PHP vs. Other Open Source Technologies - Which is better?

by Steve Nellon Software Developer

As a powerful server-side scripting language, PHP is widely used by developers across the world to build robust and secure web applications. Many developers even use PHP as a general –purpose programming language to develop conventional software applications rapidly. Each web programmer has option to choose from a variety of open source server-side scripting languages including Ruby and Python. But each of these web programming languages has its own shortcomings. That is why; most web developers opt for PHP to overcome the limitations of other open source technologies.

Using PHP to Overcome the Shortcomings of Other Open Source Technologies

Easy to Learn

Unlike other open source technologies, PHP is simple and easy-to-learn. So a programmer can learn the language, and start using it without putting any extra time and effort. As PHP is a syntax based language, any developer familiar in C and Perl can easily master the language. He can further use the logical syntax and command function to describe a particular task without writing any lengthy code. Also, PHP code can be embedded seamlessly in the HTML source code.

Supports Major Platforms, Web Servers and Databases

Despite being open source, PHP can run on a variety of operating systems like Widows, UNIX, Mac OS and Linux. It also supports major web servers like Microsoft IIS, Apache, iPlanet server, Personal Webserver and Netscape. The PHP developer can further integrate the application will some of the widely used databases including MySQL, SQLite, dBase, FrontBase, InterBase, ODBC and IBM DB2. Thus, the PHP application can be integrated seamlessly with other technologies, while reusing the existing software components.

Short Time to Market

As a highly scalable technology, PHP makes it easier for programmers to quickly write the code, and create reliable application that can effectively serve multiple web pages. Further, the fast data processing feature makes it easier for developer to build data-driven web applications. The complex applications can also be implemented within a shorter span of time. Thus, an enterprise can always opt for PHP to beat competition by reducing the time to market. Also, the features will help businesses in curtailing the overall cost of the web application development project.

Effective in Designing High-Traffic Websites

Since its inception, PHP has been used to create a wide variety of websites and internet applications. The technology is also being used by some of the very widely visited websites like Facebook, Twitter and Wikipedia. PHP is also used to build some of the widely used content management systems (CMSs). As PHP is a server side scripting language, it can be used effectively as an alternative for other CGI programs. The PHP frameworks further make it easier for developers to build and maintain the widely visited websites without putting any extra effort.

Enhanced Flexibility

In comparison to other programming languages, PHP is considered to be more flexible. The developer can avail the flexibility to create and update web applications without putting any extra effort. The frequent changes in use choices make the features and functionality of the application change throughout the lifetime of the project. As PHP allows developers to incorporate changes even after the commencing the development, the web application launch schedule remains unaffected.

Option to Use PHP Frameworks

A developer can further save time by using PHP frameworks. He also has option to choose from several open source and commercial frameworks including CakePHP, Symfony, Yii, CodeIgniter and Zend. In addition to saving developers’ time, the frameworks further make it easier to reuse the code, access API services and create plugins. As these frameworks follow design patterns, the programmers can further keep their code clean and organized. Some of these frameworks even come with SEO capabilities that make it easier for businesses to promote their web applications through major online search engines.

The PHP group has already shared the timeline for the release of upcoming versions of PHP. So a developer can always use the most recent version of the server-side scripting language to take advantages on new features and enhanced capabilities. You can get in touch with a php application development company who can help you develop web apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

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