What is PHP for Web Development and Why Should You Use It?

PHP is a server-side scripting language embedded in HTML in its simplest form. PHP allows web developers to create dynamic content and interact with databases. 

PHP is known for its simplicity, speed, and flexibility — features that have made it a cornerstone in the web development world.

You should choose PHP for your website, eCommerce marketplace, or application if you want a language that is:

• Flexible
• Compatible
• Scalable
• Secure
• High-Performing
• Affordable
• Well-Supported
• Easy to Maintain
• Easy to Find Developers

PHP is

A Scripting Language: Scripting languages are interpreted by another program at runtime (no need for compilation). Scripting languages can be interpreted server-side or client-side (in the browser).

Server-Side: PHP is a server-side scripting language processed by a PHP interpreter on a web server; the result (the output) is sent to the web browser as plain HTML.

Open-Source: PHP is freely available to download and use.

Object-Oriented: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) leverages the concept of “objects” to contain data and functions to help build more complex, reusable web applications. OOP was added to PHP5.

Fast: PHP uses its memory, minimizing server workload and increasing performance. PHP can be up to 382% faster than Python and 195% faster than Ruby.

Simple: The PHP syntax is easily understood and learned, whether you’re building from scratch or leveraging existing frameworks or add-ons.

Well Supported: PHP supports all leading databases (MySQL, SQLite, ODBC) and is compatible with most servers (Apache, IIS, etc.). It is portable across all platforms (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, etc., and can be further supported by PHP frameworks (Laravel, CodeIgniter, Symfony) and many well-stocked and vetted libraries.