suPHP (Single User PHP) is a tool for web servers that changes how PHP scripts run. In simple terms, it makes your website more secure and gives you better control. Normally, on shared hosting, all PHP files might run under the same system user account. suPHP fixes this by making each script run under the specific user account that owns the website files.

This shift brings key advantages:

• Enhanced Security: Isolates your site from others on the same server. If another account is compromised, your files remain protected.
• Correct File Permissions: PHP scripts run with the permissions of the file owner. This prevents common errors like "Permission Denied" when scripts try to write files.
• Compatibility: Works well with scripts that require specific user permissions to function properly.

For you, this means:

Your website's PHP files (like those for WordPress, Joomla, or custom apps) will use permissions like 644 for files and 755 for folders. You might need to adjust these settings via your hosting control panel's File Manager or FTP client. If a script isn't working, checking and correcting file permissions is often the first troubleshooting step.

In summary, suPHP is a security-focused PHP handler that makes shared hosting safer and more reliable by ensuring scripts run with the correct user permissions. It's a feature that works in the background to protect your online presence.