PHP vs. JavaScript

PHP vs JavaScript: what's the difference? The answer to that question used to be incredibly simple: PHP is a server-side script and JavaScript is a client-side script. Together they make the dynamic web pages we know and love possible. However, with the introduction of Node.js in 2009, which allowed the use of JavaScript on the server side, JavaScript-based applications took off and the question of choosing between the two languages ​​became more viable. Let's explore the similarities and key differences between these two languages.

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PHP vs JavaScript

What is PHP?

PHP is a widely-used open source general-purpose scripting language that became the de facto server-side language of choice for web developers after its initial launch in 1995.

Today, most of the sites on the Web runs in PHP, due in large part to its popularity as the back-end of content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal and Joomla. Whether for a simple blog or for a small business owner looking to set up a professional landing page, a CMS is usually the fastest and most economical way to set up an online presence.

What is JavaScript?

Together with HTML and CSS, JavaScript (standardized as ECMAScript) is considered one of the three main components of the web. Used by most websites, JavaScript is a scripting language that generally runs in the browser and makes web pages dynamic and interactive. Today, JavaScript is also growing rapidly as server-side technology since the launch of Node.js in 2009.

PHP vs JavaScript: great similarities

As different as they are, there are some high-level similarities that are worth considering, especially if you are comparing a PHP backend with Node.js.

Both PHP and JavaScript are interpreted in what you call the interpreted language or "script": code can be executed as it is in their respective runtime environments (browser for JavaScript; server for PHP).

While there are many nuances in the compiled versus interpreted debate, it is generally true that the scripts are much easier to use and favor programmer productivity. Both PHP and JavaScript fall into this category and are excellent for both beginners and veterans.

Ubiquitous. Together, both PHP and JavaScript enhance most websites. For most of their existence they were like peanut butter and jelly: JavaScript in the front-end, PHP in the back-end. That means there is a huge code base of libraries, frameworks and community support for these two languages ​​together as a package. Think of an idea or a question and it is likely that someone, somewhere, has already developed a solution.

PHP VS JAVASCRIPT: BIG DIFFERENCES

For many developers the answer is obvious: PHP is the most popular server-side script.and  JavaScript is the undisputed king of front-end web development.

With that in mind, in this section we will compare Node.js, JavaScript's client-side position with a PHP back-end.

Runtime environments. There is a reason why JavaScript is almost synonymous with client-side scripting, while PHP has largely remained on the server-side. Although both can be embedded directly in HTML, they both need an interpreter to work. The JavaScript interpreter is built into all major web browsers because it is such a core component of the web experience. Runtime environments. Although both JavaScript and PHP can be embedded directly in HTML, they both need an interpreter to perform. PHP has long been easy to install and use on the server-side and is powered by the Zend engine. Node.js was a game changer because JavaScript could be executed on the server, but before 2009 its use was largely considered to be limited to front-end development

Simplicity. PHP is conceptually much easier to use than Node.js. When setting up a server you only need a ".php" file with some code wrapped between the <? Php?> Tags, enter the URL in your browser and you are done. The statement that you put between those tags can be as simple as <? Php echo "Hello World"; ?> and it will work. Behind the scenes, a web server such as MySQL with PHP can interpret the file and display your web page in your browser. Setting up a Node.js server, although not difficult, usually requires more lines of code and a basic understanding of how closures and callback functions work.

Concurrency. Like most server-side languages, PHP uses multi-threaded, blocking I / O to perform multiple tasks in parallel. JavaScript is unique because it uses a few tricks (event loop + node clustering) to achieve an event-driven, non-blocking I / O execution model that uses a single main thread of execution. However, PHP has been around for a while and has found its own way to achieve asynchronous processing - particularly through the HHVM project released by Facebook.

JSON. JSON "JavaScript Object Notation" is a lightweight data format that is syntactically similar to JavaScript object definitions. Of course, this gives Node.js- and JavaScript-based technologies an advantage when trading with JSON. While PHP can work with JSON, it is more situational.

When Should You Use PHP or JavaScript?

Even with the advent of Node.js, the short answer to this question is still:  PHP for the server-side and  JavaScript for client-side. But if you try to choose between back-end technologies or build a whole bundle of solutions, it helps to go a little more in detail. If you are involved in your project then you should consider PHP

Read also: Top 10 projects developed with PHP technology

 

If you are involved in your project then you should consider JavaScript ...

  • Dynamic single page applications (SPA)
  • Front-end technologies such as jQuery, AngularJS, Backbone.js, Ember.js, ReactJS, etc.
  • Server-side technologies such as Node.js, MongoDB, Express.js, etc.
  • Stacks of solutions such as MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS)

Keep in mind that none of the lists is extensive. These are just a starting point to help you get an idea of ​​what you can expect and what keywords you can use to evaluate the best language for your needs.

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