Programmers keep comparing popular programming languages. When it comes to PHP vs. JavaScript, few programmers still believe that there is no discussion on the differences between PHP and JavaScript as these languages serve in different categories of web development.
PHP and JavaScript are cross-platform and can be used for mobile development as well. But primarily, PHP and JavaScript are aimed at web application development.
In PHP vs. JavaScript, PHP serves as the back-end programming language. While JavaScript was initially designed for front-end development. After the invention of Node.js, JavaScript can be used as both front and back-end programming language. Hence the discussion for a better programming language is reduced to the sub-category. i.e., which is a better back-end programming language?
PHP vs. JavaScript, just like all other technologies, there is no perfect answer for the best technology. Therefore this tutorial will be helping a developer to make an informed decision as it will be showing a detailed comparison of these two programming languages based on the following standards:
| PHP | JavaScript |
|---|---|
| Back-end Development | Full-stack, both front-end and back-end development. |
| Slow Performance | Fast Performance |
| Large Community | Large Community |
| Simpler Learning | Difficult Learning |
| Combined with HTML | Combined with HTML,XML and Ajax |
| Best for e-commerce, LMS, and blogs | Best for Large projects |
Table of Contents
1. Universality
- JavaScript wins over PHP because of the fact that it is a full-stack development language. It serves as both front-end and back-end technology.
- PHP is used for the server-side scripting language, back-end development with its LAMP stack.
2. Performance
- JavaScript is asynchronous and does not wait for IO operations. This nature of Node.js allows it to work simultaneously through the whole code without waiting for function execution. That is why JavaScript fast and is best for streaming platforms.
- PHP is synchronous; it waits for IO operations execution. The second line of code in PHP doesn’t work until the first line is executed. This nature makes PHP loses in regards to speed.
3. Developer’s Community
- JavaScript is enjoyed by the developers because of its full-stack nature. It is popular and extensible. JavaScript is used by popular sites like Netflix, Uber, Instagram, Linked In, eBay, and many more. According to Statista, 69 % of developers worldwide use JavaScript, and 5 % more plan to adopt this language.
- PHP is popular for its easy and simple deployment nature. PHP is open-source and flexible. Big companies are using PHP just like Wikipedia, Facebook, Tumblr, and many more. According to the W3Tech survey, 79% of all websites use PHP.
4. Learning
- JavaScript is not difficult in terms of learning, but it is more complicated than PHP. JavaScript developer should have more knowledge as a beginner than the PHP developer.
- PHP is easy to learn as the PHP peculiarities are much easier to understand. The server setup is as simple as .php file creation.
5. Extensibility
- JavaScript has many frameworks. It is capable of combination with HTML, XML, and Ajax. The most common server-side framework is Node.js. The popular front-end JavaScript technologies are Angular, React, Vue. That’s why we can say there are more opportunities in JavaScript development.
- PHP is capable of combination with HTML only. CMSs like WordPress are the advantage of PHP. This helps in making web development cheaper. PHP can be extended with servers like MySQL or PostgreSQL.
6. Suitability
- JavaScript is perfectly suitable for large projects. It can be used to develop 3D games, IoT products, and almost any software application type.
- PHP tool is basically used for dynamic page development. It suits best for blogs, learning management systems, and e-commerce sites as PHP are based on CMS.
PHP vs JavaScript: When to Use What?
- JavaScript should be used while using the MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, and Node.js) solution stack.
- PHP should be used while using the LAMP (Linus, Apache, MySQL, and PHP) solution stack.
CONCLUSION:
It’s important to carry out good research before choosing a preferred programming language. JavaScript is successful as full-stack, but PHP still works best in the back-end; it would be the best idea to combine both of them for building a robust dynamic web application.
Keep in mind; we cannot say one technology is a better choice than the other- it’s up to you and your project.
I hope you found this tutorial helpful!
See Also:
Difference Between Node.js and PHP Performance
How to Run JavaScript Code? [Different Methods]
How to link External PHP file to HTML.
Top 50 JavaScript Interview Questions & Answers You Must Know
Top 50 PHP Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
Java Vs JavaScript [Different ways to find out which language is better for you]
