Test in staging before upgrading to PHP 8.5

Concrete test steps in staging before upgrading to PHP 8.5

Test in staging before upgrading to PHP 8.5: A professional PHP upgrade to version 8.5 should always be tested in staging first. Here you will find a tried and tested procedure for the relevant test steps, with a focus on WordPress projects and current best practices.

1. Preparation: Create and clone a staging environment

• Create a staging environment that accurately maps the live system (files, database, plugins, theme, logs).
• The staging environment should be isolated and not publicly accessible to protect privacy and SEO.

2. Backup of all website components

• Perform a complete backup of database, media and all files, ideally automated with plugins like UpdraftPlus or via your hoster.
• Back up backups locally and in the cloud.

Update 3. PHP version in staging

• Set the PHP version to 8.5 in staging – via the hosting panel or with .htaccessconfiguration.
• Check whether extensions such as IonCube or special modules are supported.

4. Test core features and page generation

• Log in and check the most important backend features: page and post editor, media upload, updates, plugin configuration and settings.
• Test the display and performance of the frontend pages.

5. Check plugins and themes for compatibility

• Plugin by plugin and theme by theme, go through the admin pages, change settings and call up typical user flows (e.g. submit contact form, add products to the shopping cart, register newsletter).
• Check the compatibility in the changelogs and, if necessary, on the manufacturer’s websites – remove or replace plugins that have not been tested for PHP 8.5.

6. Error Analysis and Error Logging

• Enable WP_DEBUG im wp-config.php and set Logging trueto capture all visible errors.
• Check the server logs, especially for new “Fatal Error” backtraces provided by PHP 8.5.
• Document all warnings, notices and errors.

7. Simulate test scenarios

• Test payment processes, user registration, comments, form submission, and API integration.
• Simulate typical traffic spikes and load times (e.g. with tools like GTmetrix, Loading.io).
• Test scheduled tasks (WordPress cron jobs), third-party webhooks, background processes.

8. Create a rollback and update contingency plan

• In case of serious errors: Document the rollback strategy, keep backups ready, determine all steps for a switch back to the previous version.
• If successful: Document changes and reconfigured plugins so that they can be easily transferred to the live system later.

9. Final test run and tuning

• After all adjustments, carry out a final system check.
• Ask colleagues/testers to test the website in different browsers and on mobile devices.
• Document all errors found, solved problems and open points.

10. Clearing for the live upgrade

• Only when all tests in staging have been successful, the plugins and themes are compatible and no errors occur, you can plan the upgrade in the live system.
• Keep the maintenance time as short as possible and inform users about a planned “maintenance mode”.

Result:
A controlled PHP 8.5 upgrade in staging minimizes risks and ensures a stable, high-performance and secure WordPress website. Only after successful completion of all tests should the live environment be changed – this will help you avoid failures and unpleasant surprises.