Upgrade Old SocialEngine Website to PHP 8.4+
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
I have an old SocialEngine-based website from 2009 built originally for PHP 5.x. The exact version is unclear but it is either SocialEngine 2 or 3. I want to upgrade the code so it works reliably on a modern server running PHP 8.4 or the latest stable PHP.
The current codebase uses many old PHP conventions and functions that are not compatible with PHP 8.x. All site text is Unicode/UTF-8 from the beginning. The main language is a Southeast Asian language. The database is MySQL/MariaDB.
The website contains several modules within the same project. This includes the main homepage, poll, webboard, group, and other modules that are all part of the same SocialEngine installation. There may be both built-in and custom plugins.
You will work directly on my VPS. I already have a full backup and there is no issue if you need to experiment or make changes directly. I can restore or re-deploy if needed. You do not have to migrate data or move to a new server just update the existing code.
What I need you to do:
- Review and refactor or patch all code and modules so that the full website is compatible with PHP 8.4 or newer
- Replace all deprecated or removed PHP features such as mysql_* functions assigning new by reference non-static method calls and other known incompatibilities
- Update all modules and plugins as needed so everything works correctly
- Review all Smarty template integration and fix any compatibility issues with modern PHP and the Smarty engine (such as deprecated PHP code in templates or custom Smarty plugins)
- Make sure every main feature works including user login registration messaging profiles polls webboard groups admin panel and other core functions
- Fix all strict warnings deprecated and fatal errors caused by PHP version changes
- Ensure compatibility with Apache or Nginx and MySQL/MariaDB as deployed on my server
- Check and patch all known security issues with this SocialEngine version and any public modules or plugins you find reports for. I will help search for vulnerability reports but you must also take initiative to check common CVEs and legacy code problems
- Provide clear documentation or a summary of changes
Requirements:
- Strong experience with legacy PHP 5 code and migrating to PHP 8.x or newer
- Experience with large old codebases and refactoring
- Familiarity with SocialEngine and/or Smarty is a strong plus
- Ability to work directly on a live VPS (with full backup provided)
- Communicate in English
To apply please provide:
- Examples of similar upgrade or migration projects you have done
- Your approach or plan for this kind of upgrade
- An estimated timeline and budget
The main goal is to get this legacy SocialEngine site working and secure on PHP 8.4+ without breaking core features or any major module. You do not need to handle server migration only code upgrade and security hardening
Budget open to proposals depending on complexity and timeframe
If you need further details about the code or server environment let me know.
I prefer honest straightforward communication and progress updates
The current codebase uses many old PHP conventions and functions that are not compatible with PHP 8.x. All site text is Unicode/UTF-8 from the beginning. The main language is a Southeast Asian language. The database is MySQL/MariaDB.
The website contains several modules within the same project. This includes the main homepage, poll, webboard, group, and other modules that are all part of the same SocialEngine installation. There may be both built-in and custom plugins.
You will work directly on my VPS. I already have a full backup and there is no issue if you need to experiment or make changes directly. I can restore or re-deploy if needed. You do not have to migrate data or move to a new server just update the existing code.
What I need you to do:
- Review and refactor or patch all code and modules so that the full website is compatible with PHP 8.4 or newer
- Replace all deprecated or removed PHP features such as mysql_* functions assigning new by reference non-static method calls and other known incompatibilities
- Update all modules and plugins as needed so everything works correctly
- Review all Smarty template integration and fix any compatibility issues with modern PHP and the Smarty engine (such as deprecated PHP code in templates or custom Smarty plugins)
- Make sure every main feature works including user login registration messaging profiles polls webboard groups admin panel and other core functions
- Fix all strict warnings deprecated and fatal errors caused by PHP version changes
- Ensure compatibility with Apache or Nginx and MySQL/MariaDB as deployed on my server
- Check and patch all known security issues with this SocialEngine version and any public modules or plugins you find reports for. I will help search for vulnerability reports but you must also take initiative to check common CVEs and legacy code problems
- Provide clear documentation or a summary of changes
Requirements:
- Strong experience with legacy PHP 5 code and migrating to PHP 8.x or newer
- Experience with large old codebases and refactoring
- Familiarity with SocialEngine and/or Smarty is a strong plus
- Ability to work directly on a live VPS (with full backup provided)
- Communicate in English
To apply please provide:
- Examples of similar upgrade or migration projects you have done
- Your approach or plan for this kind of upgrade
- An estimated timeline and budget
The main goal is to get this legacy SocialEngine site working and secure on PHP 8.4+ without breaking core features or any major module. You do not need to handle server migration only code upgrade and security hardening
Budget open to proposals depending on complexity and timeframe
If you need further details about the code or server environment let me know.
I prefer honest straightforward communication and progress updates
Related categories:
PHP
Website Design
MySQL
HTML
VPS
Web Development
Database Management
Web Application