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PHP.Watch Articles

Get Composer to suggest dev packages to `require-dev`

Get Composer to suggest dev packages to require-dev

Composer 2.4 comes with a feature that it prompts during a composer require to install packages as require-dev dependencies when certain keywords are present. Development tools and libraries now can make use of this feature to mark themselves, so Composer uses the prompt when suitable.
Security considerations when parsing user-provided INI strings and files

Security considerations when parsing user-provided INI strings and files

Security considerations when parsing user-provided INI strings and files using parse_ini_string and parse_ini_file functions.
How to extend lifetime of legacy PHP applications

How to extend lifetime of legacy PHP applications

As PHP continue to evolve with new breaking changes, and while that is great for most PHP applications, there are legacy applications that can't justify the human and financial cost of keeping up. Here is a guide on how to extend the lifetime of legacy PHP applications with security updates and maintenance.

PHP News

First PHP 8.3 Release Candidate is now available for testing

The first release candidate (RC1) for PHP 8.3 is now released, along with Windows QA builds and Docker images.

PHP 8.3 Beta Released

The first beta release of the upcoming PHP 8.3 is released.

First PHP 8.3 Alpha Released

The first PHP 8.3 alpha release is now tagged, and is available to download for testing.

PHP Versions and Changes

Version StatusFuture Release

PHP 8.4 is the active development branch and the current target for new feature and major changes and new RFCs. Scheduled for general availability on 2024.

Release Date2023-11-23
Version StatusUpcoming Release
Release Date2022-12-08
Version StatusSupported (Latest)

PHP 8.2 is the latest PHP version which brings readonly classes, DNF types, null, false, and true types, sensitive parameter redaction support, a new random extension, and several new features along with a few deprecations.

Release Date2021-11-25
Version StatusSupported

PHP 8.1, released in 2021, brings major new features such as Enums, Fibers, never return type, Intersection Types, readonly properties, and more, while ironing out some of its undesired legacy features by deprecating them.

Release Date2020-11-26
Version StatusSecurity-Fixes Only

PHP 8.0, on the 25th year of PHP history, brings several important features such as Union Types, JIT, Constructor Property Promotion, Match Syntax, Named Parameters, and several more performance, syntax, and quality-of-life improvements.

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