How to Install mcrypt PHP Module on Ubuntu 24.04

Install PHP

If you haven’t already done so, the post below shows you how to install PHP.

How to install PHP on Ubuntu

After installing PHP, continue below.

Install recommended packages

You need to install several important packages before you can install the mcrypt PHP module on Ubuntu 24.04. This includes development tools like gcc and make, along with libraries and PHP’s package manager, pear and pecl. Running the command `sudo apt install gcc make autoconf libc-dev pkg-config libmcrypt-dev php-pear php-dev` will prepare your system.

sudo apt install gcc make autoconf libc-dev pkg-config libmcrypt-dev php-pear php-dev

Next, add and update the channel for PEAR and PECL using the command below.

sudo pecl channel-update pecl.php.net
sudo pecl update-channels

After that, run the command below to build and install mcrypt.

sudo pecl install mcrypt

Enable the mcrypt module

Once you’ve installed the mcrypt PHP module on Ubuntu, you must enable it for your web server or PHP applications to use. This involves adding a specific line to your PHP configuration files. The exact file to edit depends on whether you’re using Apache or Nginx with PHP-FPM, with paths like `/etc/php/8.3/apache2/` or `/etc/php/8.3/fpm/`.

For Apache:Run:

sudo -s
echo extension=mcrypt.so > /etc/php/8.3/apache2/php.ini
echo extension=mcrypt.so > /etc/php/8.3/cli/php.ini

For Nginx:Run:

sudo -s
echo extension=mcrypt.so > /etc/php/8.3/fpm/php.ini
echo extension=mcrypt.so > /etc/php/8.3/cli/php.ini

After adding the module to the PHP configuration file, restart the web server and PHP.

Test PHP

To test if the mcrypt PHP module is working correctly on Ubuntu after you’ve installed and enabled it, use a simple terminal command. Type `php -m | grep mcrypt` and press Enter. If the module is active, you’ll see `mcrypt` shown on your screen, confirming it’s ready to go.

php -m | grep mcrypt

It should output mcrypt.

Or use the web.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

In summary, installing the mcrypt PHP module on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that can be crucial for supporting legacy applications. Here are the key takeaways:

• Understanding mcrypt: mcrypt provides essential encryption and decryption functions for PHP developers but is deprecated in newer PHP versions.
• Installation Prerequisites: Ensure PHP is installed before 💿 installing the mcrypt module.
• Recommended Packages: Install necessary packages such as gcc, make, and libmcrypt-dev to successfully build the mcrypt module.
• Enabling mcrypt: After installation, update the PHP configuration files for Apache and Nginx to enable the mcrypt extension.
• Testing the Installation: Verify that mcrypt is active using the command line or checking through a web interface.

By following these installation steps, you ensure the mcrypt library integrates with your older PHP applications, allowing them to use encryption functions that mcrypt provides.