Stacks Pro

1

Not here to start the old discussion off or troll anyone.

With the recent PHP security issue and need to update PHP, alongside using a legacy framework (F3), using stacks on RW has made me nervous.

Too many uncertainties and variables that could result in no ability to update or modernise my main website. I’ve partially jumped ship to Blocs for a new site but like working in Stacks, and happy to choose a new frame work for Stacks Pro.

I’d really like some clarity around when a public version of Stacks Pro will be released. One I can buy, use and move forward on. I don’t want to search around Discord, try a beta and pay money for a new framework or stacks to use on it without a finished product.

So is there a release date for Stacks Pro or is it going to be perpetually in a state of ‘possibility’?

2

We all would like to know that.:face_with_spiral_eyes:

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3

If stacks, or RW stopped working then we would all be in a lot of trouble. I’ve waited a year since the last round of vague updates but for business continuity and robustness I need a more certain idea.

4

I’m not sure about Stacks Pro (I don’t use it), but in RW Classic you can select which version of PHP your website uses in the advanced tab of your project. In the latest release of RW Classic, you can choose between PHP versions 7.4.21 and 8.4.4.

PHP 7.4.21 will not be patched and is vulnerable. PHP 8.4.4 has been patched and will continue to get security updates until 31 December 2028.

If a project is still set to version 7.4.21, you can publish a test version with 8.4.4 selected and see what breaks. If a stack (or other inserted code snippet ) breaks under 8.4.4, it’s best to replace it (or see if there’s an update), as running under PHP 7.4.21 really isn’t a good idea.

Cheers,
Erwin

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5

Thanks Erwin

That’s very useful. I’ll check I have done so in RW as well as on my server.

My main concern is that should RW stop or stacks stop working; or not support future PHP levels or some other unforeseen thing break either , I will not be able to update my site.

I’m at the cross roads where I need to decide what I need to update my site and have certainty that I the software I choose will be viable long term.

6

That’s a misunderstanding.

  1. The PHP version you select in RW Classic or Stacks app has nothing to do with the online server version.
  2. The online server version shall be upgraded to a fixed version (PHP: News Archive - 2026)
  3. The core apps / functionality doesn’t have any PHP included in their export
  4. If you use stacks which use PHP, these have to be tested if they are compatible with a new major PHP version
7

That’s what I was kind of meaning. If I am using Stacks that are no longer supported by active developers they will not be compatible??

It’s also a bit of side issue because I would relay want to know when Stacks Pro will be released so I can buy it.

8

That doesn’t have to be. I don’t know which PHP version you’re actually using on your web server. There haven’t been many (if at all) incompatible changes in the PHP 8.x code branch. So if you’re currently e.g. using PHP 8.2 on your server, the chances the same code will run on PHP 8.4/8.5 are good. If you’re currently on PHP 7.4 that’s a different question.

If you’re able to test with different subdomains and PHP versions you’re on the safe side.

Unfortunately there is no information available when you are able to purchase the finished version.

9

I’m on 8** on server but RW is set at 7.4 something.

So I could test to subdomain and test but that’s just a short term stop gap. It doesn’t solve the longer term issue that Foundry is no longer supported.

If stacks pro is a dead product then my only option is to do my main business site in Blocs and move on. I like using stacks and really wanted to support it as viable product.

10

Speaking of PHP – I’m sure everybody has heard by now of the recent PHP fiasco. All versions older than 8.5.12 are unsafe (8.5.11 is unsafe), so if your host already upgraded their system, switch to v.8.5.12 and then change your passwords.

There are reported millions of attacks just to exploit the two PHP vulnerabilities announced few days ago.

Here’s some more detailed information.

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11

YourHead Software, does not work on a fixed time schedule. Most new projects take 3-5 years to complete. Stacks does have some semi-active “Developer Beta Updates” these bleeding edge updates can be download by going to Settings , Developer, Developer Beta Updates - In the Stacks program.

The last public beta was released on Monday, July 7, 2025 – 16 months ago.
It is some comfort that no one is left to ask when Stacks might be completed…

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12

If you’re in a web hosting contract and at least have 8.2.x or higher in use, check with your hoster they updated to a fixed version (see above link for details)

If you still use 8.0.x or 8.1.x, you have to update to a higher version, and should test in a subdomain before.

13

They did update all versions that were affected. If it doesn’t work then I will need to rewrite ASAP in Blocs anyway.

14

:rofl: I knew there would some clarity