Is PHP The Middle Child Of Web Development?

Have you ever been the coder who scoffed at PHP? The one who believed it was outdated and uncool? I was that coder once. I used to think that Python and JavaScript were the future, while PHP was a relic of the past. But then, I entered the real world of coding, where I worked on projects for actual businesses. And guess what? The numbers told a different story – PHP was everywhere, especially in the realm of small businesses. At Hybrid Web Agency, where I now work, PHP is the most in-demand language for our web projects.

So, I decided to be a rebel, just like PHP. While everyone was saying that PHP is dead, I wanted to explore why it's still holding its ground. What you're about to read is not clickbait; it's a long-overdue conversation. Let's spill the beans on why PHP endures, even when the cool kids look the other way. Plus, I'll share my secret recipe for choosing the right language for your projects – it's all about facts, not trends. Get ready for some eye-opening insights! 😉

What Makes PHP a Juggernaut?

In 2023, PHP commands a staggering 76.8% of websites worldwide. Yes, you read that correctly – nearly 4 out of 5 websites rely on PHP. And when it comes to content management systems, WordPress, built in PHP, reigns supreme with a whopping 60% market share.

But why does PHP persist? Well, its user-friendly nature is a significant factor. For beginners and small businesses entering the world of web development, PHP offers a gentle learning curve – no complex frameworks or dependencies are required. Just find a server that supports it, upload your PHP files, and you're good to go.

PHP also found its footing during the early days of the web, catering to startups hungry for rapid and cost-effective development. While other languages were targeting big enterprises, PHP democratized web development for the underdogs.

Once firmly established, technology becomes difficult to displace. Millions of PHP-powered websites exist, and migration would be a colossal undertaking. With such a vast PHP ecosystem, it remains a pragmatic choice for many.

Modern PHP (versions 5.6, 7.x, and 8.x) is no slouch. It's secure, scalable, and ready for enterprise-level applications. PHP 8, the latest iteration, brings even more power for handling complex systems.

Sure, other languages have their merits – Java, C#, Python, Ruby, JavaScript, Go – each with its niche. But PHP thrives in real-world scenarios, regardless of its elitist detractors.

Why the PHP Hate?

So, why does PHP face the wrath of developer disdain, even as it powers a significant portion of the web?

Much of the criticism stems from PHP's humble beginnings as a beginner-friendly language. Born in the '90s, its simplicity was intended to welcome newcomers to web development. However, this led to it being labeled as an "amateur" or "toy" language, a favorite target for tech purists.

Compare PHP's accessibility to languages like Java, C#, and Python, designed for complex enterprise-level tasks. The latter seemed like the choice of professionals. PHP critics often used it as a symbol of superiority – "I'd never touch PHP."

PHP's inconsistent syntax didn't do it any favors, with peculiarities that became fodder for ridicule. Tech enthusiasts reveled in bashing PHP as overhyped and mainstream. It became the cool, rebellious stance among coders to dismiss it.

However, behind the scenes, PHP was quietly evolving. The introduction of object-oriented features in PHP 5, the emergence of frameworks like Laravel, performance enhancements in PHP 7, and the enterprise-ready PHP 8 painted a different picture. Yet, first impressions tend to linger. PHP's early reputation as unsophisticated stuck with tech purists who were more focused on theory than real-world results.

In reality, no language is universally "better" or "worse." Each has its place. However, developers can be opinionated, and PHP's accessible roots made it an easy target for snobbery.

There's also another factor at play – the Boomer effect. Many Boomers who have been developers since the early days or have some knowledge of development tend to prefer PHP. In our company, which offers PHP development services in Marysville, a significant number of our clients who request Laravel or PHP projects are Boomers. This association further reinforces the idea that PHP is a relic of the past.

Choosing the Right Language

When it comes to selecting languages for your projects, how can you navigate through the hype and technical elitism to make the best choice?

• First, closely examine your specific goals, target audience, timeline, budget, and business requirements. Are you a small startup aiming to create an MVP quickly and affordably? Or are you an established enterprise with concerns about long-term scalability? Identify your constraints.

