care-api/.specify/research/compatibility/tech-stack-analysis.md

Technology Stack Compatibility Analysis - care-api

Research Date: 2025-09-12
Research Phase: Implementation Planning
Validation Status: ✅ All technologies validated

🔍 Core Stack Compatibility Analysis

PHP 8.1 + WordPress Plugin Development

Status: ✅ COMPATIBLE with important considerations

Key Findings:

• WordPress Core Support: WordPress 6.3+ fully supports PHP 8.1
• Recommended PHP Version: WordPress now recommends PHP 8.2+ but PHP 8.1 is fully supported
• PHP 8.1 Support Status: Currently in "security fixes only" - should consider upgrading to PHP 8.2 soon

⚠️ Important Compatibility Warnings:

• Plugin Ecosystem Challenge: Many WordPress plugins still struggle with PHP 8.1+ compatibility
• Legacy Plugin Issues: Popular plugins may show critical errors on PHP 8.1+
• Testing Critical: Must enable WP_DEBUG and use PHP Compatibility Checker tools
• End of Life: PHP 8.0 and older versions have reached EOL status

Recommendations:

• ✅ PHP 8.1 is safe for new plugin development
• ✅ Target PHP 8.2 for better future-proofing
• ⚠️ Extensive testing required for all dependencies
• ✅ Use WordPress coding standards and modern PHP practices

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WordPress REST API + JWT Authentication (Firebase JWT)

Status: ✅ SECURE with 2024 best practices

Key Findings:

• Firebase JWT Library: Actively maintained and secure PHP package
• WordPress REST API: Native support for JWT authentication extensions
• Industry Standard: Implements RFC 7519 for secure claims representation

2024 Security Best Practices:

• Short-lived Tokens: Default access token reduced from 7 days to 10 minutes
• Refresh Token Mechanism: Essential for secure token renewal
• Strong Secret Keys: Critical for JWT security
• Algorithm Validation: Support for HS256, RS256, and all Firebase JWT algorithms
• Rate Limiting: Essential for production deployments

Implementation Requirements:

• ✅ Use firebase/php-jwt via Composer
• ✅ Implement proper token expiration (10-minute access tokens)
• ✅ Add refresh token mechanism
• ✅ Strong secret key management
• ✅ Enable rate limiting and token revocation

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KiviCare Plugin Integration

Status: ✅ COMPATIBLE with modern architecture

Key Findings:

• Active Development: 3+ years of development, actively maintained
• Modern Architecture: Built with Vue.js, Webpack, Sass
• API-Ready: Built for integrations and third-party development
• Payment Gateway Support: WooCommerce compatible for payment processing

Integration Capabilities:

• Third-party API Support: Google Calendar, Twilio SMS, Zoom/Meet integration
• Payment Processing: Razorpay, WooCommerce payment gateways
• Multi-clinic Support: Available in PRO version
• Database Architecture: 35-table schema with comprehensive EHR functionality

Considerations:

• ✅ Vue.js frontend won't conflict with REST API backend
• ✅ Existing database schema can be leveraged for API endpoints
• ✅ Plugin actively maintained with regular updates
• ⚠️ Pro version may be required for advanced features

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PHPUnit + WordPress Testing Framework

Status: ✅ FULLY COMPATIBLE with PHP 8.1

Key Findings:

• PHP 8.1 Support: WordPress 5.9+ includes PHPUnit Polyfills for full compatibility
• PHPUnit Version: Requires PHPUnit 9.3.0+ for PHP 8.1 support
• WordPress Integration: Native WordPress testing framework compatibility

Implementation Requirements:

• ✅ Use PHPUnit 9.3.0+ for PHP 8.1 compatibility
• ✅ Include Yoast PHPUnit Polyfills as dependency
• ✅ WordPress 5.9+ testing framework fully supports PHP 8.1
• ✅ WP Test Utils 1.0.0 recommended for integration tests

Testing Strategy:

• ✅ Unit tests: PHPUnit with WordPress testing framework
• ✅ Integration tests: WordPress database operations testing
• ✅ API tests: REST API endpoint testing with authentication
• ✅ Performance tests: Load testing with PHPUnit benchmarks

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🚦 Validation Gates Results

✅ No Deprecated/EOL Technologies

• All core technologies are actively supported
• PHP 8.1 is in security-fixes-only but still supported

✅ No Breaking Changes Detected

• WordPress REST API stable and mature
• Firebase JWT library actively maintained
• KiviCare plugin actively developed

✅ No Version Conflicts

• PHP 8.1 + WordPress 6.3+ compatibility confirmed
• PHPUnit 9.3+ works with PHP 8.1 and WordPress
• Firebase JWT library supports PHP 8.1+

✅ Security Compliance

• JWT authentication follows 2024 best practices
• Short-lived tokens with refresh mechanism
• No critical security vulnerabilities in core dependencies

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📊 Technology Compatibility Matrix

Technology	Version	PHP 8.1	Security Status	Maintenance	Recommendation
PHP	8.1.x	✅ Native	🟡 Security Fixes	Active	✅ Use (consider 8.2+)
WordPress	6.3+	✅ Fully Compatible	✅ Active	Active	✅ Use Latest
Firebase JWT	6.x+	✅ Compatible	✅ Active	Active	✅ Use Latest
PHPUnit	9.3+	✅ Compatible	✅ Active	Active	✅ Use Latest
KiviCare	Latest	✅ Compatible	✅ Active	Active	✅ Use Latest

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🎯 Implementation Recommendations

High Priority Actions:

1. PHP Version: Stick with PHP 8.1 but plan migration to PHP 8.2
2. Testing Strategy: Implement comprehensive PHPUnit testing with WordPress framework
3. Security Implementation: Follow 2024 JWT security best practices
4. Plugin Compatibility: Test all KiviCare integration points thoroughly

Risk Mitigation:

1. Plugin Dependencies: Test all WordPress plugins for PHP 8.1 compatibility
2. JWT Security: Implement proper token expiration and refresh mechanisms
3. Database Integration: Validate KiviCare schema compatibility
4. Performance Testing: Ensure REST API performance meets requirements

Future Considerations:

1. PHP 8.2 Migration: Plan upgrade within 6-12 months
2. WordPress Updates: Stay current with WordPress releases
3. Security Updates: Monitor all dependencies for security patches
4. KiviCare Updates: Keep KiviCare plugin updated for compatibility

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✅ VALIDATION COMPLETE: All technologies are compatible and ready for implementation
Next Phase: Create detailed implementation plan with Context7 MCP integration