PHP, a widely-used scripting language, is commonly installed on web servers to support dynamic web content. However, there might be instances where you need to uninstall PHP, perhaps to install a different version or to switch to a different technology.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to uninstall PHP from an Ubuntu system.
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Check the Installed PHP Version
Before uninstalling, it’s a good idea to check the version of PHP you have installed. This will help ensure you’re removing the correct version.
sudo php -v
This command will display the PHP version currently installed on your system.
Step 2: Remove PHP Packages
Ubuntu typically installs PHP with several modules. To uninstall PHP and its modules:
sudo apt-get purge php*.*
This command will match and remove all packages starting with ‘php’ followed by any version number.
Step 3: Autoremove and Autoclean
After uninstalling PHP, you should clean up any unnecessary packages and dependencies:
sudo apt-get autoremove sudo apt-get autoclean
These commands will remove any packages and dependencies that were installed with PHP but are no longer used.
Step 4: Verify PHP Uninstallation
To ensure PHP has been completely removed:
php -v
If PHP is uninstalled, this command should return a message indicating that ‘php’ is not installed.
Commands Mentioned
- sudo php -v – Displays the installed PHP version.
- sudo apt-get purge php*.* – Removes all PHP packages and their versions.
- sudo apt-get autoremove – Removes unnecessary packages and dependencies.
- sudo apt-get autoclean – Cleans up the local repository of retrieved package files.
- php -v – Checks the PHP version or if PHP is installed.
FAQs
-
Why might I need to uninstall PHP?
There are several reasons, including upgrading to a newer version, switching to a different scripting language, or addressing security concerns related to a specific PHP version.
-
Can I reinstall PHP after uninstalling?
Yes, you can reinstall PHP at any time after uninstalling. Simply use the package manager to install the desired version.
-
What’s the difference between ‘purge’ and ‘remove’ in apt-get?
‘purge’ removes the package and its configuration files, while ‘remove’ only removes the package but keeps the configuration files.
-
How do I check for residual PHP files after uninstallation?
You can use the ‘locate’ command followed by ‘php’ to search for any remaining PHP-related files on your system.
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Is it necessary to restart my server after uninstalling PHP?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s a good practice to restart services that depended on PHP or, in some cases, to reboot the server to ensure all changes take effect.
Conclusion
Uninstalling PHP from Ubuntu is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the steps carefully to ensure a complete removal. Whether you’re upgrading, addressing security concerns, or making way for a different technology, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to uninstall PHP safely.
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