If you want to build a web app, it has to be great-looking with greater functionalities. It should be able to handle the complexity, and advanced features, and provide a great user experience that your users love. However, everything starts with the first step when you choose the development platform. A lot of things depend on the platform that you choose. When Python and PHP have cut-throat competition, we have the winner too. Let’s find out.
Well, if you want a quick answer then we would say go with Python. Especially, if you think you would need machine learning at some point in time then you should definitely choose Python. You can easily hire Python developers to get the best app backed by machine learning. Whereas on the other side, there is PHP which has been in the market for a long and is a part of most websites. To make things clear read this article in which we have discussed both the languages based on various parameters for better understanding.
Easy to Learn
When compared to PHP, Python is easier to learn. Also, Python is a versatile language which means you can use it for a variety of programs and not for a specific problem. The code length is quite short and is easy to read and write. The syntax is simple and thus it makes codes readable.
On the other hand, PHP is not a general-purpose programming language. It is used to design only web applications. So, it is a more sophisticated standalone program that is not simple. Hence, it could take more time to learn PHP than Python.
This clearly means that python is easier to learn and understand when compared to PHP.
Community Support
The community support for both languages is almost equal. If we talk about PHP, it has been the market for a long time now and the majority of websites use PHP. This makes it clear that you will have immense community support.
On the other hand, Python is backed by Google. It got all the limelight when Google used it for its Youtube application. After that giant companies like Instagram, Uber, Spotify, and Quora have also used it for their backend operations and have proved that using Python can be best for developing algorithms and any type of complex backend.
Speed
The comparison of the speed test depends on the version and purpose of the language. For instance, the PHP’s 5 versions are slow and take time to execute. However, after the release of PHP 8.1, the speed of the programs is three times faster than a Python program. For example, the speed matters to core banking systems because if the code runs 3 times faster it will create a significant effect. And this makes PHP a little faster. However, the difference in speed between these two languages is in microseconds which might not be even noticeable. So, here we could say both the languages are competing on equal levels.
Debugging
Python and PHP both have powerful debugging features like stocks, breakpoints, path mapping, etc. The debuggers are easy to use, the only difference is in the setup. In Python you do not require any special setup, you just need to press “debug” to check the code. While in PHP, you require additional setup, and then it can be ready to use. Both debuggers ensure you have a bug-free and smooth application.
Library Support
When it comes to libraries it can be hard to beat Python. Python incorporates a wide range of machine learning libraries. Because of this reason, more and more companies are investing in machine learning web applications that are based on Python. When comes PHP, it does not have enough library support compared to Python. So, if any company is planning to develop web applications backed by machine learning, Python can be their first choice. If you want the same you can hire Python developers who can develop your web app with the benefits of machine learning.
Web Frameworks
There is a neck-to-neck competition in this case. Both have equally good options to choose from. Some of Python’s popular frameworks are Django, Flask, Pyramid, etc. And for PHP it is Codeigniter, Zend, Symphony, Laravel, etc.
Amongst these, Django is the fastest and most scalable framework. The development time in Django is very less and it is easy to set up. So, if you are planning to hire dedicated Python developers ensure they are good at Django if you want a robust web application. Also, it is quite a robust, powerful and secure framework. In PHP, Laravel and Codeigniter are used by developers to build PHP applications.
Conclusion
After comparing Python and PHP on various parameters like simplicity, community support, available frameworks, library support, speed, and debugging, for us Python is the winner. It can be an excellent choice for any organization to have a robust app that does not lack anything. You can hire dedicated Python developers and develop an application with more features in less time that help you grow in your business niche.
Summary: Python vs PHP can be a tough choice. Both these platforms have their own pros and cons so it is important to know which one can fit your requirements. Maybe this article will be able to solve that query! Give it a read!
