Do I need to restart Apache after changing the php.ini file?

Question

If I make a change to a setting in the php.ini file - do I need to restart Apache in order for it to take effect?

Answer 1

Depends, actually. Depends on how you use php inside that webserver:

• using php a module: you have to restart the server process
• using php as cgi backend: you do not have to restart the server process
• using php fastcgi: not sure, actually... (restarting is on the safe side, though)
• using PHP-FPM: you have to restart the fpm server process to prevent inconsistencies