PHP Migration and Upgrade
When to Migrate or Upgrade PHP
Each PHP release has a limited support period. When a version reaches the end of support, official security releases stop, and frameworks and hosting providers gradually stop supporting it too. Check where your version stands and plan the upgrade before it becomes urgent.
It is time to migrate or upgrade PHP when:
- Your PHP version no longer receives official security updates.
- Your framework or CMS is incompatible with a newer PHP version.
- Your hosting provider is ending support for your current PHP version.
- Your application depends on outdated libraries that block security updates or further development.
Our PHP Migration and Upgrade Services
SCAND helps businesses with modernizing legacy applications in PHP while preserving critical functionality. Our services cover compatibility assessments, code changes, testing, deployment, and post-release support.
PHP Compatibility Audit
We review PHP versions across servers and containers, installed extensions, framework compatibility, and Composer dependencies to identify upgrade blockers. Our PHP migration services begin with a codebase assessment and a roadmap covering necessary changes, risks, and estimated effort.
PHP Version Upgrade
We upgrade legacy PHP applications to PHP 8.4 or 8.5. PHP 8.5 offers longer support and the latest improvements, but some frameworks and extensions may not fully support it yet. PHP 8.4 has broader compatibility, making migration faster and less costly. We assess dependencies, risks, and upgrade costs to choose the best option.
Framework Upgrades
We upgrade Laravel, Symfony, CodeIgniter, and CakePHP applications alongside PHP versions, addressing deprecated APIs and incompatible dependencies. Our Laravel developers coordinate framework and runtime changes, testing critical application features throughout the migration.
CMS Platform Upgrades
PHP upgrades can break themes, plugins, and integrations in CMS and e-commerce platforms. When a project needs it, we work with WordPress, WooCommerce, Drupal, and Magento: we identify compatibility issues, update affected components, and replace unsupported extensions. Our plugin development services also cover adapting custom functionality to newer environments.
Dependency Modernization
Outdated packages can block PHP upgrades. We update Composer dependencies, replace unsupported libraries, and check extensions and database drivers for compatibility. We also align ORM versions with framework requirements and test database queries and critical application functions after the updates.
Post-Migration Support
Every PHP migration requires testing before production deployment. Our software testing covers regression checks, integration testing, and performance evaluation to catch issues caused by code or dependency updates. Through our DevOps services, we prepare deployment pipelines, rollback procedures, and monitoring to support a controlled release and address post-launch issues.
PHP Version Support Table
The table below shows which PHP branches still receive official security fixes and until when. These dates help determine how much time a current version has left and which branch is a practical migration target.
Last verified: November 2026. Source: PHP supported versions.
Branch
Status
Security support until
PHP 8.5
Active support
31 Dec 2029
PHP 8.4
Active support
31 Dec 2028
PHP 8.3
Security fixes only
31 Dec 2027
PHP 8.2
Security fixes only
31 Dec 2026
PHP 8.1, 8.0, 7.4
End of life
Ended
PHP 7.3 and older, 5.x
End of life
Ended
How We Migrate a PHP Application
Every PHP application migration starts with understanding the existing system and identifying what could break during an upgrade. SCAND follows a five-step process to address compatibility issues, update the codebase, and deploy changes while minimizing operational risks.
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2. Compatibility Analysis
We use PHPCompatibility, PHPStan, and Composer to detect deprecated code, breaking changes, and dependency conflicts. We then assess whether the application can move directly to PHP 8.5 or whether PHP 8.4 is a safer starting point. This depends on framework and extension compatibility, required upgrades, testing effort, and costs. If PHP 8.4 is selected, we also plan the next upgrade to avoid unnecessary rework.
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3. Code Changes
We update incompatible code, replace unsupported libraries, and adjust integrations where necessary. Rector can automate routine refactoring, while engineers handle application-specific logic, framework changes, and issues that automated tools cannot safely resolve. Changes are reviewed before testing.
