I've got a server upgrade occurring in less than a week and I'm trying to get all my scripts PHP 5.4 compatible before the upgrade, so that I don't have to install PHP 5.3 or 5.2 instead.

Due to when my license support expired, I also won't have access to download the vB 3.8.8 update and I don't have the amount of cash needed to pay for a full blown upgrade. I'll need to have an idea of what parts of the legacy code I can modify myself. I have no problem with that and am willing to assume the risk.

Any insights relevant to the areas of code in 3.8.7 to target for PHP 5.4 compatibility would be greatly appreciated.

Probably because people with vb3.7 and below wont be able to download it.

Bump. I'd be interested in a survey of php edits required, or syntax changes specific to VBulletin 3.8.x. and php 5.4 as well.

If anyone has tackled this successfully, or unsuccessfully, and can share the experience that would be very helpful.

You could use 3.8.8.

Like Simon mentioned a while back, not all can download and use that and some may not want to pay for a vB5 Connect license in order to download an update to their existing 3.x software as they have no plans to upgrade to 4.x or 5.x.

This is one reason I believe 3.x license owners should have an option to pay < $50 to download an updated 3.8.x most current version as I believe many more would pay for that then they would the $209 to upgrade, granted it is -40 off a full license but to me they should only be paying that $40 difference only.

Edit: Although to be fair... everyone must realize that you cannot and most hosts will not keep you on php5.2/5.3 forever, in fact sometimes they update your php to a newer version because of security risks in older outdated versions so while you might be able to retain your same php and vBulletin version for quite a while, it will most certainly not be forever. So with all that said, eventually your php will need to be updated and in-turn your forum patched (3.x series) or upgraded to a newer version such as vBulletin 4.x or 5.x.

I like my version 3.8.5 very much, what does 3.8.5 not do when the hosting company upgrades from PHP version 5.3 to 5.4.

It's just going to kick a bunch of depreciation warnings, most all of them have to do with the use of ampersands in php files.

Next time an old lady asks me to help her cross the road im going to tell her to look left and right and do it herself.

I like your thinking on this matter.
I ask a while ago if there would be a cost for 3.8.8 or if it would be given to all license holders that did not want to upgrade to vb 4 or vb54, I was told "Not sure at this time".


That's funny.

Well that is just how I think* it should be done, I do not own vBulletin nor guarantee that they will do this as its their business to shape and mold into whatever they wish.

I do know that the licenses are intangible therefor its literally no skin off their back to do this and imo like I said above more would pay for a new version of 3.8.x that's up to date with php5.4 then they will a 5.x license just to download and upgrade from for example 3.8.6 to 3.8.8 (again imo) as paying for something you will not use even if you get a "bonus" still does not sit well with many.