PHP's Battle With Relevancy
I'm going to start a new post series every Monday, talking about something in the eCom space - related to B2B, code, B2C, shipping, AI and more. Follow me to stay up to date! Here is the first post, targeted at the language that everyone says will be gone..
?? The Resilience of PHP: A Journey Through the Highs and Lows
Despite the recent rankings in the TIOBE index where PHP has fallen to its lowest position ever, at #17, it’s essential to remember the enduring impact and resilience of this pioneering language. 77% of websites in 2024 still use PHP! (https://w3techs.com/technologies/details/pl-php)
?? A Brief History of PHP
PHP, which stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, was created in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf. Originally designed to manage personal web pages, it quickly evolved into a tool for dynamic web development. By the early 2000s, PHP was a cornerstone of web development, empowering developers to create interactive and dynamic websites efficiently.
?? PHP's Peak Popularity
Between 2006 and 2010, PHP enjoyed its golden era, often ranking in the top 3 of the TIOBE index. Its popularity was fueled by its simplicity and effectiveness in web development, alongside the rise of powerful platforms like WordPress, which is built predominantly in PHP.
?? Facing the Challenges
As new technologies and frameworks such as Ruby on Rails, Django, and React emerged, PHP faced stiff competition. Despite this, PHP has continually evolved, addressing security concerns and enhancing its capabilities, demonstrating its adaptability and the community’s commitment to maintaining its relevance.
?? Why PHP Remains Crucial
PHP runs a significant portion of the web. WordPress, which powers over 40% of all websites, relies on PHP. This extensive usage underlines PHP’s critical role in the internet's infrastructure and its accessibility for developers, making it a go-to language for many small and medium-sized enterprise projects.
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?? Resilience in Numbers
Interestingly, PHP ranks #7 on the Pypl Popularity of Programming Language Index, based on the frequency of searches for language tutorials. This suggests a continued interest and relevance, especially among newcomers and those involved in ongoing projects.
?? The Cycle of Technology Trends
Like many technologies, PHP has seen fluctuations in its popularity. However, it’s crucial to note that while newer languages and frameworks gain attention, foundational technologies like PHP continue to support vast segments of the digital ecosystem.
?? Conclusion
PHP's journey is a testament to the dynamic nature of programming languages and technology. Its ability to adapt and reinvent itself, maintaining a solid user base, speaks volumes about its importance. Let's appreciate the resilience of PHP and its community. The language’s glory days may have shifted, but its impact and utility continue to resonate across millions of websites worldwide.
Are you using PHP? It's likely that you are. Do you agree or disagree with these thoughts?
Read more about PHP and it's struggles here - https://www.oyova.com/blog/is-php-still-relevant/ ; https://developers.slashdot.org/story/24/04/14/1413227/is-php-declining-in-popularity
#PHP #WebDevelopment #Programming #TechnologyTrends #SoftwareDevelopment