A major update in PHP language is up in the market in 2020. The most-loved PHP 7.0 version is to be replaced by the new version released after 5 years. However, it is loaded with features. However, you might be in doubt as to whether you should update now or wait?. There is no doubt that additional features mean groundbreaking changes that could be of use. However, a sneak-peek into what the latest update is all about will help you make an informed decision.

Additional Features of PHP 8.0

As a developer, you would now be well-versed with the PHP 7.0language version. Since it is good enough, you might not be too keen on adopting PHP 8. However, what makes PHP 8 special is that it is loaded with features you will fall in love with. It includes improvements in

• Error handling
• Named arguments
• Null safe operator
• Throw expressions
• Match expressions
• Consistency
• Type system
• JIT

And much more. However, this is in no way an exhaustive list. If you want to learn about all the additional features and changes, the best way to go about it is to visit the official PHP 8.0 upgrade notes. There you will have a list of all the changes. However, the two important features that deserve a special mention include

• JIT

JIT is the abbreviation of Just in Time. The JIT compiler will help improve performance, especially on the code execution front. But how? It will speed up long-running scripts and complex ones. Also, it is expected to get even better when more members tinker with it.

• Comparison operator

When comparisons are better, the chances for bugs will be eliminated. PHP 8.0 features a tidy comparison operator system. This will help get rid of frequent bugs and unexpected behaviors that would make life difficult for PHP developers. It is now possible to enable comparison between numerical and non-numeric strings.

Should you update to PHP 8.0 version?

The answer is yes. It is considering the various features that have been elaborated above. Additionally, it is proven that Apps that run on the latest version of PHP, their libraries, and supporting framework, will offer sufficient scope to develop new features. Also, it will help to handle the maintenance of the code base efficiently.

How to update to PHP 8.0?

It can be quite simple. That is if you have the libraries and framework that can support PHPP 8.0 however, PHP codebases with a legacy like Word press might face compatibility issues. Also, there might be a few lesser-known libraries and packages that might not be compatible. . However, it is not impossible. All you might need is updation.

Embracing PHP 8.0 version

The support system for PHP 7.1 and 7.2 versions would end with the release of the PHP 8.0 version. However, in the case of the 7.3 version, it has now moved on to the Security Support period. This means you will only be able to access security fixes. Therefore, if you have been using these versions, it is better to prepare a road map and make upgrading to PHP 8.0 your priority. However, for the 7.4X version, you will have a year to update. There will not be any support issues too.

Considering the additional features that will increase the performance and efficiency, developers have started to embrace PHP 8.0 in their projects. They find the migration process also to be easy and simple