PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) has been a mainstay of web development for more than 20 years. It was first released in 1995 and gained popularity quickly because of its ease of use, flexibility, and ability to integrate seamlessly into HTML. However, in 2024, with the digital landscape changing swiftly, is PHP still a viable option for developing web applications? This blog post will examine PHP's relevance in 2024 by reviewing its current features, strengths, weaknesses, and alternatives. We'll also review its use cases, security aspects, and prospects to help you decide if PHP is the best option for your next web development project.
The Traditional Debate:
In any online tech forum, you'll find passionate arguments defending PHP, often led by experts. So, why has this language continued to hold its own, even with stiff competition knocking on its door? Let's delve deeper and hear from those who have been waving the PHP flag high for years. Expert PHP developers often fondly recall their early days with the language and how it set them on their career path. But it's not just about nostalgia; these experts will quickly point out PHP's enduring qualities that make it as relevant as ever in today's digital age.
What Are the Reasons for Choosing PHP in 2024?
What Are the Arguments for Selecting PHP in 2024? While some argue that PHP is outdated, it's still relevant and easy to learn, with a large community, extensive documentation, and many valuable libraries. If our platforms were built today, we wouldn't use PHP for development. Here are ten reasons why we continue to use PHP:
1. Learning PHP Is easy
PHP is a highly interpreted language with easy-to-understand and expressive syntax. Strict typing, memory control, or compilation are not necessary. It also contains many built-in functions and features that make ordinary chores easier.
PHP has an official manual and many instructional videos and resources. It boasts a sizable and vibrant developer community eager to help and share expertise.
2. Security
Some people say that because PHP is open source, it is not safe enough. But the truth is that any computer language is vulnerable; it's just how they are used. The level of security depends on how skilled the developers are and how well the PHP programming services are done.
For example, one way to prevent security breaches is to provide software testing. Our Team already makes it an essential milestone for each job completed.
3. Compatible with multiple operating systems
Some of you can consider PHP the jack of all trades since it is compatible with various Operating Systems. To list them, PHP works with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Unix, and more. It also works with 20+ databases, including popular ones like MySQL and MongoDB.
4. Present PHP
- PHP has changed over the years to keep up with how web development needs and wants to change. The most recent version of PHP is 8.3, which came out on 23 November 2023. It adds new functions and makes improvements like
- You can set up a group of named values that can be used as a type through enums.
- These fibres are a way to do lightweight jobs that can run simultaneously and be stopped and started again.
- Read-only properties let you set class values that can't be changed after initializing the class.
- Intersection types: Combining various types into one using the & operator.
- It is a way to use the operator to break down arrays into function inputs or array literals.
- Attributes are a way to add information about classes, methods, properties, arguments, or functions using the syntax #[...].
These additions make PHP more flexible, powerful, easy to read, and keep up to date.
5.PHP is compatible
PHP works with a lot of different platforms. It can run on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Unix, and it works with most web servers, like Apache, Nginx, IIS, and Lighttpd. It's easy to install, and you can even run a portable server like XAMPP without installing it. PHP works with many web standards and protocols, like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, JSON, SOAP, REST, and OAuth. It can also work with other languages and technologies by adding extensions or libraries.
6. A System of frameworks:
PHP isn't just a single act; it's backed by an ensemble of star frameworks that have furthered its renown in the digital realm. Consider PHP as the solid main trunk of a tree, with its frameworks serving as its sturdy branches, each providing unique benefits and meeting distinct requirements.
Laravel comes first. Because of its sophisticated syntax and wealth of capabilities, Laravel would probably be the lead guitarist in a PHP rock band. For many people thinking about current PHP development, Laravel comes first. Its sophisticated features, such as Eloquent ORM and built-in authentication, routing, and caching functionalities, make it a developer darling. Furthermore, the active Laravel community can provide help, advice, and plugins.
