PHP Configuration in ISPConfig

When PHP support is enabled for a website in ISPConfig, the option “Custom php.ini settings” is activated in the “Options” tab. This allows you to directly modify specific parameters of the PHP configuration file for that website. For example:

Modifying PHP Parameters

Access the ISPConfig panel and select the desired website.
Go to the Options tab.
In the Custom php.ini settings field, you can add specific configurations for your site. Example:

memory_limit = 256M
post_max_size = 64M
upload_max_filesize = 64M

Save the changes to apply them immediately.

Description of Parameters

memory_limit: Defines the maximum amount of memory a PHP script can use.
post_max_size: Specifies the maximum allowed size for data sent via the POST method.
upload_max_filesize: Sets the maximum allowed size for file uploads.

Advanced PHP Parameters

The following are advanced PHP configurations that you can use in “Custom php.ini settings”.

Execution Time and Memory

max_execution_time = 120
max_input_time = 60

File Uploads
```
post_max_size = 64M
```

Errors and Logs

error_reporting = E_ERROR
display_errors = Off
log_errors = On

Timezone Configuration

date.timezone = "America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires"

1. Execution Time and Memory

max_execution_time This parameter defines the maximum time, in seconds, that a PHP script can run before being stopped by the server. Recommended value: max_execution_time = 120 Common use: Increasing this limit is useful for heavy scripts, such as import/export processes or report generation.
max_input_time Specifies the maximum time allowed for PHP to process input data (POST, GET, etc.). Recommended value: max_input_time = 60 Common use: Set it according to the needs of long forms or upload requests.

2. File Uploads

post_max_size Defines the maximum size of data sent via an HTTP POST form, including files and text. Recommended value: post_max_size = 64M Common use: This value should be equal to or greater than upload_max_filesize to avoid errors when uploading large files.

3. Errors and Logs

error_reporting Configures the PHP error reporting level. Recommended value for production: error_reporting = E_ERROR Common use: In production, limiting errors to E_ERROR prevents displaying warnings or unnecessary notifications.
display_errors Controls whether errors are displayed directly on the standard output. Recommended value for production: display_errors = Off Common use: Disable it in production environments to avoid exposing sensitive information. Keep it enabled in development to facilitate debugging.
log_errors Enables error logging to a log file. Recommended value: log_errors = On Common use: It is useful for tracking issues on the server without displaying errors directly on the page.

4. Timezone Configuration

date.timezone Sets the default timezone for PHP date and time functions. This prevents warnings related to undefined timezone settings. Example for Argentina: date.timezone = “America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires” Common use: Ensure it is configured to match the server’s location or the primary region of the target audience.

Creating an info.php File with phpinfo()

The info.php file is a useful tool to check the current PHP configuration, including installed modules, resource limits, and configuration values.

Steps to create an info.php file

Connect to the server where the website is hosted using an FTP client or SSH access.
Navigate to the root directory of the website, usually “web/” within the directory assigned to the client in ISPConfig.
Create a file named “info.php” and add the following content:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

Guarda el archivo.

How to access the info.php file

Open a web browser and visit the corresponding URL. For example: https://example.com/info.php
You should see a detailed page with all the information about the current PHP configuration.

Take a screenshot of the current configuration

Open the info.php file in your browser.
Press the “Print Screen” key or use a screenshot tool to save an image of the current configuration.
Save the image as a PNG or JPG file and make sure to include it in the manual.

Recommendation: Security for the info.php file

For security reasons, delete the “info.php” file after verifying the PHP configuration. Leaving this file accessible could expose sensitive server information, such as file paths or installed modules, to potential attackers.