cPanel & WHM constantly release new versions with security updates, performance improvements, and feature enhancements. If you develop software, plugins, or custom scripts that integrate with cPanel & WHM, it is essential to test your software with upcoming versions before they go live in production.
This guide will walk you through the best practices for testing your software with upcoming versions of cPanel & WHM to ensure compatibility and a smooth transition.
Why Test Your Software with New cPanel & WHM Versions?
Testing your software with new cPanel & WHM versions ensures:
✔ Compatibility – Prevents unexpected failures due to API changes or deprecated features.
✔ Security – Identifies potential vulnerabilities introduced in new updates.
✔ Performance – Optimizes your software for the latest system enhancements.
✔ User Experience – Ensures a seamless experience for clients and users.
The Steps Below Guides You on How to Test Your Software with Upcoming cPanel & WHM Versions
1. Use the cPanel & WHM EDGE or CURRENT Release Tiers
cPanel releases updates in different tiers before reaching the stable version. By enabling EDGE or CURRENT tiers, you can test your software with upcoming versions before they become stable.
How to Enable EDGE or CURRENT Versions in WHM
Log in to WHM as root.
Navigate to “Server Configuration” > “Update Preferences”.
Select either:
EDGE – Contains the latest changes but is least stable.
CURRENT – More stable than EDGE but still under testing.
Click Save to apply the changes.
Run the following command in SSH to update your system:
6. Restart WHM and cPanel services to apply the update.
Now, your server will run an upcoming version of cPanel & WHM, allowing you to test your software.
2. Set Up a Test Environment
It is risky to test upcoming versions directly on a production server. Instead, create a test environment where you can safely experiment.
How to Set Up a Test cPanel & WHM Server
Use a Virtual Private Server (VPS) – Deploy a VPS with cPanel & WHM installed.
Use a Staging Server – Clone your production environment to a staging server.
Leverage cPanel’s Development License – Apply for a free cPanel license for testing purposes.
Steps to Get a cPanel Development License
Visit the cPanel Licensing Portal.
Apply for a test/development license.
Install cPanel & WHM on your test server.
Activate the license and begin testing.
3. Test Your Software for Compatibility
Once your test environment is set up, check if your software works correctly with the upcoming cPanel & WHM version.
Key Areas to Test:
✅ cPanel API Changes – Run API requests to confirm responses are valid.
✅ Plugin Compatibility – Ensure your plugins and add-ons function correctly.
✅ UI/UX Adjustments – If your software interacts with cPanel’s interface, verify that UI elements display correctly.
✅ PHP & MySQL Version Changes – Check if new versions of PHP or MySQL affect your software’s performance.
Example: Testing API Compatibility
Run the following command to test API responses:
If the response format has changed, you may need to update your software accordingly.
4. Monitor cPanel’s Release Notes & Change Logs
cPanel provides release notes that highlight new features, deprecations, and changes in each version. Regularly checking these updates can help you anticipate necessary modifications to your software.
5. Update Your Software Based on Test Results
After running tests, modify your software as needed:
✔ Fix compatibility issues caused by API changes.
✔ Update deprecated functions that may no longer work in new versions.
✔ Optimize performance based on changes in server architecture.
Once updates are completed, retest your software to ensure all issues have been resolved before the new cPanel version is officially released.
6. Deploy to Production After Full Testing
Once cPanel releases the new version to the STABLE tier, and you have tested your software successfully:
Deploy the updated version of your software to production.
Monitor for any unexpected issues after deployment.
Notify your users of changes, if necessary.
Testing your software with upcoming cPanel & WHM versions is essential to maintaining compatibility, security, and performance. By following these steps—setting up a test environment, monitoring release notes, and updating your software accordingly—you can ensure a smooth transition to new cPanel releases while keeping your applications running without disruptions.