How to use PHP-FPM with Nginx in Plesk?
Introduction
You need a fast and reliable web server. It is simply done by combining a standalone Nginx server and PHP-FPM. Fast Process Manager PHP-FPM provides an improved interface for processing dynamic PHP content. It is similar to FastCGI when it is used with Apache. Plesk is completely compatible with this configuration and even has built-in tools to easily install and activate it. This tutorial will take you through the process.
Learning Nginx and PHP-FPM
Nginx is known to be fast and capable of handling static files. PHP-FPM is robust, highly optimized, and very powerful compared to the older PHP setups. Combined, they greatly accelerate page loads and enhance stability, which is critical to high-traffic sites and modern web apps.
Installation Steps to Install Nginx with PHP-FPM Support
You have to update the components within Plesk in order to install the necessary software. This will add Nginx and PHP-FPM to your server.
Installation of the Required Server Components
These are the steps that you should follow to add the PHP-FPM support component to your Plesk server.
Log in to Plesk
First, you have to log in to your Plesk control panel. Use a privileged or an admin account.
Navigate to Tools & Settings
Go to the main screen. Then go to Home > Server Management > Tools and Settings.
Access the Updates Page
Click Updates and Upgrades in the Tools and Settings page. You would be redirected to the Install and Update Odin products page.
Open Component Management
Click on the Add/Remove Components option. All the components that are supported by Plesk will be listed.
Locate and Choose the PHP-FPM Component
Locate the Web hosting features option and click on the drop-down arrow to expand this section. Choose the php-fpm support for nginx option from the list.
Continue and Install
Click on the Continue button. Plesk will begin installing both Nginx and PHP-FPM on your server. After completion, ensure that the service is active.
Enabling the PHP-FPM Service
The installation only puts the files on your server. Now, proceed to the ‘Services Management’ section to ensure that PHP-FPM is operational.
Enabling the New Service That Is Just Installed
This step ensures that Nginx is able to utilize the PHP-FPM processor to handle PHP requests.
Go to Services Management
Return to the main server management section. Go to Home > Server management > Tools and Settings > Services management.
Activate the Service
Locate the php-fpm support nginx service in the list. In case it is not currently active, click on the Activate button on the right side. This action will immediately enable the service.
The Optimized Hosting Platform of Cantech
Cantech provides a hosting platform that is fully optimized for Nginx and PHP-FPM setups. Affordable Plesk hosting plans are also available, which are very easy and stable. You get the high-speed web server environment. Our services help your dynamic websites perform at their absolute best.
Conclusion
You have successfully installed and enabled Nginx with PHP-FPM on your server using Plesk. This configuration provides your website with a powerful boost in performance and stability. A faster and more reliable web server setup is now available. This tutorial assisted you in configuring this high-performance solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does PHP-FPM replace the standard PHP processor?
No. PHP-FPM does not replace the PHP language itself, but it is now a replacement for the older PHP handler that runs the language. It manages PHP processes more efficiently than traditional methods.
Do I need Apache if I use Nginx with PHP-FPM?
No, a standalone Nginx setup with PHP-FPM does not require the Apache web server. Nginx handles the web requests directly.
Will enabling this setup affect all my websites?
Yes. Installing and enabling PHP-FPM support makes the option available system-wide. You might still need to select PHP-FPM specifically as the PHP handler for individual domains.
Can I still use older PHP versions with PHP-FPM?
Yes. PHP-FPM can be configured to run multiple versions of PHP simultaneously, allowing you to manage multiple sites that require different environments.
What happens if the service is already enabled?
You do not have to click the ‘Activate’ button again, in case it is already active; only verify its position in the ‘Services Management’ section.
