Composer uses the wrong PHP version

Symptoms

When running the php command, the php-cli wrapper picks up the PHP version that is configured in the working directory through the .htaccess file. When running composer, the system default is used instead:

# grep AddHandler .htaccess
AddHandler application/x-httpd-ea-php74 .php .php7 .phtml
# composer diagnose
...
PHP version: 7.0.33

Cause

This issue is caused by Composer using /opt/cpanel/composer/bin as its working directory.

Resolution

Use SCL or call the full path to the binaries involved.

Warning: Replace ea-php74 with the PHP version you are using.

# scl enable ea-php74 'composer diagnose'

# /opt/cpanel/ea-php71/root/usr/bin/php /opt/cpanel/composer/bin/composer diagnose

# ea-php74 /opt/cpanel/composer/bin/composer diagnose

Additional Resources

Troubleshoot Composer

Composer Has No Output