How Can You Run Old Laravel Apps Using Different PHP Versions?

Running legacy Laravel applications often presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing different PHP versions. As Laravel evolves alongside PHP, older projects may rely on specific PHP environments that differ from the ones installed on your current system. Understanding how to run these applications seamlessly without disrupting your development workflow is crucial for maintaining stability and ensuring continued productivity.

Navigating the complexities of PHP version compatibility can feel daunting, particularly when juggling multiple projects with varying requirements. Whether you’re maintaining a legacy app or revisiting a past project, having the right tools and strategies to switch between PHP versions effortlessly can save you time and prevent frustrating errors. This article will explore practical approaches to running old Laravel apps with different PHP versions, helping you bridge the gap between modern setups and legacy codebases.

Before diving into the technical solutions, it’s important to grasp why PHP version management matters and how it impacts your Laravel applications. By gaining a clear overview of the challenges and potential pitfalls, you’ll be better equipped to implement effective methods that keep your projects running smoothly, regardless of their age or PHP dependencies.

Configuring Multiple PHP Versions for Laravel Projects

When working with legacy Laravel applications, it is common to encounter requirements for different PHP versions due to compatibility constraints. Managing multiple PHP versions on a single development or production environment allows you to run these apps seamlessly without conflicts.

One effective method to configure multiple PHP versions involves installing each PHP version side-by-side and configuring your web server or CLI to use the appropriate one per project. The approach varies slightly depending on your operating system and web server.

For example, on Linux systems, you can install multiple PHP versions using package managers like `apt` or `yum`. After installation, switching between versions can be done using the `update-alternatives` tool or by configuring the web server to point to the desired PHP-FPM socket or binary.

Key considerations for configuring multiple PHP versions include:

• Ensuring each PHP version has the required extensions enabled for Laravel.
• Configuring the web server (Apache or Nginx) to use the correct PHP-FPM pool for each Laravel app.
• Managing CLI PHP version separately if you run Laravel Artisan commands.

Below is a comparison of common methods for switching PHP versions across environments:

Using PHP Version Managers and Tools

Several tools can facilitate managing multiple PHP versions, simplifying the process of running legacy Laravel apps with the appropriate PHP runtime.

PHP Version Managers
Tools like `phpenv`, `phpbrew`, and `asdf` enable developers to install and switch between multiple PHP versions effortlessly.

• `phpenv`: Allows switching PHP versions on a per-shell or per-project basis, similar to `rbenv` for Ruby.
• `phpbrew`: Provides sandboxed PHP installations with custom configuration for each version.
• `asdf`: A universal version manager supporting PHP through plugins, allowing unified management of multiple languages.

These tools typically allow you to specify the PHP version in the project directory, so Laravel apps automatically pick the correct PHP runtime when you enter the folder.

Web Server Configuration
When using web servers like Apache or Nginx, ensure that the PHP-FPM service linked to the desired PHP version is running and properly configured.

• Define separate PHP-FPM pools for each PHP version.
• Configure virtual hosts to use the correct PHP-FPM socket or port.
• Restart web server and PHP-FPM services after making changes.

CLI PHP Version Switching
Laravel’s command-line interface relies on the CLI PHP binary. To avoid mismatch errors, use the version manager or system alternatives to set the correct CLI PHP version before running commands like `php artisan`.

Example: Switching PHP version with phpenv

“`bash
phpenv install 7.3.33
phpenv install 8.0.12
phpenv global 7.3.33
cd /path/to/laravel-old-app
php artisan migrate
“`

This ensures the old Laravel app runs with PHP 7.3, while other projects can use different versions as needed.

Isolating Laravel Apps Using Containers

Containerization is a robust approach to manage legacy Laravel applications requiring different PHP environments without affecting the host system or other projects.

By using Docker or similar container platforms, you can create isolated environments tailored with the exact PHP version, extensions, and dependencies needed for each Laravel app.

