Changes for PHP 8.4

[srjlewis]

trafficstars

[harikt]

This can go to 6.x , else we need to make sure the connect method is not removed or another alternate approach needed .

[frederikbosch]

@harikt and @koriym, move this one in?

[frederikbosch]

Thanks for the effort @srjlewis. I might have advocated my points strongly but I really appreciate the work.

[harikt]

I am ok with the changes. Thank you guys.