Drupal: Change PHP Version to 5.3 on Hostgator shared hosting

On Hostgator, if you are using a shared hosting and your default PHP is set to 5.2.x then you can use PHP 5.3 by copying the code below

 AddType application/x-httpd-php53 .php 

and adding it on the first part of your .htaccess file. Take a look at the example below.

#
# Apache/PHP/Drupal settings:
#
AddType application/x-httpd-php53 .php

# Protect files and directories from prying eyes. 

After you add the code, you can now check your PHP version by logging-in to your website and going to Reports -> Status report -> then look for PHP.