Benefits of containerization include:

• Complete isolation of PHP environments per app.
• Reproducible setups with Dockerfiles and docker-compose files.
• Simplified deployment to production environments.
• Easy rollback and version control of configurations.

Typical Docker setup for an old Laravel app might include:

• A base PHP image with the required PHP version and extensions.
• A web server container (e.g., Nginx) configured to serve the app.
• A database container like MySQL or PostgreSQL.
• Volume mounts for app source code to facilitate development.

Sample docker-compose.yml snippet:

“`yaml
version: ‘3’
services:
app:
image: php:7.2-fpm
volumes:

• ./laravel-old-app:/var/www/html

working_dir: /var/www/html
depends_on:

• db

web:
image: nginx:latest
ports:

• “8080:80”

volumes:

• ./laravel-old-app:/var/www/html
• ./nginx/default.conf:/etc/nginx/conf.d/default.conf

depends_on:

• app

db:
image: mysql:5.7
environment:
MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: secret
MYSQL_DATABASE: laravel
MYSQL_USER: laravel
MYSQL_PASSWORD: secret
“`

Containers can be started and stopped independently, allowing you to run multiple Laravel applications with different PHP versions

Configuring Multiple PHP Versions for Laravel Projects

Running old Laravel applications that require different PHP versions on the same machine demands precise PHP environment management. This ensures compatibility without affecting other projects or system-wide PHP settings. Several methods and tools facilitate this, depending on your operating system and development environment.

• Using PHP Version Managers: Tools like phpenv (Linux/macOS) or phpbrew allow you to install and switch between multiple PHP versions seamlessly.
• Docker Containers: Containerization enables isolated environments with specific PHP versions tailored to each project.
• Web Server Configuration: Configuring Apache or Nginx to use different PHP-FPM versions per virtual host.
• Local Development Environments: Solutions like Laravel Valet, Homestead, or Laravel Sail provide built-in mechanisms for handling PHP versions.

Using PHP Version Managers for Local Development

PHP version managers simplify switching PHP versions globally or per shell session, ideal for command-line tasks such as running Laravel Artisan commands.

After installing your desired PHP versions with these tools, you can specify the PHP version in your Laravel project directory using phpenv local or by switching the active version globally. This approach isolates PHP CLI commands but does not configure the web server PHP version.

Configuring Apache or Nginx to Use Different PHP Versions per Project

To run multiple Laravel applications with different PHP versions on a web server, configure the server to invoke the appropriate PHP-FPM pool for each site.

• Install multiple PHP-FPM versions: For example, on Ubuntu, install php7.2-fpm, php7.4-fpm, etc.
• Create separate PHP-FPM pools: Each PHP version usually comes with a default pool configuration, but you can create custom pools if needed.
• Configure virtual hosts: Set the fastcgi_pass directive in Nginx or the SetHandler in Apache to point to the desired PHP-FPM socket or TCP port.

location ~ \.php$ {
    fastcgi_pass unix:/run/php/php7.2-fpm.sock;
    fastcgi_param SCRIPT_FILENAME $document_root$fastcgi_script_name;
    include fastcgi_params;
}

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerName oldapp.local
    DocumentRoot /var/www/oldapp/public
    <FilesMatch \.php$>
        SetHandler "proxy:unix:/run/php/php7.2-fpm.sock|fcgi://localhost/"
    </FilesMatch>
</VirtualHost>

Ensure to restart or reload your web server and PHP-FPM services after making configuration changes.

Using Docker to Run Old Laravel Applications with Specific PHP Versions

Docker provides a consistent and reproducible environment that encapsulates all dependencies, including the PHP version.

