# Speed up websites noticeably with PHP 7 and OPcache [PHP 7](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/web-development/how-php7-speeds-up-the-internet/ "How PHP7 speeds up the internet") accelerates many dynamic websites by over 100% compared to PHP 5.6 through OpCode caching and an optimized Zend engine. A higher page speed leads to faster page load and **an improved user experience** for your website visitors. At the same time, improved speed is a relevant [factor in Google rankings](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/online-marketing/search-engine-marketing/the-most-important-google-ranking-factors/ "The most important Google ranking factors") of your website. --- ### Tip Not only the page speed has an impact on your Google ranking. Learn more about **search engine optimization (SEO)** in our [A to Z on search engine optimization](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/online-marketing/search-engine-marketing/seo-glossary-search-engine-optimization-from-a-to-z/ "SEO glossary: search engine optimization from A to Z"). --- ## Speed improvements in PHP 7 PHP 7 achieves the enormous increase in speed primarily through improvements to the Zend Engine, extended OpCode caching, an improved data structure and thus reduced memory requirements and more efficient memory management. ## How OpCode Caching Works Normally PHP scripts are **compiled at runtime**. Part of the computing time is required to convert the code. With OPcache, this calculation is performed only **once** and the precompiled, machine-readable (calculated) script is stored in a [cache](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/what-is-a-cache/ "What is a cache"). The script can be loaded from this cache at lightning speed if required. In most cases this leads to considerable **speed improvements**. Larger websites can handle many more requests simultaneously with OPcache activated which is an important advantage for corporate websites and eCommerce applications. ## Preparing to switch to PHP 7 PHP 7 offers very good **compatibility with older PHP** versions – so the probability that existing applications and scripts will work is high. However, we recommend **testing** websites, plugins, and scripts with PHP 7 before using PHP 7 in production environments. Here is an example: The introduction of type hints and the words “int”, “string”, and “float” reserved for the first time still causes problems for certain CMS at the beginning. Joomla!, for example, is not compatible with PHP 7 in version 3.4 because it uses the type name “string” in a way that is not allowed in PHP 7. The Joomla! community has meanwhile corrected the use. --- ### Note IONOS customers can view or change the PHP version for each domain individually in the PHP settings of the IONOS Control Center. --- Changing the PHP version usually takes a few seconds to a minute. We recommend that you test your scripts after the change. You can **undo the changes** in your PHP version at any time. ## Enable OPcache via php.ini After switching to PHP 7, you can **enable OpCode Caching (OPcache)** for your websites. You have to create a new directory for the cache on your online storage and adapt the ***php.ini*** in the root directory of your website. ### Creating the Web Space Directory for the cache #### Log in to your online storage via SFTP Create a new directory in the root directory. In the future, the cache for your websites will be stored in this directory. **Please note** that in order to protect the data in the cache, you must create a directory with **a leading point** (e.g.: ..***/.opcache***). This directory is then automatically protected by your Apache web server. #### Store absolute path in php.ini In the next step you have to enter the absolute path to the created .**OPcache** directory in *php.ini*. The path should look like this: ***/customers/websites/my-path/htdocs/.opcache*** #### Customize php.ini Open the **main directory** of your website via SFTP and open the file *php.ini*. Add the following entry here: ```none opcache.file_cache=/customers/websites/my-path/htdocs/.opcache; ``` **Please note**: Use the **absolute path** to your **.opcache** **.OPcache** directory under ***opcache.file\_cache=***. The entire content of ***php.ini*** should look like this after this step. ```none zend_extension=opcache.so; opcache.enable=1; opcache.memory_consumption=32; opcache.interned_strings_buffer=8; opcache.max_accelerated_files=3000; opcache.revalidate_freq=180; opcache.fast_shutdown=0; opcache.enable_cli=0; opcache.revalidate_path=0; opcache.validate_timestamps=1; opcache.max_file_size=0; opcache.file_cache=/customers/websites/my-path/htdocs/.opcache; opcache.file_cache_only=1; ``` Save the ***php.ini*** file and upload it back to your online storage. ## How to check if OPcache is active for your website After you have activated the OPcache for your website and accessed it a few times, you can simply **check whether the cache works correctly**. Log on to your online storage again via SFTP and open the directory ***../.opcache*** you created earlier. You should see the cached content of your website in the directory. --- ### Note [PHP 8](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/web-development/php-8/ "PHP 8") was released at the end of 2020. Unlike PHP 7, the new PHP version uses a **just-in-time compiler**, which boosts performance a little compared to OPcache. --- This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/web-development/php-7-and-opcache-speed-up-websites/](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/web-development/php-7-and-opcache-speed-up-websites/) for AI/LLM consumption.