Michael Smith

Today, we’re going to look at a couple of methods for changing the current project’s PHP version in JetBrains PhpStorm 2022.2.2. While this method only applies to the currently opened project in PhpStorm, there is a way to change the default PHP version for new projects.

Take note of the current project’s PHP version by looking at the value in the Status Bar near the bottom right corner of the IDE window.

Step 01: Change the PHP Version By Clicking on the Configured PHP Language Level Display Indicator in the Status Bar

The quickest and easiest method for changing the PHP level is simply to click the value in the status bar, then change it to the desired PHP level. I’m wanting to utilize PHP 8.1 in my project, so I’ll select that.

Alternate Method – Step 01: Click File > Settings… Menu to Open the Settings Panel

This method is a bit longer than the previous one, but it also lets you change additional settings in your project. You can modify the PHP CLI Interpreter, add include paths, change the PHP runtime or define unchecked exceptions.

Alternate Method – Step 02: Select the Desired PHP Language Level

Now we just select the dropdown under heading PHP language level and choose which version you’re changing to. There is also a brief description of some of the new features next to each language level. For instance, with PHP 8.1, enumerations, ‘never’ return type, intersection types, and ‘readonly’ properties are all new features.

And that’s it! Those are the two ways to update the current PhpStorm project’s PHP version.

What version of PHP are you using in your projects? Zend has published a blog post about PHP 7.4 nearing End-Of-Life (EOL) soon. Only Long-Term Support (LTS) will receive updates beyond November 28, 2022, so if you don’t have a migration plan, please consider implementing one.

Join in the discussion below and let us know your favorite PHP version, your migration path or what features you’re looking forward to in PHP 8+.

All screenshots by Michael Smith.