How to compile custom PHP extensions?

⚠️ Issue

🛠️ How to compile custom PHP extensions in CloudLinux with PHP Selector?

When using Alt-PHP (CloudLinux), compiling extensions is slightly different than standard PHP because each PHP version has its own binaries and directories.

🖥️ Environment

• PHP Selector

• cPanel

• PHP 5.x / 7.x (applies also to newer Alt-PHP versions with the same process)

✅ Solution

Follow these steps to build and enable a custom PHP extension:

📥 1. Download & unpack extension

⚙️ 2. Prepare with phpize

Run the phpize from the corresponding Alt-PHP version (replace XX with version, e.g., 74, 81):

🔧 3. Configure with correct php-config

🏗️ 4. Compile the extension

📂 5. Copy compiled module to Alt-PHP modules dir

For 64-bit servers:

For 32-bit servers:

📝 6. Create .ini file for extension

Add an ini config file inside Alt-PHP:

🔄 7. Register with PHP Selector

Finally, update CloudLinux PHP Selector:

🐞 Cause

This process is needed because:

• Each Alt-PHP version uses its own binaries (phpize, php-config).

• Extensions compiled with system PHP will not work with CloudLinux’s Alt-PHP.

• Manual registration is required for PHP Selector to detect the extension.