PHP, a server-side language that has been around for more than 25 years, generates some strong opinions among developers today. Whenever a new programming language or tool emerges, you'll likely find a discussion on where PHP is 'dead'. It's true that according to Stack Overflow's annual developer survey, PHP has fallen in the ranking of the most popular programming languages, from 5th in 2017 to 8th in 2020. And yet, PHP is used by almost 80% of all websites, powering some major platforms like WordPress and Facebook. So what gives?
Why is PHP still so widely used?
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is known as a general-purpose scripting language that can be used to develop dynamic and interactive websites. It was one of the first server-side languages that could be embedded in HTML, making it easy to add functionality to web pages without calling external files for data. Its use has evolved over the years with regular upgrades (version 8.0 was released in November 2020), adding features and unlocking new capabilities.
It's easy to learn and use: PHP has become so common because it's relatively easy to get started. Even without extensive knowledge or experience in web development, most people can create a web page with a single PHP file in a relatively short period. The syntax is simple, and command functions are easy to learn, meaning the barrier to entry with PHP is lower than with many other languages. If you are a PHP Developer then you check out PHP interview questions and answers for Freshers.
It's open source (and therefore free!) and also helps developers get started with PHP - it can be installed quickly and at zero cost. There is also open access to many PHP frameworks, such as Laravel and Symfony. This feature is also attracting companies as it helps control web development costs.
It is versatile: One of the major advantages of PHP is that it is platform independent, meaning it can be used on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux and supports most web browsers. It also supports all major web servers, making it easy to deploy across various systems and platforms with minimal additional cost.
PHP has strong community support: As an experienced scripting language widely used, it now has a large and loyal community base. There are tons of tutorials, FAQs, and tips to help new PHP developers continue to push the boundaries of what the language can achieve with regular updates.
It is fast and secure: Every organization wants its website or application to be fast and secure. PHP uses its memory and competes well in speed, especially when using newer versions. While questions have been raised about PHP security in the past, it is important to note that it is not inherently more or less secure than other programming languages. A key advantage is that due to its widespread use and community support, there are now many tools, frameworks, and best practices to help address vulnerabilities and protect against cyber attacks.
It connects well with databases: PHP makes it easy to connect securely with almost any type of database. This gives developers more freedom when choosing which database is most suitable for the developed application.
It's tried and tested: A big advantage of being around for a quarter of a century is that PHP code has been tested in all real-life environments. Major bugs are found and fixed, making the language more stable and reliable for developers. Moreover, many frameworks and tools have been created over time, which help make PHP web development more secure, efficient, and effective.
Also read: 5 Benefits of Custom PHP Application Development
There's a lot of legacy code: OK, this isn't an advantage of using PHP, but it becomes an important consideration when so many existing websites are written with PHP. Simply put, it's usually easier to make updates in the same language rather than trying to rewrite everything in another language. This helps PHP survive even though some young developers have a personal preference for another language. This legacy effect means it's usually easy to find a PHP developer for your organization, although you'll want to ensure they have the right skills, as we've written about before on this blog.
PHP vs Other
Of course, some of the points we listed above can be applied to other programming languages. So here are some of the main PHP alternatives that will help you choose which one is best suited for your project or organization.
JavaScript: JavaScript remains the most popular programming language of them all and is almost as long as PHP. JavaScript is primarily a client-side language and therefore is not directly comparable to PHP. However, the rise of Node.js and other frameworks enables developers to write server-side scripts with JavaScript. Both languages have huge communities and are highly versatile, although only JavaScript allows full-stack development. On the other hand, PHP is easier to learn and maintain, so using it can reduce development costs.
Python: It is one of the most popular languages today, loved for its simplicity and flexibility. It has emerged as the number one choice for data science and AI, though it still lags far behind PHP in use for web development. Python has a rapidly growing community and an increasing number of frameworks and libraries - it is flexible. However, it does not yet provide the same database connectivity and support as PHP.
Ruby: Ruby is another open-source language that has been around since the 90s and is used in the popular web development framework 'Ruby on Rails'. It is praised for its elegant syntax and robust performance, although it is considered more complex to learn than PHP and does not have the same wide community support.
Ultimately, the language you choose will depend on what you're trying to build and what features you want to prioritize. Here at JobCity, our network of developers has a wide range of skills in different programming languages, so please get in touch if you'd like to see how they can benefit your organization!
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