Python vs PHP: Which One to Choose for Web Development?

Introduction

Any development project requires careful consideration while selecting a programming language. The technology you choose for your project impacts the outcomes significantly. Most companies prefer to employ two of the most well-liked programming languages for web development projects: Python and PHP.  

However, picking a side in the "PHP vs. Python" debate is difficult. Although PHP is used to program many websites, Python usage has sharply increased over the previous two years.

No worries! If you're in a dilemma whether to use Python or PHP for building websites, we've got you covered.

In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about Python and PHP. From the newest features to the advantages and disadvantages, we'll help you understand the key differences and make an informed choice between the two technologies.

So, hang in there and find the best one for your web development needs.

What is Python Programming?

Python is a complimentary, open-source, versatile programming language emphasizing object-oriented principles. It is renowned as one of today's most prevalent languages. Python stands out for its easily grasped high-level syntax. Additionally, this platform leverages aspect-oriented, functional, and procedural programming paradigms. 

Python is a scripting language designed for web browsers, allowing the creation of web apps. According to the 2021 Stack Overflow survey, Python is highly favored and widely used among programming languages. Its efficiency and easy learning curve make it a suitable choice for quick prototyping and smooth adaptation to the constantly changing programming landscape.

Its efficiency and easy learning curve make it suitable for rapid prototyping and updating. Due to Python's extensive built-in library, many emerging technologies like data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence also find it a very helpful and adaptable language.

What is PHP Programming?

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor), despite its evolution and transformations over the years, maintains its status as a prominent server-side programming language for web development. The language has undergone noteworthy enhancements and enjoyed unwavering support from a substantial developer community.

Regarding performance, PHP's evolution includes notable improvements, rendering it more scalable, secure, and performant. Recently, PHP added several features that have sped up and simplified the maintenance of PHP code, including JIT compilation, union types, and attributes.

PHP is often used with various web technologies, including content management systems, front-end frameworks, and databases. As a result, PHP for web development remains a prevalent choice, particularly for those looking for dynamic content generation and robust server-side processing.

When to Choose PHP for web development?

PHP is a programming language that is growing in popularity these days. However, you must access your project requirements and identify if PHP matches your business requirements.

• If you're dealing with an old website or application built with PHP, it often makes sense to stick with PHP. This ensures everything keeps working and avoids complicated migrations.
• Many websites, including the widely employed WordPress, are constructed using PHP. Proficiency in PHP becomes imperative when tailoring WordPress themes and plugins.
• PHP is known for its cost-effectiveness because of its open-source nature and the abundance of freely available tools, proving invaluable for smaller-scale projects constrained by budgetary constraints.
• Its compatibility with shared hosting services makes it apt for small to mid-sized websites, blogs, or personal online websites.
• PHP is known for its simplicity and quick development, which is handy for creating websites or prototypes fast.
• PHP is also useful in e-commerce, as certain platforms like Magento are developed using PHP.
• PHP can seamlessly integrate with various databases, including MySQL, often used in web applications.
• PHP is an ideal choice if you are looking for comprehensive command over the web application's logic and database interactions.

When to Choose Python for web development?

Python is the popular server-side programming language for web development. If you want to choose this platform, here are some instances when Python would be the right choice.

Here are a few situations when you should choose Python for web development:

• Python is a great language for quickly testing concepts and creating prototypes. The language's ease of use and extensive library of modules enable developers to build prototypes and iterate on them swiftly.
• This platform extends its web development prowess by providing feature-rich web frameworks such as Django and Flask.
• Python's framework is ideally suited for scripting and automation tasks because of its simplicity and user-friendliness.
• We can use Python scripts to automate web scraping, analyzing information, and file processing.
• Python's robust library repository and frameworks have proved effective in the data science and machine learning domains.
• It is accessible on various operating systems, making it a versatile choice for cross-platform development.
• Python's lightweight nature and support for microcontrollers are apt for devising IoT applications.
• Python has a rich ecosystem of libraries that developers can use for data analysis, visualization, and machine learning.

Features of Python

• Open Source: Python is indeed an open-source programming language. Its source code is freely available for download, modification, and distribution. This open nature encourages collaboration and community-driven improvement.
• Versatile Database Support: Python is compatible with various databases, including MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and others. This versatility allows developers to seamlessly integrate Python with different databases, expanding its usability in web development.
• Flexibility: Python is known for its flexibility and embedding capabilities. Its compatibility with various technologies, such as JavaScript, HTML, and XML, enhances its adaptability in web development.
• User-Friendly Syntax: Python is widely recognized for its simple and user-friendly syntax. The code is structured in a clear and readable format, making it easy for developers to understand and learn. Its syntax, influenced by the C language paradigm, promotes straightforward coding practices.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Python is designed to operate seamlessly across various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Unix. This cross-platform compatibility ensures consistent performance across different devices.
• Rich Library Support: Python has an extensive collection of libraries and frameworks that expedite web development. These libraries cover a wide range of functionalities, making it easier for developers to build web applications by leveraging existing tools.
• Dynamic Typing: Python employs dynamic typing, allowing variables to change types during runtime. While this flexibility simplifies coding and improves readability, it does require careful variable management to avoid unexpected behavior.
• Data Science and AI Libraries: Python has gained widespread popularity in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) due to its robust libraries and frameworks. Libraries like NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, and PyTorch have made Python a preferred choice for tasks such as machine learning, deep learning, and data analysis, enhancing its suitability for data-driven applications.

