay informed about the latest PHP developments and security advisories.
5 FAQs about Installing PHP 7.4
Q1: Can I have multiple PHP versions installed on Ubuntu?
A1: Yes, you can have multiple PHP versions installed on Ubuntu using tools like phpbrew or phpenv. These tools allow you to manage and switch between different PHP versions easily.
Q2: How do I check which PHP extensions are installed?
A2: You can check the installed PHP extensions by running the following command: php -m. It will display a list of all enabled PHP extensions.
Q3: Can I use other web servers instead of Apache?
A3: Absolutely! While Apache is a popular choice for PHP development, you can use other web servers like Nginx or Lighttpd. However, the configuration steps may vary depending on the web server you choose.
Q4: How do I change PHP configuration settings?
A4: PHP configuration settings are usually stored in the php.ini file. You can locate the php.ini file by running the following command: php --ini. Open the php.ini file using a text editor, make the necessary changes, and save the file. Remember to restart your web server for the changes to take effect.
Q5: What is the recommended PHP memory_limit setting?
A5: The recommended memory_limit setting depends on the requirements of your PHP applications. However, a reasonable starting point is 128M or higher, depending on the size and complexity of your application. It’s crucial to balance memory allocation to ensure smooth application performance and avoid out-of-memory errors.
Final Words
Installing PHP 7.4 on Ubuntu 18.04 is a crucial step in setting up a robust PHP development environment. In this blog post, we have explored four different methods to install PHP 7.4 on Ubuntu 18.04: via APT, from source, using a PPA, and via Docker. Each method has its benefits and considerations, allowing you to choose the most suitable approach based on your specific use case and requirements.
Remember to follow the recommended implications and suggestions to enhance your PHP development experience. Stay updated with the latest PHP developments and security advisories to ensure your PHP applications are secure and optimized.
PHP 7.