John Davidson

Message:

I maintain my own managed server with php7.3. Every few days my website is suddenly unavailable.

My server hoster said that the PHP processes for the domain were used up and therefore the site was not accessible.

The only recent change in php.ini is opcache.interned_strings_buffer = 64 (previously 8).

• Can this be the reason?


• How can I prevent the PHP processes from overflowing or what do I have to do to ensure that the PHP processes are automatically terminated in the event of an overload or that the server restarts in such a case?

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My Answer:
There are a few steps you can take to prevent PHP memory overflow and ensure that your website remains accessible:

1. Increase PHP memory limit: You can increase the memory limit in your php.ini file by changing the value of the memory_limit directive. This will allow PHP to use more memory before reaching the limit.

2. Monitor and optimize your code: Check your code for any memory leaks or inefficient processes that may be causing the memory overflow. Use tools like Xdebug or New Relic to monitor memory usage and optimize your code accordingly.

3. Implement caching: Use caching mechanisms like opcode caching (OPcache) or object caching to reduce the load on your server and improve performance.

4. Set up monitoring and alerts: Configure monitoring tools to alert you when memory usage reaches a certain threshold, so you can take action before it causes an overflow.

5. Consider upgrading your server resources: If your website is consistently experiencing memory overflows, it may be time to upgrade your server resources to handle the increased load.

As for the specific change you made in your php.ini file (opcache.interned_strings_buffer), it is unlikely to be the direct cause of the memory overflow. However, it's always a good idea to monitor the impact of any changes you make to your server configuration.

If your website continues to experience memory overflows despite taking these steps, you may want to consider reaching out to a professional developer or server administrator for further assistance.