selecting a php version, does it make a difference?

[richardwbb]

I've just gotten a reply of my hoster, to enable error logging I first need to select a php version. As you can see in the picture, it is been set to native. Running phpinfo gave me version 5.5.38. So I understand that setting the php version to 5.5 will be suffice. I've read https://download.simplemachines.org/requirements.php and it is saying php 5.4 or higher.

http://www.fotobakje.nl/map/div/smf/directadmin-php-versie.png

However I am just wondering, would there be a noticeable difference when I set this to 5.6? Or in other words, should I set it to 5.6?

[Arantor]

Yes, it makes a difference. SMF 2.0 needs at least 5.4.0 and while it supports 7.0 and 7.1, a lot of mods don't - so probably aim for 5.6.

[richardwbb]

Ok. I've just went from php 5.5.38 to a 5.6.31 on a live forum that wouldn't hurt much? I just prefer switching things once to avoid "bork-mode", that is why I asked beforehand.

[Arantor]

Nope, going to 5.6 should be absolutely fine, especially if you're already on 5.5. It's only when going to 7 that things are going to get hairy.