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4. Test in Staging
We deploy the upgraded application to a staging environment and run unit, integration, and regression tests. We also perform load testing when performance risks require it. Before release, we verify critical workflows, database operations, and external integrations, and prepare a rollback plan.
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5. Controlled Release and Monitoring
We deploy the updated application using an approach suited to its infrastructure, such as blue-green or canary deployment. After release, we monitor application errors, logs, and performance, address unexpected issues, and confirm that critical business functions operate as expected.
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1. Audit and Inventory
We examine the application architecture, PHP versions across servers and containers, installed extensions, frameworks, and third-party dependencies. This initial review establishes the current state of the system and identifies components that may complicate the migration.
AI-Assisted PHP Migration With Engineer Review
SCAND uses AI-assisted tools to identify compatibility issues, outdated dependencies, and potential migration risks earlier in the process. Our PHP engineers review the findings, make the necessary code changes, and validate the results. For projects with restrictions on AI usage, we also offer a fully manual approach.
Faster Analysis
AI-assisted code analysis helps identify deprecated functions, dependency conflicts, and areas that may require refactoring, reducing the time spent on initial codebase assessment.
Engineer Review
Our PHP developers verify suggested changes, assess their impact on existing functionality, and handle complex updates manually. No AI-generated changes are accepted without engineering review.
Tested Changes
Unit, integration, and regression tests help detect compatibility issues before deployment. Each update is checked in a staging environment to reduce the risk of production failures.
Your Choice
Clients can choose AI-assisted migration or a fully manual process based on their security policies and project requirements. Both approaches follow the same review and testing standards.
Built by Experts. Accelerated by AI.
We can enhance your solutions with AI tools where they bring real value or leave development completely traditional.
Common Migration Paths
PHP migration can involve a version upgrade, framework changes, or broader legacy application modernization. The right approach depends on the current stack, compatibility requirements, and the scope of changes needed.
From
To
What We Do
PHP 5.x
PHP 8.4 / 8.5
Modernize legacy code in stages, resolve major compatibility issues, and update unsupported dependencies.
PHP 7.x
PHP 8.4 / 8.5
Replace deprecated functionality, fix breaking changes, and upgrade frameworks and libraries.
PHP 8.0–8.3
PHP 8.4 / 8.5
Check extension and package compatibility, update affected code, and test application behavior.
Older Laravel
Compatible Laravel release on PHP 8.4 / 8.5
Upgrade Laravel and its dependencies together, selecting the PHP version supported by the required packages.
Older Symfony
Compatible Symfony LTS release on PHP 8.4 / 8.5
Update framework components, replace deprecated APIs, and verify third-party bundle compatibility.
CMS themes and plugins
PHP 8.4 / 8.5
Update the CMS, themes, plugins, and custom code; test compatibility before deployment.
jQuery + PHP monolith
Modern application stack
Refactor legacy components, improve maintainability, and update the PHP backend to a compatible version.
PHP monolith
Java services (e.g., Spring Boot)
Gradually move selected modules to Java when business or architectural requirements justify a broader modernization.
Trusted Software Development Company
For over 25 years, SCAND has been delivering secure, high-load software solutions for startups, SMBs, and global enterprises (including NASA, IBM, Cisco, FedEx, Bank of America, Siemens, and others). Our dedicated development teams support clients at every stage of the software development process — from idea and consulting to maintenance and support.
Free PHP Upgrade Assessment
Not sure how much work your PHP upgrade will require? SCAND can assess your current application, identify compatibility risks, and help you understand the scope of migration before committing to development.
What You Get
A written compatibility assessment with potential issues, a list of migration risks and upgrade blockers, and an estimated effort range with a recommended target PHP version.
What We Need
Read-only repository access or a copy of the codebase, your current PHP version and hosting details, and a 30-minute call to discuss critical features and business requirements.
Assessment Scope
The assessment focuses on identifying major compatibility risks and estimating the upgrade scope. Detailed implementation planning and code changes are handled separately, as part of the migration project.
