How to Install PHP 8.3 on Ubuntu 22.04

This guide shows how to properly install and run PHP 8.3 on Ubuntu 22.04 in a modern server environment. It covers system preparation, repository setup, Apache and Nginx integration, PHP extensions, version switching and common best practices.

Step 1: Update the Operating System

Before installing PHP, make sure your system is fully up to date. This prevents dependency conflicts and ensures security patches are applied.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Add the PHP Repository

Ubuntu 22.04 does not ship PHP 8.3 by default. The widely used and trusted Ondřej Surý repository provides up-to-date PHP versions and extensions.

sudo apt install -y ca-certificates apt-transport-https software-properties-common

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ondrej/php

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install PHP 8.3 (CLI)

Install the PHP 8.3 core package. This provides the PHP CLI and the base runtime required by web servers and background tasks.

sudo apt install -y php8.3

Verify the installed PHP version:

php -v

Step 4: Install PHP 8.3 for Apache

If you are using Apache, install PHP as an Apache module. This setup is common for traditional LAMP stacks.

sudo apt install -y libapache2-mod-php8.3

Restart Apache to activate the PHP module:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 5: Install PHP 8.3 FPM for Nginx

For Nginx-based setups, PHP must run via PHP-FPM. This approach offers better performance and scalability.

sudo apt install -y php8.3-fpm

Check that the PHP-FPM service is running:

systemctl status php8.3-fpm

Step 6: Install Common PHP Extensions

Most applications require additional PHP extensions. Install only what your project actually needs to keep the system lean and secure.

sudo apt install -y php8.3-mysql php8.3-curl php8.3-xml php8.3-mbstring php8.3-zip php8.3-intl php8.3-gd php8.3-opcache

List all loaded PHP modules:

php -m

Step 7: Run Multiple PHP Versions Side-by-Side

Ubuntu allows multiple PHP versions to coexist. This is useful when maintaining legacy applications while deploying new projects on PHP 8.3.

sudo update-alternatives --config php

You can also set a specific PHP version directly:

sudo update-alternatives --set php /usr/bin/php8.3

Step 8: Recommended Post-Installation Checks

After installation, it is recommended to verify PHP configuration files, confirm the correct PHP-FPM socket or port for your web server, and ensure OPcache is enabled for production environments.

For production systems, always review php.ini settings such as memory limits, execution time, upload size and error handling according to your application requirements.

Conclusion

Installing PHP 8.3 on Ubuntu 22.04 provides a modern, stable and performant foundation for web applications. Whether you run Apache or Nginx, a clean PHP setup with the right extensions and version management ensures long-term maintainability and smooth operation.