PHP Maintenance: Keeping Your Web App Running Smoothly

You might not realize it, but your PHP web application is a ticking bomb. If technical glitches like error pages, slow loading websites, or even outdated code can snowball into major issues for you. 
 
If left unattended, these issues can cost you your customers and eventually bring down your reputation. If you’re wondering how to handle these situations with ease, then this blog is for you. 
 
We’ll explore some of the common PHP maintenance issues and why partnering with a PHP development company can save you from unnecessary headaches. 
 
Why PHP Website Maintenance is Crucial 
 
Did you know that approximately 76% of websites were made with PHP? Reputable companies such as Facebook and Airbnb have relied on PHP to build their websites, and for a good reason. 
 
When you ignore PHP web maintenance, it can lead to several issues such as – 
 
i) Slow website can frustrate your customers and will drive them away. 
ii) Outdated technology becomes easier to hack and expensive to fix. 
iii) Compatibility issues may make your application unstable. 
 
When you dedicate time in maintaining your website, you ensure that your website loads fast, secure from potential hackers, and retains customers. 
 
6 Common Issues Faced Without Maintenance 
 
Every PHP website faces issues at some point. But these issues can come up repeatedly if not maintained in a timely manner. Here are 6 common issues that you might encounter, and how you can solve it proactively – 
 
1) Outdated PHP Versions 
 
This is probably the biggest challenge that your website can face. Older PHP versions wouldn’t be compatible with the newer versions, make your websites slow and can be hacked easily.  
 
Solution: Partner with a PHP development company to ensure that your websites stay updated regularly and keep your website secure from potential cyber-attacks. 
 
2) Code Bloat and Technical Debt 
 
By code bloat, we mean that your code will become outdated thanks to unused functions. Developers often refer to this as “technical debt”. This means that updating the old code is going to be expensive and time-consuming. 
 
With old code, your application will face multiple glitches and debugging them will force you to shell out more. 
 
Solution: Conduct regular audits to optimize your application. Remove any unused code and debug glitches proactively.  
 
3) Database Performance Issues 
 
Database is the soul for all PHP websites. It stores all the important information about your company, transactions, product details, and your customers. If your website isn’t maintained regularly, you could lose this information permanently. 
 
Solution: Regularly optimize your databases by clearing unused data and implementing advanced caching mechanisms. A PHP development company can help you out with this. 
 
4) Third Party Integration Failures 
 
Third party integrations often help PHP websites to add features such as payment gateways and email systems. If your website isn’t updated, you wouldn’t be able to add any of these features. 
 
Solution: Test integrations regularly and ensure that your third-party tools are updated. This will make your website compatible with all integrations. 
 
5) Security Vulnerabilities 
 
Every 39 seconds, a cybersecurity breach occurs. Who knows, you might just be the next victim. You can avoid hackers from taking advantage of your confidential data by updating your website frequently.  

In addition to producing a detrimental effect on your company, you risk losing your devoted clientele. Malware could also result in search engines blocking your website.  
 
Solution: An experienced PHP development company can conduct routine security checks and employ web applications firewalls. 
 
6) Broken Links and Deprecated Features 
 
If a webpage has been updated or has been removed, the links within your website will not work. Unless it updated regularly. These broken links can cause – 
 
i) Higher bounce rate. Frustrated users will abandon your website. 
ii) Negative SEO rankings. Search engines penalize websites with broken links. 
iii) Poor user experience, when visitors experience 404 error pages. 
 
Solution: A PHP development company will ensure that all broken links are fixed with modern alternatives. They can help in conducting regular routine maintenance. 
 
Wrapping Up 
 
In a nutshell, maintaining a PHP website is mandatory. With regular PHP website maintenance, your website remains secure and capable of delivering exceptional user experience.  
 
If you’re still unsure where to begin, consider partnering with a PHP development company like PHP Experts India. Their team of experts will keep your website running smoothly and proactively take action to provide additional support. 
 
After all, a well-maintained website is the key to winning your customer trust and achieving long-term success. Contact PHP Experts India today to do the heavy lifting for you.