Why PHP is Still Relevant in Web Development

Today, let's dive into why we at ShoutEx still use PHP for some web development projects on the backend, and whether it's a good idea for you to learn it too.

Why PHP Still Matters in the Ever-Changing World of Programming

There are thousands of programming languages out there, each with its own strengths and quirks. But when it comes to building websites and web applications, only a handful really stand out. So, should you jump on the latest trend, or is it better to stick with something tried and true? Here’s why PHP, a language that’s been around for decades, still deserves your attention.

Our Web Development Stack: Why We Swear by LAMP

In web development, the tools you choose can make a huge difference. For us, the combination of Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP—commonly known as the LAMP stack—has been a game-changer. This setup isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about getting it done right.

PHP is the heart of our stack. It’s what powers the dynamic aspects of the websites and applications we build, especially when we’re working with WordPress or Laravel. These platforms are household names in web development, and they rely heavily on PHP to deliver performance, reliability, and flexibility. It’s open-source, integrates seamlessly with MySQL, and just works.

PHP’s Market Share: The Web’s Hidden Giant

Let’s talk numbers. PHP still powers about 70-80% of dynamic websites. That’s a huge slice of the internet pie. When you factor in that WordPress, which runs on PHP, powers over 40% of all websites, it’s clear that PHP isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

For SaaS companies and developers, this means PHP skills are always in demand. Whether you’re building a custom solution or maintaining an existing platform, knowing PHP gives you a leg up in a competitive market.

The Evolution of PHP: From Simple to Seriously Powerful

PHP has come a long way since it first hit the scene in the mid-90s. What started as a simple tool for creating dynamic web pages has grown into a full-fledged, modern programming language. The latest version, PHP 8.3, is faster, more efficient, and packed with features that make it easier to build complex web applications.

But what really sets PHP apart is its community. Over the years, developers from around the world have contributed to making PHP better, creating an ecosystem of resources, frameworks, and tools that make it easier to build with PHP. Sure, it’s not perfect—no language is—but with the community’s ongoing efforts, PHP continues to evolve and improve.

Use Case Specificity: PHP Knows What It’s Good At

Every programming language has its sweet spot. PHP isn’t designed for everything, and that’s okay. It’s not the best choice for game development or handling heavy computational tasks, but when it comes to building websites and web applications, PHP shines.

Its strength lies in server-side scripting, which is basically what makes websites dynamic and interactive. From simple blogs to complex e-commerce platforms, PHP is designed to handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes. It’s this focus that makes PHP so powerful in the web development space.

Learning PHP: Jump Right In

One of the best things about PHP is how easy it is to learn. If you’re just starting out in programming, PHP is a great place to begin. It’s straightforward, with a gentle learning curve that won’t leave you frustrated.

Plus, there’s no shortage of resources to help you along the way. From free tutorials on YouTube to in-depth courses on platforms like Udemy, you’ll find plenty of material to guide you, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge.

Security and Performance: Getting the Balance Right

Security is always a big deal in web development, and PHP sometimes gets a bad rap in this area. But here’s the thing: PHP can be just as secure as any other language, as long as you follow best practices.

Sanitizing inputs, using prepared statements to avoid SQL injection, and validating data are all essential steps to ensure your PHP applications are secure. And with each new version, PHP is getting faster, thanks to improvements like Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation in PHP 8. So, you don’t have to sacrifice performance for security—you can have both.

The Job Market: PHP Developers Are Always in Demand

If you’re looking for a career in web development, knowing PHP is a smart move. A quick search on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn will show you just how many companies are looking for PHP developers. From small startups to large enterprises, businesses rely on PHP to power their web platforms, which means there’s always demand for skilled developers.

The Future of PHP: It’s Not Going Anywhere

With all the new languages and frameworks popping up, you might wonder if PHP is on its way out. But the truth is, as long as there are websites, there will be PHP. It’s easy to use, has a massive community backing it, and powers a huge portion of the web. That makes it a safe bet for the future.

For SaaS companies, PHP is a reliable foundation for building web-based services. Its ongoing evolution means it can keep up with the demands of modern web development, making it a solid investment for the long haul.

Exploring Other Languages: Keep Learning, But Don’t Forget PHP

While PHP is our go-to for web development, we don’t ignore other languages. Learning new languages is a great way to broaden your skill set and keep your programming perspective fresh.

But here’s the thing—while it’s good to learn new things, it’s also important to remember that mastering a language like PHP can be incredibly rewarding, especially if web development is your focus. The demand for PHP isn’t going anywhere, so the time you invest in learning it will pay off.

Investing in PHP: Why It’s a Smart Move

If you’re on the fence about which programming language to learn next, PHP is a solid choice. It’s in demand, easy to learn, and has a strong community behind it. While languages like JavaScript and Python are also popular, PHP’s dominance in web development makes it a valuable skill to have.

For SaaS companies, investing in PHP expertise can give you a competitive edge. PHP’s flexibility and robustness make it ideal for building and scaling web applications, ensuring that your platform can grow as your business does.

Wrapping It Up: Why PHP Still Deserves Your Attention

In the fast-paced world of programming, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the latest language or framework. But sometimes, sticking with what works is the smartest move. PHP has proven its worth over the years, and it’s still one of the best choices for web development.

Whether you’re a startup founder building a SaaS platform or a developer looking to expand your skill set, PHP offers a reliable, versatile, and powerful toolset. It may not always be the flashiest option, but it’s a solid choice that’s stood the test of time.