In WHM/cPanel, we can manage the webserver running EasyApache 4 while also taking advantage of the LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) provided by using the CloudLinux operating system.
EA4 PHP via MultiPHP Manager and ALT-PHP via Select PHP Version represent two different approaches to managing PHP versions and configurations:
EA4 PHP (EasyApache 4) via MultiPHP Manager
- Managed directly by cPanel.
- Uses standard PHP versions provided by cPanel’s EasyApache 4 repository.
- Allows users to set PHP versions per domain.
- Extensions and configurations are managed via MultiPHP Manager and MultiPHP INI Editor.
- Typically includes officially supported PHP versions without additional security patches beyond cPanel’s updates.
ALT-PHP via Select PHP Version
- Provided by CloudLinux, not cPanel.
- Includes older PHP versions with hardened security patches applied by CloudLinux.
- Managed via CloudLinux’s PHP Selector in WHM.
- Allows users to enable/disable specific PHP modules.
- Ideal for maintaining compatibility with legacy applications that require outdated PHP versions.
The key difference is that EA4 PHP is the standard cPanel-managed PHP system, while ALT-PHP is an alternative provided by CloudLinux with extended security support for older versions. As we run CloudLinux servers, you have access to both options, allowing flexibility based on your needs.
Pros and Cons of Using EA4 PHP in cPanel
Pros
- Officially Maintained by cPanel – EA4 PHP is directly managed by cPanel, ensuring compatibility with cPanel features and updates.
- Regular Updates – Receives frequent updates, including security patches and performance improvements.
- MultiPHP Manager Support – Allows users to set different PHP versions per domain, offering flexibility for multi-site environments.
- Standard PHP Versions – Uses official PHP releases without modifications, ensuring compatibility with most applications.
- Integration with EasyApache 4 – Works seamlessly with Apache configurations, making it easier to manage web server settings.
Cons
- No Extended Security for Older Versions – Unlike ALT-PHP, EA4 PHP does not provide hardened security patches for outdated PHP versions.
- Limited Module Customization – Users have less granular control over PHP extensions compared to CloudLinux’s ALT-PHP.
- Potential Compatibility Issues – Some legacy applications may require older PHP versions that EA4 PHP does not support.
Pros and Cons of Using ALT-PHP in cPanel
Pros
- Extended Security for Older Versions – CloudLinux applies security patches to outdated PHP versions, allowing legacy applications to run safely.
- Granular Module Control – Users can enable/disable specific PHP extensions via the Select PHP Version interface.
- Performance Optimization – CloudLinux’s LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) ensures resource isolation, preventing one account from affecting others.
- Compatibility for Legacy Applications – Ideal for sites that require older PHP versions no longer supported by standard EA-PHP.
Cons
- Not Officially Maintained by PHP – While CloudLinux provides security patches, these versions are not officially maintained by the PHP development team.
- Potential Compatibility Issues – Some applications may not fully support CloudLinux’s hardened PHP versions.
- Less Frequent Updates – ALT-PHP versions may not receive the latest PHP features as quickly as EA-PHP.
