Whether you can install custom PHP extensions depends on the type of hosting plan you are using.
Shared Hosting Plans
If you are using any of the following shared hosting services:
- cPanel Hosting.
- DirectAdmin Hosting.
- Plesk Hosting.
You cannot install custom PHP extensions yourself because these are shared hosting environments where the server configuration is managed at the infrastructure level for multiple customers.
However, with CloudLinux, you can enable or disable many PHP extensions that are already available on the server directly from your hosting control panel.
Commonly available extensions may include:
- mysqli.
- pdo_mysql.
- intl.
- mbstring.
- curl.
- imagick.
- gd.
- zip.
- soap.
- xml.
- bcmath.
- opcache.
The available extensions can vary depending on the PHP version and hosting environment.
Can I Request a New PHP Extension?
On shared hosting, we generally do not install custom PHP extensions upon individual customer requests.
Because the server environment is shared by multiple customers, installing additional server-level extensions could affect compatibility, stability, security, or resource usage for other accounts.
What If My Application Requires a Custom PHP Extension?
If your application requires a PHP extension that is not available on our shared hosting platform, you will need a hosting solution that provides greater control over the server environment.
SIRSTEVEHQ Cloud Server options include:
- Unmanaged VPS.
- SIRSTEVEHQ Cloud.
- AWS Hosting.
- Google Cloud Hosting.
These solutions provide greater control over the server environment, allowing you to install custom PHP extensions, libraries, packages, and other software required by your application.
Which Hosting Should I Choose?
Choose Shared Hosting if:
- Your application works with the PHP extensions already provided.
- You do not require server-level customisation.
- You are hosting a typical website, blog, business website, or WordPress website.
- You prefer a hosting environment that is managed at the server level.
Choose a Cloud Server if you:
- Need to install custom PHP extensions.
- Require root or administrative access.
- Run specialised applications with unique software requirements.
- Need greater control over your PHP environment.
- Require custom server-level software or configurations.
Need Help Choosing the Right Hosting Plan?
If you're unsure whether your application requires a custom PHP extension, contact our Pre-sales or Support Team before placing your order.
Please provide:
- The PHP version you require.
- The name of the PHP extension or extensions.
- The application or framework you are using.
- Any other specific server requirements.
We'll help you determine which SIRSTEVEHQ hosting solution is most suitable for your application.
