There was a time when PHP would clear-cut win the title for server-side scripting, whereas JavaScript would be deemed more effective for client-side scripting. But now, with the ever-growing popularity of the Node.js framework, many are moving towards using JavaScript, even for server-side scripting.
JavaScript quickly gained popularity to become one of the most used programming languages since the past few years when they introduced backend development too, along with the frontend capabilities. This is when the JavaScript and PHP discourse really began to heat up. Let’s learn some basic differences and similarities between PHP and JavaScript to gain a better understanding of which one of the two deserves to win the backend winner title.
What Made JavaScript Gain This Seemingly Never-Ending Popularity?
JavaScript has always been fairly popular for client-side web development, but today LinkedIn, Amazon, Tumblr, Netflix, and several other companies have started using Node.js, which was introduced by JavaScript in 2009. This made it a full-stack language which put subtle pressure on the previously reigning languages such as PHP. Today over 93% of websites use JavaScript. However, there are several other reasons due to which companies choose JavaScript over PHP.
#1- It can be combined with XML, HTML, AJAX, and other multiple languages and comes with various state-of-the-art frameworks. PHP, on the other hand, can only integrate well with HTML.
#2- In most cases, JavaScript outperforms PHP in terms of speed. Node.js has an asynchronous nature which allows the entire code to run through without any lags.
#3- If a developer is just well-versed in JavaScript, they can develop a full-fledged app without having to learn separate frontend and backend frameworks because it offers greater universality than most other languages.
#4- Since it has vast support for various architectures and frameworks, it’s a lot more cloud-friendly and allows better usage of the microservices architecture.
Why is PHP Still An In-Demand Backend Language?
#1- PHP is incredibly flexible as it can be used in tandem with multiple languages. This enriches software solutions as it enables the developers to code each feature in the language most optimal for it. Besides code flexibility, PHP offers matchless configuration flexibility too and is lauded for its flexible data connectivity because it can connect to a wide variety of databases, such as Apache, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.
#2- PHP is relatively more cost-efficient to use because it’s an open-source language. From related databases to software licenses, there are hardly any expenses involved because most of the open-source development tools are available free of cost. This is why most SMEs and startups with limited budgets prefer using PHP over JavaScript.
#3- PHP runs seamlessly and is compatible with most operating systems, such as macOS, Linux, PHP, and more. It can also integrate well with various software, which leads to reduced effort and time.
#4- PHP stands out for its ease of learning and use, compatibility with cloud services, efficient performance, high scalability, multi-threading, and more.
JavaScript or PHP: Which Language To Choose For Backend?
JavaScript is a more suitable option for large-scale projects, such as 3D gaming, IoT products, VR/AR projects, and so on. PHP is the go-to option for most companies dealing with content management systems, learning management systems, blogs, and e-commerce websites. It’s also better to choose PHP if the software application requires a higher security level, as it’s not visible in the browser, which makes it more secure. However, many prefer using both in conjunction to leverage the power of these both highly useful languages.
If you’re still unsure about which one to use for your project, reach out to professionals at Satya Infotech. We have an experienced team of professionals that can connect you with reliable offshore software developers to help your businesses navigate a more straightforward path to growth while leveraging the latest technological advancements and improved standards.
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