Features of PHP

• Open Source: PHP programming language is a precious open-source gem, available freely for all to use, modify, and enhance. This open nature encourages a collaborative community of developers.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: PHP is adaptable, running seamlessly on diverse operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix. It's also harmonious with various web servers, such as Apache and Nginx.
• HTML Support: PHP beautifully blends with HTML, enabling server-side scripting for dynamic content generation based on user interactions and server logic.
• Robust Community and Abundance: PHP thrives within a robust and abundant community of global developers, offering a wealth of online resources and forums for knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
• Rich Library Support: PHP provides a treasury of libraries and frameworks, streamlining PHP web development tasks, from database handling to user authentication.
• Database Versatility: PHP's adaptability extends to databases, supporting MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite, affording developers the freedom to choose based on project needs.
• Robust Security: PHP incorporates security features like input validation and XSS prevention, fortifying web applications against vulnerabilities.
• Object-Oriented Programming: PHP supports object-oriented programming, encouraging organized, modular, and maintainable code design through classes and objects.

Pros and Cons of Python Programming Language

As of now, you are well aware of an incredible platform for web development, Python. We have also stated its basics, latest features, and when to choose this platform. However, every platform has its advantages and disadvantages, and Python does. 

So, let’s find out some of the pros & cons of Python.

Pros: 

• Python is an open-source, uniformly unfolding programming language.
• It is a versatile, object-oriented programming language that may be utilized in various sectors.
• It boosts productivity.
• Simple to use, read, learn, and keep up with.
• It has a supportive community.
• Creates graphical user interface (GUI) programs.
• It easily integrates with other languages, such as Java and C++.
• Python allows developers to generate easily interoperable codes with multiple platforms.
• WORA feature of Python makes code portable.
• It is also possible to design graphical user interface applications.
• The generated code is readily reusable across a variety of operating systems.
• It is an object-oriented, multipurpose language that you can use in various industries.
• Python web development offers automated garbage collection.

Cons: 

• Python programming language has reduced performance compared to programming languages like C++ or Java due to its interpreted execution.
• Compared to programming languages such as Java or Swift, Python isn't the ideal choice for mobile app development endeavors.
• Python may not be the most prudent choice for high-performance computing tasks.
• Transitioning from Python 2 to Python 3 requires extensive effort for some projects.
• Python is not the right option when developing memory-intensive applications or real-time systems.
• In niche domains, Python may have fewer specialized libraries than other languages.
• Managing packages and dependencies can sometimes be challenging.
• This platform is not often used for high-end game development.
• Python's simplicity can mask some of its more complex features, which results in unexpected behavior for newcomers.

Pros and Cons of PHP Programming Language

PHP is a highly versatile server-side scripting language better known for developing best-in-class applications. However, based on different project needs, it has pros & cons. To know more about it in detail, let’s keep reading!

Pros: 

• PHP applications can operate on Windows, Linux, and UNIX platforms.
• We can easily link SQL databases using built-in modules and functions.
• To process data while retaining security and integrity, it provided a broad and secure ecosystem.
• There are several web frameworks available for constructing responsive websites.
• It is a cross-platform and is supported by numerous operational data structures.
• Support several database interfaces, including NO SQL, PostgreSQL, and others.
• PHP is a straightforward programming language that is easy to learn and operate.
• PHP websites and apps are usually highly quick.
• PHP's active online community will assist you throughout the process.
• It is open-source and free; no license money is required.
• PHP programming language is very adaptable, both during and after the completion of a project.
• It has excellent unit testing.

Cons:

• Not appropriate for content-focused web applications
• Extra features affect performance.
• Its ASCII text file is accessible, making it more vulnerable.
• It is more difficult to learn than the Python programming language.
• Safety features of PHP and protocols are lacking.
• It is an illegible language.
• PHP's performance can be hampered and wired at times.
• It is not appropriate for content-based apps.
• Its fundamental behavior cannot be altered.
• PHP employs poor typing, which results in erroneous data and information for users.
• Not appropriate for large-scale web applications.
• There is no IOT alliance.

Python vs. PHP: The Detailed Comparison

Ease of Use.

Python is simpler to learn. However, PHP is also not that difficult to learn. Python's charm resides in its exceptionally approachable and easy-to-grasp general-purpose programming syntax, positioning it as a stellar choice for novice and seasoned developers. Unlike other programming languages, Python's applications emerge as clear and effortlessly developed because of its concise code.

This unique attribute has increased in popularity, offering a compelling solution across various applications. Furthermore, Python's syntax showcases an exceptional degree of simplicity and comprehensibility. In contrast, PHP is not designed to fulfill the role of a multipurpose language, setting it apart from Python's broad versatility.

