The server-side language PHP has been around for more than 25 years. Nevertheless stirs up some strong feelings in the minds of developers. You’ll undoubtedly discover a conversation about where PHP is “dead” whenever a new programming language or technology introduces. According to the Stack Overflow annual developer survey. PHP has fallen from fifth place in 2017 to eighth place in 2020 in the list of the most popular programming languages. Nevertheless, PHP still utilizes around 80% of websites, including several huge platforms like Facebook and WordPress. What gives, then?
Why PHP Still Uses So Much?
A general-purpose programming language known as PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) can use to create dynamic and interactive webpages. It was one of the first server-side languages that HTML could incorporate, making it simpler to add functionality without having to call outside files for information. Its use has changed over time as a result of frequent updates (version 8.0 released in November 2020) that unlock new features.
Despite not being the most attractive language these days. PHP nevertheless plays a crucial role in web development for the reasons listed below.
It’s simple to learn and use
The ease of getting started with PHP is one of the key reasons it has become so widely used. Most people could quickly and easily create a web page using a single PHP file. Even without extensive knowledge or experience in web programming. The entrance hurdles to PHP are lower than with many other languages because of its straightforward syntax and quick learning curve for command functions.
It is free since it is open source
This makes it easier for developers to start using PHP because it can be swiftly and cost-freely installed. A large selection of PHP frameworks, including Laravel and Symfony, are also accessible freely. Companies find this feature intriguing since it lowers the cost of web development.
It’s adaptable: One of PHP’s main advantages is that it is platform-independent. Supporting the majority of web browsers and running on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. Additionally, it works with all the popular web servers, making it simple and inexpensive to deploy on various platforms and systems.
Strong community support is present for it
With its long history and widespread use, PHP today has a sizable and devoted community to back it up. To assist new PHP developers and to keep the language’s capabilities from plateauing, there are a ton of tutorials, FAQs, and tips available.
It is quick and safe
Every company wants its website or application to be both quick and safe. When using the most recent versions, PHP uses its own memory and performs well in terms of speed. Although it is crucial to highlight that PHP is neither intrinsically more or less secure than other programming languages, there have previously been concerns regarding its security. One significant advantage is that there are now numerous tools, frameworks, and best practices available to assist repair vulnerabilities and defending against cyberattacks as a result of its extensive use and community support.
It has good database connections because PHP makes it simple to establish secure connections with practically any type of database. This provides programmers more leeway when deciding which database will work best for the application they are creating.
It’s been tried and true
One significant advantage of being around for 25 years is that PHP code has been tested in a variety of real-world settings. The language is now more reliable and trusts developers because the major issues have been identified and fixed. Additionally, other frameworks and tools have been developed over time, making PHP web development safer, faster, and more productive.
Lots of legacy code exists
Although this isn’t actually a benefit of adopting PHP in and of itself, the fact that so many websites already exist created with PHP makes it a crucial factor to take into account. Simply said, it is typically simpler to make improvements in the original language rather than attempting to rebuild everything. This makes PHP more resilient in the face of possible personal preferences for other languages among some younger engineers. The legacy effect also makes it generally simpler to find a PHP developer for your company, though as we’ve previously mentioned on this site, you should make sure they have the necessary qualifications.
PHP versus Other
Naturally, several of the things we’ve mentioned here might also use with other programming languages. Here are just a few of the most popular PHP alternatives to help you decide which is ideal for your project or business.
- Since it has been around for almost as long as PHP, JavaScript continues to the most widely use programming language. JavaScript is largely a client-side language, therefore it cannot directly compare to PHP. However, with the emergence of Node.js and other frameworks, JavaScript developers are now able to create server-side scripts. Both languages are quite popular and adaptable, but only JavaScript supports full-stack development. However, because PHP is simpler to understand and maintain, using it might result in lower development expenses.
- Python is one of the most widely use languages right now, and people adore it for its ease of use and adaptability. It has become the top choice for data science and AI, but it is still significantly less popular than PHP for web development. Although it is flexible and has a rapidly expanding community, Python does not yet offer the same level of database connectivity and support as PHP.
- Ruby: Ruby, another open-source language from the 1990s, is a key component of the well-known web development framework known as “Ruby on Rails.” Although it recognizes for its clean syntax and reliable performance, it is seen to be harder to learn than PHP and does not have as much community support.
What you’re aiming to produce and the features you want to emphasize will ultimately determine the language you use. Please get in contact if you’d like to learn more about how the developers in our network at LadiTech help your company.
