Which Programming Language to Choose? PHP or Python

In the arena of software development, the discussion of which programming language to use (PHP or Python) never seems to end. In order to create a successful website or an application, it is necessary to choose a dependable programming language that helps create a high-performing, robust, and secure technology foundation. With stiff competition to produce high-performance websites and apps, there are several programming languages like Java, JavaScript, Ruby, and others, but there is always a tie between PHP and Python. 

Today, we will discuss the fundamental differences between the two programming languages in this article presented by Mrmmbs Vision, a Web Designing and Development Company in Delhi.

What is?

PHP

Initiated in the year 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf PHP is an acronym for Hypertext Preprocessor. It is an open-source and multi-purpose scripting language used widely in the field of web development. 

Python 

Developed by Guido Van Rossum and released in the year 1991, Python is an object-oriented and high-level programming language. As a programming language, Python focuses on dynamic semantics and code readability. 

Top Features 

When it comes to the sheer features of both the programming languages, PHP and Python, both have different features to offer. PHP offers more out-of-the-box features, but Python offers ones that are more extensible. The most common features offered are: 

PHP 

1. Open-source: Being an open-source programming language, PHP can easily be downloaded and used to accomplish web development goals. Using PHP as a programming language helps developers inspect codes, post errors, fix bugs, and code easily.
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3. Cross-platform: Offering compatibility at its best PHP runs on almost all operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, and others. Apart from operating systems, PHP runs freely from one device to another, such as computers, laptops, tablets, mobiles, and others.
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5. Flexible: PHP offers the best flexibility and embedding capabilities. It is easily integrated with JavaScript, HTML, XML, and others.
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7. Simplicity: PHP is considered one of the simplest and easiest-to-use programming languages, offering more reasons for developers to use it.
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9. Other features: Apart from the above-mentioned features, PHP offers several other features like magic constants, regular expressions, support cookies, and more. 
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Python 

1. Open-source: Available on the website for free download and use, the Python programming language is easy to download and use. It is publicly available but can be modified as per further needs.
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3. Portable: The codes in Python are highly portable from one operating system to another. For example, if you have Python code for Windows and want it to run on other operating systems like Mac, Linux, and Unix, with Python it is possible.
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5. Language integration: As the codes are executed line-by-line, Python offers easy language integration at one time, similar to Java, C++, and C. Language integration helps debugging easily and saves time.
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7. Easy to code: High-level languages like Python are easier to learn and code than other languages. It makes coding easier with zero memory management and no need to remember the entire system architecture.
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9. Object-oriented: One of the most popular features of Python is that it's object-oriented. It enables concepts like encapsulation and classes to deconstruct and construct easily. 
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Use cases

The use cases of the programming languages PHP and Python are quite diverse. Even though both are open-source, PHP is meant and can be used for the web and web only. On the other hand, Python is infinitely more versatile as it can be used for web development and many other things like data science and ML, etc.

PHP 

1. Web apps: PHP in web apps is used to provide customization, friendly user interface, seamless integration, and others in web apps, websites, ecommerce web development, and more.
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3. Graphic design: For graphic design, PHP is used to manage text content and image processing.
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5. Data representation: PHP in data representation is used to create charts and graphs explaining the data and its presentation. 
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Python

1. Software development: Python is used to develop web applications and other software development processes.
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3. Applications: With an array of options Python is used to create applications with supported frameworks like Pyramid, Django, and others.
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5. Others: Apart from major software and app development, Python is also used in game development using different libraries. 
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What are the other key differences? 

Apart from the differences mentioned above, both the PHP and Python programming languages have several other key differences based on different parameters. For example: 

1. Language type
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PHP is a scripting language for web development, whereas Python is a general-purpose programming language.

1. Learning curve

PHP has a low learning curve, which makes it easy to get started, whereas Python is better for long-term projects. 

1. Security 
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PHP offers fewer security features, whereas Python is considered more secure. 

1. Frameworks
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PHP offers a huge number of frameworks such as Slim, Laravel, and Fast-free frameworks, whereas Python offers a lower number of frameworks such as Flask, Django, and jam.py. 

1. Readability 
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PHP is considered highly documented and follows a classic approach that makes readability a bit limited, whereas Python uses indentation enforcements that are strict, which makes it more readable. 

Even though there are hundreds of differences, without a doubt, both the programming languages PHP and Python are the most preferred for backend development. Python is a general-purpose programming language, whereas PHP is not a general-purpose programming language because it is not only used in backend web development. As both are used for different developments, you can choose one according to your development needs or consult a company offering Web Development Services.