What Is PHP Used For? PHP Uses and Applications

PHP (Hypertext PreProcessor) is one of the most widely used server-side scripting languages. Its versatility and adaptability allow developers to utilize it for various use cases, including dynamic content and database interactions. Since the Internet remains the leading framework for businesses, web development projects, including those created with PHP, will be relevant for many years.

This article reveals a variety of use cases and applications of the PHP coding language.

Learn more about this popular language, starting with a brief explanation of PHP and its capabilities. 

Overview of PHP

PHP is a popular server-side scripting language for developing dynamic websites and applications. This language was created in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf. Initially, the abbreviation PHP meant “personal home page.” But this software development language constantly evolves. Now PHP stands for “Hypertext PreProcessor.”

PHP is a general-purpose, open-source, object-oriented programming language. It is widely used for web applications, e-commerce solutions, content management systems (CMS), web servers, APIs, and other applications. 

Key features and advantages of PHP include: 

• Scripting Language: Scripting languages like PHP don’t require compilation and are interpreted at runtime. They can be interpreted via the server side;
• Server-Side: A PHP interpreter can process a PHP script on a web server. The output will then be sent to the web browser as HTML;
• Object-Oriented: Object-oriented programming (OOP) deals with the concept of “objects” that contain data and functions that assist in building complex and reusable web applications. Developers use OOP principles starting from PHP5;
• Embedded with HTML: Programmers can embed PHP code directly into web pages because of seamless integration with HTML. For instance, when a user requests a web page, the server processes the PHP code before submitting the page to the visitor’s browser;
• Seamless Database Integration: PHP supports database systems like Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, ODBC, and MongoDB. It has several built-in extensions and functions that streamline connection to databases and SQL query execution;
• Open-Source: PHP is free to download and use;
• Widely Supported: Apart from database integration, PHP supports a considerable number of integrations in the form of extensions and a large number of free third-party libraries. A huge number of high-level frameworks have been implemented for PHP to simplify the writing of large and complex applications, such as Symfony, Laravel, Codelgniter, and an extensive list of libraries;
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: PHP is compatible with Windows, Linux, and MacOS operating systems.

Common Uses of PHP

PHP’s evolution led to broader use cases in various software development domains. You can learn about the most common ones below.

Web Development

PHP enables the creation of dynamic website content tailored to site visitors’ requests, like personalized information, real-time data, and interactive elements.

 Handling form data, such as registration, logging in, form submission, search queries, and user content creation, is another PHP ability that allows users to interact with others. Session management and cookies help users with smooth authentication and personalized user experience across PHP websites. A secure environment enables managing user interactions and maintaining session data.

The dynamically generated content, form submissions, and security features are valuable PHP functionalities that ensure excellent user experience with e-commerce, FinTech, and other websites.

Content Management Systems (CMS)

PHP is a popular tool for building content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. CMS platforms assist in dynamic content creation, managing website content, user authentication, and database integration. Search capabilities enable easy storage, retrieval, and content display within CMS. 

Developers can customize and improve CMS platforms using versatile and extendable themes and plugins. As a result, users can easily create and manage their web pages even without considerable technical background.

Web Applications

PHP programming language is a staple for web app development, providing a versatile and robust base for developing dynamic, interactive, and scalable applications. Developers harness PHP to create various web-based solutions.

PHP remains a top choice, improving web services for many well-known web hosting companies, including SiteGround, BlueHost, and WhoGoHost.

Other famous examples of using PHP to build dynamic websites are Facebook and Slack. 

Database Interaction

Integrating databases in web development is pivotal because it enables storing, retrieving, and managing significant amounts of data. By developing seamless database interactions, programmers can create web apps with dynamic content, perform complex calculations, and assist in decision-making based on users’ input data.

PHP helps developers with the tools necessary for successful database integration. It supports robust database systems such as MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MongoDB, and others. 

PHP has built-in functions that simplify work with databases, enabling data storage and dynamic content management. This language facilitates CRUD or Create, Read, Update, and Delete operations. They allow seamless database interactions for site visitors:

• ‘Create’ operations means processing users’ input via web forms into the database. Users can submit information, comments, or sign-ups stored in the database;
• The Read operation implies data fetching from the database and showing it via the user interface based on specific user queries;
• Update operations allow users to modify data that already exists in the database. These operations help site visitors to edit their website profiles easily;
• The Delete operation enables users to remove their specific data from the database. 

Server-Side Scripting

Server-side scripting implies code execution on a web server to create dynamic content displayed in the user’s browser. Server-side scripts process data and interact with databases. They perform specific operations on the server before the end-user observes the final output.

