For the past twenty years, there have been claims about the imminent demise of PHP, yet around 75% of websites worldwide still operate on this language. None of the numerous alternative technologies that have emerged over the years has managed to reach even a comparable level of popularity.
So why do people continue to predict the end of PHP, while it keeps thriving? Albert Stepantsev, a team lead and partner at ITQuick who has been working with PHP for two decades, shared his thoughts on why this programming language continues to hold its ground.
Origins of Bias Against PHP
One of the most common opinions is that PHP is a simple programming language meant only for beginners, which should be left behind in favor of more complex languages. However, this view does not take into account all the capabilities and power of PHP.
Indeed, PHP offers straightforward syntax, making it an excellent choice for beginners. This allows for quick code writing and the creation of functional web applications. But this does not mean that PHP is limited to basic tasks. In reality, it can be used to create complex and scalable applications. It boasts a well-developed ecosystem of tools and frameworks that enable the implementation of various projects, including large management systems, analytics, and forecasting.
Advantages of Sequential Learning
One unique feature of PHP is its sequential learning approach. For instance, to write “2+2” in Java, students first need to write a class, which requires an understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts. This creates an inconsistent learning curve: to understand simple things, you first need to learn complex ones. Methodologically, this is not optimal.
In PHP, to write “2+2,” you literally just write “2+2.” The principle “Easy to learn — hard to master” is one of PHP’s key advantages. The ability to learn quickly allows developers to swiftly enter the development process, while the rich functionality and flexibility of the language open up wide possibilities for solving complex tasks. Historically, PHP started as a lightweight tool for creating home pages but has grown into a mature and multifunctional tool for web development.
An example is a huge wholesale auto parts trading system created entirely in PHP. It includes warehouse management, inventory forecasting, sales management, and other functions. Additionally, a maritime shipping forecasting system was developed in PHP, allowing ship owners to model operations a year in advance — planning routes, loading and unloading points, and calculating potential profits.
Will There Be a Replacement for PHP?
Go, developed within Google, is initially positioned as a language for creating fast and reliable microservices and working with distributed systems. It has an excellent set of tools and high performance, making it an attractive choice for certain tasks. However, PHP and Go have different philosophies and sets of capabilities, so they should not be considered direct replacements for each other.
PHP remains an important tool in the arsenal of web developers due to its ease of learning and powerful capabilities. Despite criticism and the emergence of new technologies, it continues to be in demand because of its flexibility and wide range of applications.