How to tell Deployer to use different PHP version once ssh'ed to my shared hosting?

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06-10-2024

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Taming the PHP Beast: Using Different Versions on Shared Hosting with Deployer

Shared hosting can be a double-edged sword. While it's affordable and easy to set up, you often lack the control you need to manage your environment. One common challenge is using different PHP versions for different projects. This is where Deployer comes in, allowing you to script your deployments and gain more control over your server environment.

The Problem: Imagine you have a legacy project that runs perfectly on PHP 5.6, while a new project demands the latest PHP 8.2 features. On a shared hosting environment, you typically don't have the luxury of installing multiple PHP versions. So, how can you deploy both projects seamlessly?

Let's Dive In:

Deployer is a powerful deployment tool that can handle your deployments with grace, even on shared hosting. Here's how you can tell Deployer to use a different PHP version for your project:

The Original Code:

<?php
namespace Deployer;

// ... other configurations 

task('deploy', [
    'deploy:prepare',
    'deploy:vendors',
    'deploy:publish',
    'deploy:symlink',
    'deploy:cleanup',
    'deploy:release',
]);

// ... other tasks

The Fix:

1. Specify PHP Version: You need to tell Deployer which PHP version to use. You can achieve this by utilizing the run task and defining the path to your desired PHP executable.

   task('deploy:vendors', function () {
       run('php ' . "/path/to/php" . ' vendor/bin/composer install');
   });
   

   Replace "/path/to/php" with the actual path to the PHP executable you want to use. On some shared hosting providers, you might find PHP versions available in specific directories like /usr/local/bin/php5.6 or /usr/bin/php8.2.

2. Check for Availability: Before running the run task, it's crucial to check if the desired PHP version is available. You can do this by adding a conditional statement to your Deployer script:

   task('deploy:check_php', function () {
       if (!file_exists('/path/to/php')) {
           writeln('The desired PHP version is not found. Exiting...');
           exit(1);
       }
   });
   
   // ... other tasks
   
   task('deploy', [
       'deploy:check_php', // Add the check before other tasks
       'deploy:prepare',
       'deploy:vendors',
       // ... other tasks
   ]);
   

3. Command Customization: You might need to adjust other commands in your Deployer script to use the correct PHP version. For example, if you have a custom script that needs to be executed, you'll need to specify the PHP executable path:

   task('deploy:custom_script', function () {
       run('php ' . "/path/to/php" . ' /path/to/custom_script.php');
   });
   

Important Considerations:

• Security: Always ensure the PHP version you're using is up-to-date and secure.
• Shared Environment: Be mindful of potential conflicts with other users on the shared hosting environment when using custom PHP versions.
• Documentation: Check the documentation of your shared hosting provider for details on available PHP versions and how to access them.

Conclusion:

Deployer gives you the flexibility to control your deployment process, even on shared hosting environments. By leveraging the run task and conditional checks, you can confidently deploy projects with specific PHP version requirements, ensuring smooth and error-free deployments. Remember to always prioritize security and consult your hosting provider's documentation for specific instructions.