PHP seamlessly integrates with HTML, allowing developers to implement PHP code directly into web pages. After the user’s page request, the server executes the PHP code before sending the HTML output to the user’s browser. This PHP ability is the basis for generating dynamic, personalized web content and using interactive features on the website. For instance, web applications may utilize server-side scripting to retrieve data from databases and create dynamic content based on that data. 

Dynamic web pages are more engaging and provide a personalized user experience than most static web pages that display the same information to all users.

PHP is ideal for server-side scripting because of its versatility, flexibility, and extensive community support. 

Command Line Scripting

The process when you write and execute script on a command-line interface (CLI) or terminal, commonly within a shell environment, is called command-line scripting. If server-side scripting is executed on a web server responding to user requests, command lines script, in turn, is performed directly on the server or the user’s machine without involving a browser or a web server.

PHP enables both command-line scripting and server-side scripting. To execute a PHP script on the command line, developers can use the PHP command followed by the PHP file name. For instance, if you create a script named my_new_script.php, you can execute it on the command line using PHP my_new_script.php.

Command line scripting applies to Windows Task Scheduler and Linux’s cron. This feature allows simple text processing, managing systems operations, and automating repetitive tasks. 

Building APIs

Developers use PHP to create RESTful APIs. REST stands for REpresentational State Transfer, while API is an application programming interface. RESTful APIs provide similar communication between different software systems. APIs are essential to mobile and web app development, ensuring smooth interactions with server-side functionalities. 

PHP helps handle data requests and responses efficiently, allowing speedy data exchange between clients and servers. 

Services and web platforms that want to integrate with other applications use APIs created with PHP. Then, developers integrate application programming interfaces with other systems for seamless communication.

Frameworks

PHP offers reliable integration with frameworks like Symfony, Laravel, Codelgniter, and more. So, developers can tap into standardized practices and efficient tools. These frameworks provide programmers with pre-built tools and components for quick, efficient, and scalable web development of dynamic web applications. For example, they can easily handle web development tasks, ensure better code organization, manage PHP files, and implement various design patterns on web servers.

Developers who use Symfony can choose and combine components on demand, maintaining flexibility and modularity. These abilities can help work with numerous PHP scripts in large web applications.

Laravel has elegant and expressive syntax and provides many built-in instruments like authentication, routing, and database management. Programmers can easily streamline the performance of any PHP web page and organize their PHP files.

Codeligniter has become an excellent choice for small and medium-sized projects because of its performance, simplicity, and seamless work with multiple PHP files.

These and other web frameworks assist PHP developers in creating complex web apps faster than usual, designing high-quality graphic user interfaces (GUI), and maintaining a better source code organization.

Advantages of Using PHP

Every programming language has specific advantages and disadvantages. The utilization of PHP provides developers with particular benefits. You can discover them below: 

• Simplicity and Ease of Use: The straightforward syntax and structure of PHP, which resembles C and Java, is user-friendly, especially for beginners. The ease of setup, built-in functions, and simplicity make this language an accessible choice for novices;
• Flexibility: PHP can handle various tasks, from easy scripts to large web applications. Seamless integration with numerous databases, web platforms, and servers provides programmers with different tools for building a variety of web systems;
• Abundant Community and Support: The significant longevity of PHP results in an extensive and vibrant community of developers, contributors, and enthusiasts. Considerable community, in turn, implies a variety of resources, including tutorials, documentation, libraries, and forums that help in overcoming coding challenges;
• Cost-Effective: PHP is open-source, which means it is free. So, your development team saves costs on the web solutions creation of different complexity levels; 
• Performance: Due to its object-oriented nature and multiple features, including Just-in-time (JIT) compilation in the latest update, PHP enables faster performance and loading time compared to other web development technologies. As a result, the user experience improves, your website’s bounce rates are reduced, and the speedy loading time improves SEO ranking and attracts more traffic to your site;
• Security: Built-in security functionalities and best practices include SQL injection prevention, cross-site scripting (XSS) mitigation, and input validation. Security measures allow you to protect your application against vulnerabilities and malicious attacks. 

Real-World Applications of PHP

Now, let’s see how PHP is used in practice. Here are the most common applications implemented using the PHP scripting language.

Popular Websites and Platforms

Well-known services are built with PHP. Here is the list of the top organizations that use it:

• Facebook
• Wikipedia 
• Mailchimp
• WordPress
• Etsy
• Slack
• Canva
• Yahoo!

E-Commerce Solutions

PHP is central to e-commerce services development because of its flexibility and robust features. It facilitates pleasant and secure online shopping experiences. So, numerous e-commerce companies use PHP to deliver high-quality services to their customers.

Typical examples of successful PHP use are e-commerce platforms such as Magento, WooCommerce, and OpenCart. They utilize PHP functionalities to provide robust order tracking, inventory management, payment processing, and shipping. 

