As we gear up for 2025, one question continues to echo through the halls of programming forums: Is PHP still relevant? Often regarded as the most trolled language on the internet, PHP has seen its fair share of criticism. However, I have a soft spot for PHP because it’s where my journey as a developer began. I made my first money thanks to PHP, and I still find myself using it in various projects today. So, let’s dive into the world of PHP and see if it’s still worthy of our love (or at least a casual fling) in 2025!
The Market Share and Use Cases of PHP Today
Despite what the trolls might say, PHP is not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, over 75.7% of websites use PHP for server-side programming, including giants like Facebook, Wikipedia, and WordPress. Talk about a legacy! PHP remains a dominant force in web development, especially for Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress and Joomla. If you’re looking to build or maintain CMS-based projects, PHP is still your best buddy.
The Evolution of PHP
The latest versions of PHP (8.x and beyond) have introduced significant enhancements that make it more competitive than ever. With features like Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation and improved performance metrics, PHP is shedding its “legacy” image faster than you can say “syntax error.” These updates not only boost execution speeds but also provide cleaner syntax and new debugging tools, making it feel like you’re coding with a shiny new toy!
Is PHP a Good Choice for Projects in 2025?
Well, that depends on your project needs. If you’re developing CMS-based applications or maintaining existing systems, learning or continuing to use PHP is a wise choice. However, if your ambitions include becoming a full-stack developer, you might want to add JavaScript or Python to your toolkit as well. Think of it as expanding your culinary skills, why settle for just mastering pasta when you can also whip up a mean curry?
Companies Still Using PHP
Many companies are still heavily invested in PHP due to their existing codebases. Migrating away from PHP can be more painful than stepping on a LEGO brick! Notable figures like Taylor Otwell, the creator of Laravel (a popular PHP framework), continue to thrive in the PHP ecosystem while making a whole lot of money doing what they love. If he can do it, so can you!
Modern Development Tools
Utilizing modern development tools like ServBay can elevate your PHP experience to new heights. ServBay supports the latest versions of PHP, offers SSL certificate support, and provides various extensions to ensure safety and efficiency in your development process. It’s like giving your old trusty bicycle an electric motor; suddenly, you’re zooming past everyone!
Conclusion
Looking ahead to 2025, PHP remains an indispensable player in web development, especially for CMS development and maintaining legacy systems. While it’s beneficial to learn languages like JavaScript and Python for broader career options, mastering PHP alongside front-end skills will enhance your competitiveness in the job market.
In summary, don’t count out PHP just yet! With modern frameworks like Laravel and tools like ServBay at your disposal, PHP is evolving and adapting to meet the demands of today’s developers. So whether you're just starting out or looking to maintain existing projects, there’s still plenty of love left for this old friend.