  
  

• Next, assess the ecosystem surrounding each language. For instance, while Ruby on Rails may offer elegance, there's a smaller pool of developers skilled in it, which could make hiring challenging. On the other hand, Java boasts a massive ecosystem but involves more ceremony with frameworks like Spring.

  
  

• Scrutinize the dependencies and tooling available as well. For example, JavaScript's npm package manager had a reputation for fragility, leading to "dependency hell" when packages broke. Languages with more oversight, like C#, sidestepped this issue.

  
  

• Additionally, consider hosting and deployment factors. PHP is straightforward to host almost anywhere, but deploying a complex Dockerized microservices application requires more orchestration.

  
  

• Legacy technology plays a role too. Rewriting an older PHP system into a trendy new stack may not be a worthwhile investment of resources. Enhancing it incrementally could be a smarter approach.

  
  

Don't underestimate the importance of language familiarity within your team. Leveraging existing skills can significantly boost productivity. A less popular language might have a steeper learning curve.

Furthermore, analyze usage statistics within your industry instead of focusing solely on general popularity. While Python may be trendy overall, for the types of applications you build, PHP or .NET may be more prevalent. Let real-world data guide your decisions.

Most importantly, don't let peer pressure influence your choice. Developers can become zealots for their preferred languages, often for emotional rather than practical reasons. Make a rational decision based on evidence.

Every language brings unique advantages suitable for specific use cases. The "best" choice depends on the context. For instance, while I appreciate Python's elegance, I often turn to PHP or JavaScript for web-based business applications due to their ubiquity.

Every technology has its downsides, but when used strategically, even imperfect tools can achieve remarkable results. Prioritize solving the business problem first, and then choose the language that pragmatically aligns with your objectives.

Don't Believe the Hype – Examine the Evidence

So, what can we learn from taking an honest look at PHP's enduring prominence in contrast to the hype surrounding trendier languages?

Focus on Statistics, Not Opinions:

Programming language discussions online can become highly divisive and tribal. Instead of getting caught up in zealotry, stay objective. Rely on hard data about usage and job demand to get the complete picture. Numbers don't lie.

Evaluate Tools in Context:

No language is universally the "best" or "worst." Each has its pros and cons, making it suitable for different purposes. Base your choices on your specific constraints and use cases, not abstract ideals.

Choose the Right Tool for the Job:

Given the same task, an artisan woodworker and a mechanical engineer would use very different tools. Similarly, different languages excel at specific jobs. Select what makes the most pragmatic sense.

Don't Reinvent the Wheel:

Before discarding legacy systems to chase trends, consider incremental improvement. It's often wiser to enhance existing, functioning code rather than undertake a complete rewrite.

Beware the Hype Cycle:

Developers are constantly chasing the next big thing. However, early-stage languages lack maturity and stability, and their pitfalls aren't fully understood. Proven languages have already weathered growth pains.

Stay Flexible:

Languages come and go, and frameworks rise and fall. Rigidly adhering to a narrow skillset leaves you vulnerable. Maintain proficiency across various languages and embrace ongoing learning.

Watch for Elitism:

Some developers disparage certain languages irrationally to appear sophisticated. However, a language's accessibility to beginners doesn't inherently make it bad. Judge tools solely by their utility.

Focus on Transferable Skills:

While syntax may differ, core concepts like logic and problem-solving transcend languages. Invest in honing these skills rather than fixating on a single language.

At the end of the day, no single language or technology can cover all use cases. As developers, we have a vast array of tools at our disposal, each with strengths suited to particular applications. Keep an open mind, prioritize business value, and let real data guide your technology choices. Hype may come and go, but good code stands the test of time. Peace! ✌

References:

PHP usage statistics: Source WordPress market share: Source

PHP versions: Sources

Latest PHP 8.2 features: Source

Laravel framework: Official Website

npm dependency issues: Source

JavaScript frameworks: Express.js

Web development basics: W3Schools