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Why CloudLinux PHP Selector Is a Game-Changer for Legacy PHP Websites

Managing websites that rely on older PHP versions can be a headache—especially when hosting environments push for the latest updates. But for developers and site owners who need compatibility over cutting-edge features, CloudLinux’s PHP Selector within cPanel offers a powerful solution.

What Is CloudLinux PHP Selector?

CloudLinux PHP Selector is a feature available in cPanel environments powered by CloudLinux OS, which we use here at polur.net for all our customers. It allows our users to choose from multiple PHP versions (including legacy ones like 5.x,, 7.x, 8.1) for each domain or subdomain independently, without affecting other accounts on the server.

✅ Key Benefits of Using PHP Selector for Alt-PHP Versions

1. Seamless Compatibility for Legacy Applications

Many older CMS platforms, plugins, and custom scripts were built for PHP versions that are no longer supported by mainstream distributions. PHP Selector lets you run these applications without forcing a full rewrite or migration.

• Ideal for WordPress sites using outdated themes or plugins
• Supports legacy frameworks like CodeIgniter 2 or CakePHP 1.x

2. Isolated and Secure Execution

CloudLinux isolates each user account using its Lightweight Virtual Environment (LVE). Even if you're running an older PHP version, your site remains sandboxed from others—reducing the risk of cross-account vulnerabilities.

• Limits CPU, memory, and I/O usage per account
• Prevents one site from affecting server-wide performance

3. Customizable PHP Extensions and Settings

With PHP Selector, you can fine-tune your PHP environment by enabling or disabling specific extensions and adjusting php.ini settings directly from cPanel.

• Toggle modules like pdo_mysql, mbstring, or curl
• Modify memory limits, upload sizes, and execution time

4. Flexibility Without Server-Wide Changes

Unlike traditional setups where changing the PHP version affects the entire server, CloudLinux allows per-domain configuration. This is especially useful for shared hosting providers and multi-site developers.

• Run PHP 5.6 on one site and PHP 8.1 on another
• Avoid breaking newer sites while maintaining legacy support

5. Improved Stability and Performance

By using alt-php versions maintained by CloudLinux, you benefit from optimized builds that are often more stable and better integrated with the hosting stack than manually compiled versions.

• Regular security patches for older PHP versions
• Performance tuning for shared hosting environments

How to Use It in cPanel

1. Log into your cPanel account.
2. Navigate to Select PHP Version under the Software section.
3. Choose your desired PHP version from the dropdown.
4. Enable/disable extensions as needed.
5. Click Set as current to apply changes.

MultiPHP vs. PHP Selector

• At polur.net, we offer users the ability to select their preferred PHP version from both MultiPHP and PHP Selector in cPanel. The primary difference is that MultiPHP will allow customers to choose from a currently supported PHP version (for example, PHP 8.2+ at the time of writing), while PHP Selector specifically displays only legacy versions of PHP (via patched alt-php versions). So if you are running a current website that requires the latest and greatest, we recommend sticking with MultiPHP. PHP Selector should only be used if your website is outdated and relies on an older, unsupported PHP version.

Final Thoughts

CloudLinux PHP Selector is a lifesaver for anyone maintaining legacy websites. It offers the rare combination of flexibility, security, and ease of use—making it the go-to tool for developers who need to bridge the gap between old code and modern hosting environments.

Whether you're preserving a client’s vintage e-commerce site or running a niche CMS that hasn’t seen updates in years, PHP Selector ensures your hosting environment works for you—not against you.