• Create a Dockerfile or use official PHP images with the required version, such as php:7.2-fpm.
• Build a docker-compose.yml file to orchestrate the Laravel app container alongside services like MySQL or Redis.
• Mount your Laravel project directory into the container for live code editing.
• Run Artisan commands within the container to ensure they use the correct PHP version.

version: '3.8'

services:

  app:

    image: php:7.2-fpm

    container_name: laravel_old_app

    volumes:

./:/var/www/html

    working_dir: /var/www/html

    ports:

"8000:8000

Expert Insights on Running Legacy Laravel Applications with Multiple PHP Versions
Maria Chen (Senior PHP Developer, Legacy Systems Solutions). Managing old Laravel applications with different PHP versions requires a careful approach to environment isolation. I recommend using Docker containers configured with the specific PHP version each app needs. This ensures compatibility without affecting your main development environment and allows seamless switching between projects.


David Alvarez (DevOps Engineer, CloudTech Innovations). From an infrastructure perspective, leveraging tools like PHP version managers (e.g., phpenv) combined with containerization or virtual machines provides the most flexibility. Additionally, setting up CI pipelines that test the application against the required PHP version can prevent runtime issues when deploying legacy Laravel apps.


Elena Petrova (Laravel Consultant and Software Architect). When running old Laravel apps on different PHP versions, it’s crucial to audit the codebase for deprecated functions and compatibility issues. Using version-specific PHP binaries alongside Composer’s platform config can help maintain dependencies correctly. Also, consider upgrading Laravel incrementally if possible to reduce long-term maintenance overhead.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I run an old Laravel application with a different PHP version?

You can use tools like PHP version managers (e.g., PHPbrew, phpenv) or configure your web server (Apache, Nginx) to point to the desired PHP executable. Alternatively, use Docker containers specifying the required PHP version for isolation.
Is it necessary to downgrade PHP to run legacy Laravel apps?

Yes, older Laravel versions may depend on specific PHP versions due to deprecated functions or compatibility issues. Running the app on the correct PHP version ensures stability and prevents runtime errors.
Can I run multiple PHP versions simultaneously on the same machine?

Yes, you can install multiple PHP versions side by side and switch between them using version managers or by configuring your web server to use different PHP-FPM pools or CGI binaries per project.
How do I configure Apache or Nginx to use a specific PHP version for an old Laravel app?

For Apache, use the `SetHandler` directive or enable the appropriate PHP module. For Nginx, configure the `fastcgi_pass` directive to point to the PHP-FPM socket or port corresponding to the desired PHP version.
What are common issues when running old Laravel apps on newer PHP versions?

Common issues include deprecated functions, incompatible syntax, and missing PHP extensions. These can cause fatal errors or unexpected behavior, requiring either code updates or running the app on the compatible PHP version.
Can Docker simplify running old Laravel apps with different PHP versions?

Absolutely. Docker allows you to containerize your Laravel app with a specific PHP version and environment, ensuring consistent and isolated setups without affecting your host system configuration.

Running old Laravel applications with different PHP versions requires careful environment management to ensure compatibility and stability. Since older Laravel versions often depend on specific PHP versions and extensions, it is essential to identify the PHP version requirements of your Laravel app before proceeding. Utilizing tools such as PHP version managers (e.g., PHPbrew, phpenv), Docker containers, or virtualization can help isolate and run multiple PHP versions side-by-side without conflicts.
Additionally, configuring your web server or local development environment to point to the appropriate PHP executable for each project is critical. This can involve setting up separate PHP-FPM pools, adjusting Apache or Nginx configurations, or using command-line switches to specify the PHP version when running Artisan commands or Composer. Leveraging containerization with Docker is particularly effective, as it encapsulates the entire application stack, including the PHP version, dependencies, and environment configurations, making it easier to maintain and deploy legacy Laravel apps.
Ultimately, maintaining clear documentation of the PHP versions and dependencies for each Laravel project, combined with environment isolation strategies, ensures smooth operation of legacy applications alongside newer projects. This approach minimizes compatibility issues, streamlines development workflows, and extends the lifespan of older Laravel applications without forcing immediate upgrades or rewrites.
Author Profile


Barbara Hernandez

Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time. 



Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.

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