Can I Host WordPress + PHP Script on the Same Hosting?

[grwebdev]

Many website owners and developers wonder if it's possible to host both WordPress and a separate PHP script on the same hosting account. The answer is yes — and it’s actually quite common. Whether you're managing multiple websites, running a blog and a custom app side by side, or testing new features on your server, you can definitely run both simultaneously. But like most things in web development, there are some important factors and best practices to consider.

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Yes, You Can — Here's How​

There are two main ways to host WordPress and a PHP script together:

1. In a Subfolder​

You can install WordPress at the root of your domain (yourdomain.com) and install your PHP script inside a subfolder like:


bash
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<span><span>yourdomain.com/script/<br></span></span>

This is the most common method and works great. You just need to:

• Create a folder in the root directory of your hosting (public_html or www).
• Upload your PHP script files into that folder.
• Create a new MySQL database if needed.
• Run the installer by visiting: yourdomain.com/script/

2. In a Subdomain​

Alternatively, create a subdomain like script.yourdomain.com and install your PHP script there.


This method offers better separation between your WordPress site and your script, which can be useful for performance and security.

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Technical Requirements​

To run both WordPress and a custom PHP script smoothly, make sure your hosting meets these requirements:

PHP Version Compatibility​

Your server’s PHP version must be compatible with both WordPress and the PHP script. For example:

• WordPress works well with PHP 8.0 to 8.2.
• Older PHP scripts may require PHP 7.4 or earlier.

If your hosting supports multi-PHP, you can assign different PHP versions to different folders or subdomains.

Database Support​

If your script needs its own database, make sure your hosting plan allows multiple databases. Most shared hosting plans do, but always check limits.

Resource Usage​

Running both WordPress and a custom script can increase resource usage — CPU, memory, and disk space. If you’re on shared hosting and experience slowdowns, consider upgrading or using LiteSpeed-based hosting for performance gains.

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Security Considerations​

While it's totally possible to run both systems, you should also consider security:

• Keep WordPress and all plugins/themes up to date.
• Make sure your PHP script is from a trusted source and doesn’t contain malicious code.
• Secure your wp-admin and PHP script admin areas with strong passwords and 2FA if possible.
• Avoid giving unnecessary write permissions to folders.

You can also use .htaccess or NGINX rules to restrict access to certain parts of your site (e.g., block access to admin folders except your IP).

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Real-World Examples​

Here are some scenarios where people run both:

• Blog + Custom Portal: WordPress handles the blog, while the script powers a client area or dashboard.
• CMS + Scripted Widget: WordPress site + custom feedback form in PHP.
• eCommerce + Tools: WooCommerce shop with a separate PHP-based inventory tool.

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Pro Tips​

• If your PHP script uses URL rewriting, be careful with .htaccess conflicts. You can add specific rules in the script’s folder to avoid issues.
• Use a different theme or style for your PHP script interface so users know they are viewing a separate system.
• Backup both your WordPress site and script regularly.
• Monitor logs to detect conflicts or resource issues early.

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Need Help?​

If you're unsure how to set this up or which control panel you’re using (like cPanel, Virtualmin, HestiaCP, etc.), post below and I’ll guide you step-by-step. You can also mention:

• Which script you're trying to install
• Which PHP version your host supports
• Any error you're facing

Let’s get your setup working smoothly!