Tips for transpiling code from PHP 8.0 down to 7.1

In scenarios where upgrading to the latest PHP version is not feasible due to legacy software dependencies or lack of control over deployment environments, transpiling PHP code offers a solution by allowing developers to use modern PHP features during development while releasing code compatible with older PHP versions for production. This process involves using tools like Rector to downgrade code from PHP 8.0 to 7.1, enabling developers to benefit from new language features without excluding users on older systems. Although PHP 7.1 is end-of-life, it remains a viable target for downgrading, as it is the lowest version Rector can handle, with plans to support even older versions in the future. Transpiling allows developers to write higher-quality code, as modern features like union types and typed properties lead to fewer bugs and improved readability. However, the process requires careful configuration to handle dependencies and avoid errors, particularly in environments like WordPress, where user bases may still rely on outdated PHP versions. By selectively downgrading only the necessary code and employing additional configurations to address any chained rules or dependency inconsistencies, developers can maintain compatibility across PHP versions while enhancing their codebase with the latest language advancements.