Need More Time?
Not ready to migrate yet? Start by identifying every PHP installation, restricting access to unsupported servers, and checking whether your Linux vendor provides patched packages. SCAND can help assess the existing environment and prepare a migration plan.
How to Work With Us
Choose how you’d like to approach your PHP migration, from a one-time upgrade to ongoing technical support.
Assessment First, Then a Project
Start with a PHP compatibility assessment to identify upgrade blockers, risks, and the work involved. Based on the findings, we define the project scope, migration stages, and testing requirements before development begins.
Dedicated PHP Team
Need engineers to work alongside your existing team? You can hire PHP developers from SCAND for code upgrades, framework migration, testing, and technical coordination. The team can be adjusted to match your project’s scope.
Ongoing Support
Our PHP development services extend beyond migration to application maintenance, dependency updates, compatibility fixes, and new feature development. We also help prepare applications for future PHP releases and support infrastructure changes as business requirements evolve.
Latest Reviews from Our Clients
Sr. Account Director Mid-Market
Coupa Deutschland GmbH
It was a great experience working with SCAND on e-Procurement projects during my time at OpusCapita. The team was professional and competent. Keep up the great work!
Managing Director
prodexa GmbH
The SCAND team has been an incredibly reliable and skilled development partner for jCatalog for many years, consistently delivering high-quality services with a proactive approach.
Product Manager
jCatalog Software AG (or OpusCapita GmbH)
Over the years of working together, the SCAND team has always been a reliable pillar of support for me. Along the way, we’ve built not only a strong professional relationship but also meaningful personal connections. It has truly been a pleasure collaborating with you.
Outsourcing Manager at Owlcat Games
Working with SCAND on customizing SourceGit was a genuinely positive experience. Their team was responsive, collaborative, and easy to work with throughout the project. We value their cooperative approach and would confidently recommend them as a reliable development partner.
Managing Product Owner at GIPmbh
We have been working with SCAND on the development of a custom Outlook Add-In that converts documents directly from Outlook and transfers them seamlessly into our software platform. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for a skilled and dependable software development team...
Chief Technology Officer
Wiztech Group
Great work on our products — web applications in the gaming domain. The SCAND software developers worked highly professionally and made valuable contributions to the successful implementation of every project they were involved in.
Sales & Marketing Manager, Smartstaff AS
Throughout our long-standing collaboration, the team has consistently delivered high-quality service. Over time, we’ve developed a strong and genuinely friendly working relationship, which has positively influenced the outcomes of our joint efforts.
Founder at Spin Pass
SCAND went above and beyond, and I was very satisfied with the result. Their team was communicative, patient, and took the time to fully understand the project. Above all, they were professional and easy to work with, and I would definitely recommend SCAND for their expertise and software development skills.
Founder of TreeNinjaAI
What might have taken 18 months was completed in about 6, with SCAND contributing for 3.5 months. Despite my non-engineering background, their support and modern AI capabilities enabled us to build unique features and integrations in a single application.
Why Choose SCAND for PHP Migration
SCAND combines PHP engineering with testing, infrastructure expertise, and experience maintaining business applications.
25+ Years in Software Development
Since 2000, SCAND has worked on custom software projects across multiple technologies, including PHP. Our experience covers business applications, web platforms, and systems that require ongoing maintenance and technical updates.
50+ PHP Developers
Our PHP development team includes more than 50 engineers working with PHP applications, frameworks, and related technologies. We can assign individual specialists or assemble a team for larger migration projects.
Full-Cycle Engineering
PHP developers work alongside QA and DevOps specialists to address code compatibility, test critical workflows, and prepare applications for production deployment. We also provide post-migration maintenance and technical support.
International Presence and ISO Certification
SCAND has offices in New York and Warsaw. Our ISO certificates, including ISO 9001 and ISO 27001, reflect our commitment to quality management and information security.
FAQs
