How to run old Laravel Apps with different PHP versions 2024?

To run an older Laravel application with a different version of PHP, you can follow these steps:

1. Check Laravel & PHP Compatibility

• Ensure that the version of Laravel you’re using is compatible with the PHP version you want to run. Laravel has specific PHP version requirements for each release.
• You can check compatibility in the Laravel documentation.

2. Install Multiple PHP Versions

• If you don’t already have the necessary PHP versions installed, you can install them alongside your current PHP version.

On Linux (e.g., Ubuntu):

#bash
sudo apt-get install php7.4
sudo apt-get install php8.0

On macOS (with Homebrew):

#bash
brew install php@7.4
brew install php@8.0

On Windows:

You can use XAMPP or WAMP to install different PHP versions or manage them with something like PHP Manager.

3. Switch PHP Versions (if necessary)

You may need to switch between PHP versions, depending on your operating system.

On Linux:

Use update-alternatives to switch between PHP versions.

#bash
sudo update-alternatives --set php /usr/bin/php7.4

On macOS (with Homebrew):

#bash
brew unlink php@8.0
brew link php@7.4

4. Configure PHP Version for Specific Project

You can set the PHP version per project.

Using Valet (macOS/Linux):

If you’re using Laravel Valet, you can run the following command to specify the PHP version for your project:

#bash
valet use php@7.4

Using .htaccess (Apache on Linux/Windows):

If you’re using Apache, you can specify the PHP version in your .htaccess file:

#bash
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php74 .php

5. Run Your Laravel Application

Once you’ve ensured you’re using the correct PHP version, you can run your Laravel application with the following:

• Artisan command (for development):

#bash
php artisan serve

Via a Web Server (Apache/Nginx): Ensure your web server is using the correct PHP version.

6. Docker Option (if needed)

If you need to run your Laravel application in a specific PHP environment, consider using Docker with a customized PHP container:

• Create a Dockerfile or use Laravel Sail to define the desired PHP version.

By following these steps, you can run your older Laravel apps with the required PHP version.

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