Payment processing systems also leverage PHP’s capabilities to guarantee the security and reliability of customers’ financial transactions. 

Social Networking Sites

A prime example of the successful use of PHP on community-driven platforms is Facebook. PHP scripting language is key in creating dynamic content, real-time user authentication, profile management, and content management. PHP provides interactions and engagement, security measures, and capabilities for handling large user databases.

Scalability features ensure the successful building of engaging and growing communities on the web.

CRM and ERP Systems

Many companies implement PHP-based customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise planning (ERP) systems. PHP features provide data processing, data visualization, and integration. This coding language allows the creation of customized reporting solutions for specific business needs. Security measures enable the protection of a company’s sensitive data.

PHP functionalities ensure robust CRM and ERP systems performance, providing the necessary information for company management to make informed business decisions. 

Educational Platforms

PHP programming language is also used to develop e-learning websites and applications. Its scalability features allow universities to easily cope with a growing number of students and learning materials on their e-learning platforms. PHP’s versatility and flexibility enable integrations with other learning management systems (LMS) and tools. This is also a cost-effective solution for building e-learning platforms without significant spending.

Well-known examples of using PHP in the educational domain are Skillshare and Moodle. 

Media and Entertainment

Numerous cases of PHP harnessing are found in music and video streaming services, blogs, entertainment websites, and news portals. The most broadly used platforms leverage PHP’s functionalities, ensuring faster loading and dynamic content creation.

Some famous examples of PHP applications are 9GAG and Spotify.

Challenges and Limitations of PHP

Along with apparent benefits, PHP has drawbacks that hinder its implementation in certain areas. Explore the most typical limitations of this scripting language below.

Performance Concerns

There are some challenges considering PHP’s performance in some cases:

• For some complex and resource-intensive systems and databases, PHP may work slower than other languages;
• Performance limitations can be resolved only partially with optimization practices and caching mechanisms.

Security Vulnerabilities

PHP, as well as the other languages for web development, is prone to specific security risks:

• SQL injection: Perpetrators insert a malicious code into a website database;
• Cross-site scripting (XSS): Hackers insert malign code into the website code.

To mitigate such vulnerabilities, you need to use the following strategies:

• Prevent SQL injection attacks with the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries;
• Protect your website from XSS by utilizing input validation and output escaping.

Developers can also use password hashing and encrypted sessions as additional security measures for data protection. The best coding practices and the latest PHP versions can safeguard your website from critical threats. 

Modern Alternatives

PHP language stays popular among software developers. However, with more options on the market, it is not their top choice anymore. According to PYPL (Popularity of Programming Language), in October 2024, PHP was 7th on the list of the most desired coding languages worldwide. In April 2024, the TIOBE index placed PHP in the 17th position of the most popular programming languages available. Stack Overflow Report ranked this language 11th in 2023.

Despite PHP’s ease of learning for beginners, some alternatives have much more to offer. For instance, Python has a more straightforward, readable, and clearer syntax than PHP coding language.

PHP also cannot compete with Python in creating applications that contain Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). One of the latest PHP updates has specific features for creating ML and AI applications. But this ability is not as ideal as Python’s.

So, PHP is not an option for modern projects requiring Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data. The best application of this programming language is building web apps and platforms.

Conclusion

PHP remains one of the leading scripting languages for web development. Now, it goes beyond that, offering numerous applications, from server-side scripting for dynamic web pages to automating system administration tasks and database interactions and building APIs and frameworks. PHP stays relevant for creating CMS like WordPress and Drupal, social media websites like Facebook, e-commerce platforms like Magento and WooCommerce, and streaming services like Spotify.

 The flexibility and versatility of PHP and its accessibility to developers with various skill sets allow the creation of simple and complex web applications. This coding language is constantly evolving. New updates absorb the latest trends in web development.

For expert advice and custom solutions, connect with Jelvix technical professionals to harness the full potential of PHP for your web development projects.

FAQ

What is PHP?

The PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is an open-source, versatile, and flexible server-side scripting language used for web development. It can be integrated into HTML and is recognized for generating interactive web pages and web applications.

What are the primary uses of PHP?

PHP is mainly utilized for web development, which involves generating dynamic web pages, managing form data, handling session management, and constructing content management systems, web applications, and APIs.

Why is PHP popular for web development?

PHP is well-liked for web development because of its straightforwardness, user-friendliness, adaptability, strong community backing, cost efficiency, and effective performance.

What are some popular websites built with PHP?

Famous web services built using PHP include Facebook, Wikipedia, WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.

What are the challenges of using PHP?

PHP has limitations such as performance issues in high-traffic scenarios, possible security flaws, and competition from contemporary programming languages such as Python.