Building web applications is an intrinsic work process, all to get the code structure with immaculate functional performance. But when executing a web development project, it can be confusing to choose a suitable programming language like PHP and Python, isn’t it?
Since every web development project varies with its needs, selecting a programming language from several options to build web applications is a tough task, especially Python and PHP as both are web development programming languages.
PHP and Python are high-level programming languages known for deploying web applications. Although these two programming languages are different in terms of functionality, both top on the most preferred backend web development solutions.
But, these two have distinct characteristics to deliver in web development services. Hence, before building a web application for a project, it is important to study the differences and identify the best programming language between PHP vs Python.
This Blog further explains both programming languages in-depth and their pros and cons as you scroll below.
Basics Details of PHP vs Python
What is Python?
Python is a general-purpose programming language used for building web applications and software. It automates minute tasks, connects multiple servers, and has a robust database structure for data analytics and data visualization. It is deployed majorly for standalone and scripting systems.
It is a developer-friendly programming language, that even beginners or non-programmers can conveniently execute the language for daily multi-tasking.
What is PHP?
PHP, also known as Hypertext Preprocessor, is an open-source, side-scripting programming language used for web development. PHP being a free-server side-scripting language means it executes the instructions for the database in the script and organizes the information accordingly.
PHP enables customization and modification in the script or website for upgrading it with the content dynamically.
Now that you have learned the basics of PHP and Python, let’s know the differences between Python vs. PHP.
What Are the Differences Between PHP vs Python
Despite these two languages being preferably utilized to build web applications or software, they are chosen according to what is necessary for the project for integrating the functions.
Therefore, if you are perplexed between PHP and Python, these stated differences will help in sorting your choice for the project.
Convenient Execution
- Python has a variety of third-party modules, libraries, and packages for on-time execution and deployment. It has many layers and templates in web frameworks for developers with code structures and designs for splendid application interoperability. One such example is Django
- PHP also consists of libraries, tools, and other web frameworks with various functions such as authentication, navigation, templates, etc.
Versatility
- Due to Python being a general-purpose language, it can deploy several applications such as data analysis and visualization, scientific computing, web development, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and many more.
- PHP providing simpler syntax can exclusively build web development providing various functions.
Security and Privacy Measures
- Python uses strict syntax that enables safeguarding the data. Moreover, it has several web frameworks like Django, which has in-built security functions to write secure codes.
- PHP has an extensive developers community who can constantly identify errors and fix them within time. Also, it has numerous libraries and resources to use for security coding.
Scalability
- Python processes large amounts of database storage for scientific and data analysis tasks. It has a vast set of web frameworks and libraries like SciPy, Tensorflow, etc. to develop cross-platform applications and handle data-related tasks.
- PHP is a server-side language enabling the functions on the server and generates output through HTML, which is later sent to the client’s browser. In this manner, it can coherently handle multiple requests on the same server.
Documentation
- Python has a descriptive explanation of its integrated modules and functions on its official website. As this programming language is focused more on readability and usability, hence, its documentation is also done with precision and clarity. Python has a more user-friendly and understandable approach.
- Documentation in PHP is available on its official website, detailing its functions, syntax, etc. PHP’s documentation is divided into certain sections such as installation and configuration, language reference, security, and performance tuning, but those factors are showing PHP and python.
Community Support
Python is a recently introduced concept in the industry. Hence, the Python developers community is expanding due to Python’s ability to flexible functions, simplistic structure, and efficient results in data processing fields like data science, AI, and machine learning.
Since this language has gained popularity amongst both developers and non-developers, it assists in several open-source projects, frameworks, and libraries.
PHP has been in the industry for ages and has been preferred by various developers because, for decades, PHP is the basic language used for executing web development and other applications.
Hence, it has a large developer community and support base that manages the libraries, documentation, and framework. PHP also has online forums and tutorials.
Web Framework
Python has commonly used web frameworks like Django, Flask, Bottle, CubicWeb, Pylons, and TurboGears. From these, Flask and Django are the preferable ones as they provide more advanced features and convenient usability.
PHP has generally preferred frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, Codelgniter, and Zend because they have higher performance rates, efficient configuration, and scalability.
Installation Adaptability
As PHP is a web development solution, it can be accessed through any operating system for cross-platform functionality such as Android, Windows, iOS, and MacOS. This doesn’t cause limitations with fewer shortcomings.
However, in Python, the developers have to download the applicable version of Python with a package manager to support a specific operating system. Regardless of Python providing effortless utilization, it is a tedious task to download Python for executing your work. If you build web applications, hire PHP developers or hire Python developers.
What Are The Pros and Cons of PHP vs Python
PHP Pros:
- It makes it easier to debug and maintain
- Less time consumption of writing extra codes by providing extensive libraries
- Lucrative web development solution
- Accelerated functionality speed of web apps
- Agile and independently functioning on any operating system
- Has in-built SQL support
- Supportive database collection
PHP Cons:
- Bugged and inconsistent performance
- Weak typing can misguide the users
- Incompatible with content-wise applications
- Unreliable protocols and security measures
Python Pros:
- It is an open-source language with versatility and generalized use for any purpose.
- It can be executed for cross-platform applications
- Easy readability, coding, and debugging for maintenance
- In-built numerous libraries for effortless development
- Provides database integration for fluent data flow and work efficiency
- Provides Graphical and User Interface
- Has a helpful features like automatic garbage collection
Python Cons:
- Stagnant performance compared to other programming languages
- Utilizes maximum memory of the database
- Decelerates testing of the web apps, especially in mobile use
- Dynamic typing makes error testing challenging
- It is a simplistic language for some particular tasks
- It has limitations in designs
- It consists of less-developed database layers
Takeaway from this PHP vs Python
Building a web application depends upon the necessities and protocols to be integrated, which can resolve the dilemma of choosing between Python or PHP. The important aspect is addressing the requirements of the enterprise since they want web development solutions that can construct cross-platform and user-friendly applications.
So, for tailoring a particular language web development solution, approach Python web development services or PHP web development services that can provide expertise in swift web application performance.
FAQs
Which is more useful, Python or PHP?
It depends on the type of project execution. Despite Python and PHP being side-scripting programming languages, they still carry out different functions and code structures. So, if you want to build a web application, you should execute it through PHP, and if you require to work on data science and machine learning, Python is best suggested. With this basic difference, you can choose between Python or PHP.
Which is more in demand: Python or PHP?
Both Python and PHP have their specific key uses according to their features. As the AI (Artificial Intelligence) industry is growing each passing year, Python is used for data science, machine learning, and AI itself. Similarly, web development has become a necessity for every business. For this reason, PHP is widely used to build web applications. Hence, it differs from the requirement to develop a peculiar objective.
Is PHP more difficult than Python?
It is subjective to state since the knowledge and expertise in one of these languages differ. PHP has extensive resources available for beginners to utilize for structuring web development. Moreover, it has a simpler syntax. Whereas, in Python, regardless of its steep learning curve due to its strict syntax and programming fundamentals, once it is mastered, it becomes easier to code maintenance and readability. Hence, it can be said that PHP is less difficult than Python.
Which is more secure, PHP and Python?
Likewise, any programming language, Python and PHP both have security functions unless their codes are faultlessly structured and deployed. Python library has security modules for secured cryptography and socket communication. In PHP, it consists of in-built functions such as secure authentication, input validation, and encryption. So, it can be said that both have their distinct security functions for web application development if the web developer follows the protocols and implementation practices.