It was created especially for web apps, which are unquestionably more complex than straightforward standalone programs. As a result, learning PHP could take longer than learning Python programming language. 

Winner: Python wins!

Speed.

According to a survey conducted in 2021, 46% of people won't visit a website again if it takes more than 2 or 3 seconds to load. Due to these figures, you must pay crucial attention to the loading speed.

Backends created with Python and PHP are more responsive than those created with other technologies. However, there remains a disparity in their performance indicators. 

The newest PHP version 7, which can handle massive amounts of user data simultaneously, is regarded as the fastest backend technology for applications. 

Python is viewed as somewhat slow and is only recommended for creating straightforward commercial applications where a small delay in output is acceptable. 

Flexibility.

PHP and Python offer flexibility, but they manifest it in distinct ways. PHP's flexibility lies in its adaptability to web development, where it can easily handle server-side scripting, databases, and dynamic content generation. PHP excels in web application development, displaying a seamless integration with HTML.

On the contrary, Python's adaptability transcends the realm of web development; it is a versatile general-purpose language with a broad spectrum of applications. Python's favorability is based on its flexibility, making it suitable for diverse domains, including web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, automation, scientific computing, and many other disciplines.

People love Python so much because of its extensive built-in library. These tools help developers work on all sorts of different projects. So, Python can fit into many different areas and be super helpful in many ways. Python often holds an advantage in terms of overall flexibility due to its applicability to a broader spectrum of use cases.

Winner: Python

Debugging & Testing.

Python programming language has a built-in debugger called PDB (Python Debugger) and uses several debugging methods. Because it is dynamically typed, developers can work without declaring objects at the program's beginning. 

PHP programming language is no exception, providing developers with the XDebug package to find flaws and double-check their code. It has been discovered that PHP for web development locates and eliminates bugs far more slowly.

Numerous security flaws affect PHP as well. However, debugging capabilities are identical for both programming languages. 

Winner: There is no winner between Python and PHP in this category.

Scalability. 

When products thrive, businesses expand, and as the company expands, so does its user base. In this situation, having an application that can quickly adjust to the ever-changing needs of customers and the market is crucial for any organization. 

Applications developed with the Python framework have excellent AI and ML capabilities, which enhances scalability and makes it simple to adjust to changing trends.

Conversely, PHP is less adaptable to changing trends and rising demands. PHP is less scalable than Python software, even with its constant development. 

Winner: PHP loses the "Python vs. PHP: Scalability" contest.

Community Support.

PHP programming language has been around for quite some time and has a huge user base. There is a wealth of online documentation, tutorials, and forums. In addition, the PHP community oversees many open-source frameworks, libraries, and projects. 

Python programming language, on the other hand, has a more recent but expanding community. The language's ease of use, adaptability, and effectiveness in web development, machine learning, and data science have helped it gain popularity recently.

Over the past few years, the Python community has substantially contributed to creating numerous open-source projects, libraries, and frameworks. You can contact its welcoming and supportive development community if you still don't understand something. 

Conclusion: Vibrant, robust communities provide excellent support for both Python and PHP. So, it’s a tie.

Environmental Impact. 

Providing a stable and regulated development environment over an application's lifecycle is a crucial environment management function in web application development. It successfully produces high-quality online applications, improves security, decreases downtime, expedites testing and development, and improves cooperation.

PHP's environment manager is called virtPHP. Containers such as Docker and Kubernetes, which enable developers to operate a software process, a small microservice, or even a large application, are preferable. 

Additional benefits of a container include lower overhead, reliable operation, increased portability, and increased efficiency. 

On the other hand, Python uses the highly effective Virtualenv environment manager for environment management. It is possible to install and manage numerous Python versions simultaneously. Virtualenv is also quite well-liked among developers.

Verdict: Python is the clear winner.

Library Support. 

Python programming language offers outstanding library support for creating any web application. Python has a vast standard library with functions for nearly every typical activity. The Python package manager also offers a platform for simply importing packages from the Python package index for additional utilities.

It offers top-notch data science and machine learning libraries, including Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras, and Theano. These libraries may be readily integrated with any web development platform and are quick, practical, and easy to use.

In this regard, PHP lags behind Python; however, PHP is strongly supported by the package repository Packagist. Python has better package management. 

Winner: Python prevails against PHP in this round of competition.

Concluding Thoughts

The question, "Which is better for web development: PHP or Python?" has no universally accepted solution. We will not be radical because we recognize that Python and PHP are outstanding website-building languages.

The language you use will ultimately be determined by the nature of the project and the characteristics you wish to emphasize. Though Python wins in comparison, it ultimately depends on the needs of your project.

For example, if you require a more sophisticated e-commerce website and time is not an issue, choose PHP and benefit from its powerful features. However, if you want quick and easy web development with short and uniform code, Python is the way to go. 

In the end, if you need professional assistance from the leading Python or PHP web development company, Netclues can help you. Our team will assess your personalized project, business requirements, and other resources and recommend the best framework from PHP and Python. 

Our team of skilled designers and developers has your back if you need development assistance.