Next in line is Symfony. This framework, highly recommended for entrepreneurs, is solid and adaptable, much like the experienced lead singer of the PHP band. Many parts of Symfony are used by systems such as Drupal. Its deep sense of control, which enables developers to create everything from simple web apps to complex enterprise-level applications, makes it appealing. Symfony guarantees developers a wealth of tools because of its dedication to reusable PHP libraries. Furthermore, business-minded people use this framework to support their endeavours due to its scalability and adaptability.
Of course, this PHP family band consists of more people. With its compact size, CodeIgniter is comparable to a quick drummer who sets the beat for light and fast apps. Zend, the bassist, offers depth with its object-oriented features. Then there's Phalcon, a speed demon optimized for performance and built as a C-extension of PHP.
When combined, these frameworks demonstrate PHP's versatility. They ensure PHP is not just stuck in the past but is constantly changing and transforming the web development scene in new and exciting ways. Therefore, keep in mind that when you think of PHP, you're getting not just a language but also a whole family of stable frameworks that may meet every need related to web development.
7. CMS dominance:
It is easier to discuss PHP by mentioning its unshakeable relationship to the three dominant Content Management Systems (WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal). These CMSs are as integral, iconic, and foundational to PHP as the Big Three automakers are to Detroit; with over 65.1% of the global CMS web market held by WordPress alone and significant portions held by Joomla and Drupal as well, these CMSs act as PHP's advocates, making sure the language is not only used but also dominant. And it's not just about numbers either—these platforms are communities unto themselves, encouraging plugin development and themes. And WordPress celebrated its 20th birthday last year (a little late!). Some may argue that, rather than becoming an adult, WordPress has already become an older man, but that's not precisely true—with regular updates, major versions released every few years, and a packed roadmap—it's far from retirement.
8.PHP is famous:
PHP's usage share has been stable over the past year despite competition from other programming languages. It is also the most popular programming language, according to a statistical analysis that predicts it will hold a 49.47% market share in 2023. PHP developers are satisfied with their choice of language and are likely to continue using it. According to W3Techs, PHP is used by around 79% of all websites. This makes it eight times more popular than ASP.NET, its nearest rival in server-side programming languages.
9. Assistance with restful APIs
PHP's ability to swiftly construct and consume RESTful APIs makes it a strong choice for modern web applications that need to interface with other services and apps. Libraries and frameworks like Guzzle and Laravel enable even simpler API access.
Supports the development of scalable, reliable apps with communication capabilities to enhance functionality and user experience.
10.PHP Is adaptable
PHP gives developers the freedom to select their code conventions and styles. It does not impose any rigid guidelines or requirements on the format or writing of the code. Furthermore, it has no restrictions on the kinds of tools or frameworks that can be used with it.
A diverse range of frameworks for PHP are available, offering various features and functionalities for web development. Laravel, Symfony, CodeIgniter, CakePHP, Zend Framework, Yii, Slim, Phalcon, and Lumen are a few of the most widely used ones.
These frameworks offer capabilities like routing, templating, validation, authentication, authorization, testing, caching, logging, and more to make creating applications faster and easier for developers.
Conclusion
In 2024, PHP will still be a competitive option for developing online applications, particularly for those who play to its advantages. Its affordability, broad ecosystem, ease of use, and cross-platform compatibility make it a good option for numerous use cases.
But it's crucial to balance PHP's advantages over disadvantages and consider your project's needs. Alternatives like Node.js, Python, or Go might be more appropriate for real-time processing, high-performance applications, or cutting-edge development trends.
But it's crucial to balance PHP's advantages over disadvantages and consider your project's needs. Alternatives like Node.js, Python, or Go might be more appropriate for real-time processing, high-performance applications, or cutting-edge development trends.
PHP is a programming language that will undoubtedly be useful for creating fantastic online apps in 2024. With the correct methodology and best practices, PHP can still power dependable, scalable, and secure web applications in 2024 and beyond.
This article was published to answer a very common question from a fair percentage of our clientele: "Is PHP outdated?".
The short answer is "No, it is not".
Hexadesigns is dedicated to creating customized websites and web applications that drive business success. We are committed to delivering high-quality, impactful designs that elevate your online presence. Contact us today to take your digital presence to the next level.
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