Python Vs Php: Which Language is The Clear Winner for Web Development?

Metric

PHP

Python

1. Performance

A few years ago, Python was faster than PHP. But PHP version 7 completely changed the game. PHP is 3X faster and quickly processes massive amounts of data in one go. The scalability and speed ultimately prefer PHP over Python. +1 to PHP right off the bat in this Python vs PHP duel.

Python is incredible: it’s easy to learn, versatile and has thousands of applications with its libraries for data science. But it has few concerns about speed. Although it’s anticipated that the scene will change with Python 3.11 (available in beta).

2. Library Support

PHP has a standard PHP library (SPL), a collection of interfaces and classes that are meant to solve common problems. But Unlike Python: PHP doesn’t offer a strong library support. Although it does offer some notable libraries such as PChart, Dispatch, PHP captcha etc.

When it comes to Library support, no programming language can beat Python. Python incorporates a wide range of innovative ML & Data libraries such as TensorFlow, Scikit, PyTorch, and many more. If you are interested in ML/Data backed website applications, Python is the superior choice. +1 to Python.

3. Complexity: Ease of Use

Both the languages are object oriented. But when it comes to coding/sc ripting; Python beats PHP. Scripting of PHP is very rigid, making the programming language complex and hard to understand. The older version are even more complicated.

Python is an open-source, adaptable, and transferable language. It has high readability and is super engaging. It embraces the whitespace sensitivity and disposes of curly braces. So Python is the Clear Winner in complexity. +1 to Python.

4. Documentation

PHP allows developers to make comments on their documentation as it features a complete documentation site. The documentation is in easy and plain language, and any developer regardless of their proficiency can pick up in no time. And the additional concepts make these documents more worthy as it elaborates the concepts with a unique conversational tone. Although it may be confusing for developers, PHP follows the right approach.

On the contrary Python doesn’t follow any such rule as it does not allow comments.  In Python, the documents are less conversational, which sometimes makes them difficult to read and understand. In documentaion, PHP wins over Python. +1 to PHP in the Python vs PHP duel.

5. Market Momentum

In the Stack Overflow 2018 survey, PHP was not even in the list of the highest-paid programming language while Python was listed with an average of $98,000 (in the US). In the same report, Python was listed as the most wanted language with 25.1% (PHP with only 4.1%) and the 3rd most loved with 68%.

Python provides an extensive set of libraries, modules, and packages for quick completion of the project. When compared to the work demand for PHP vs Python, Python developers are in huge demand with 11% of total job postings. Most Python jobs fetch a good sum of salaries in the Job Market than PHP. So if you wanna look for financial aspects, Python is the clear winner. +1 to Python.

6. Ease of Learning

if we talk about building suitable, high-scale applications for developing effecient wesbistes from the scratch, the PHP is the undeniable winner. But when it comes to general pupose language, easy syntax and learning the basics, Python takes the bag.

Python is pretty simple to learn. You can pick up on general-purpose, high-level programming quickly when compared to complex low-level programs. Python is one of the easiest programming languages in the market, all thanks to simple syntax use. One more point to Python in this Python vs PHP fight.

7. Community Support

It’s almost impossible to write code scripts without bugs. We all struggle with them and visit Stack Overflow or reddit forums for answers. Fortunetely both PHP and Python as excellent community support. PHP is been in web-development since ages. And it’s the oldest and most prevelent server-side languages for web development. In Stack Overflow survey of 2018, it constitute around 30.7% of total questions or problems, only slightly lesser than Python as far as Python vs PHP is concerned.

Python is often considered as the fastest-growing major programming language.It offers a global community with millions of developers who interact online as offline on various platforms. They also help steer the community with large, global, and regional events. If you are a beginner python programmer, you will have no difficulty looking for support. A small win for Python Here!

8. Debugging

In this particular section, both PHP and Python get a tie. PHP’s XDebug comes with some powerful features such as stack breakpoints, Path Mapping, etc. Although in PHP, you do require some additional setup work. Both PHP & Python takes one additional point.

Similar to PHP, Python’s PDB (Python Debugger) comes with some powerful features offering a stable, powerful, and excellent debugger tool that keeps your application smooth and secure. In addition, You do not require any setup in Python; you only need to push a “debug” button to check the Python codes.

9. Syntax

Developers often pick language which offers syntax-error-free programming. When compared, PHP has a complicated sytax implying certian restrictions during coding.

Python provides ease to its developers as it allows them to write code without thinking of the restrictions that normally fail the code during the build. It also has a high readability score, assisting the developers in debugging.

10. Rendering

Here PHP takes a lead over Python, as it offers a conclusive rendering approach. The considerable community support and easy documentation benefit the PHP in rendering.

On the other hand, Python finds difficulties in the rendering process as it is not as clear and straightforward as PHP; hence PHP is a perfect choice for rendering if we’re talking about Python vs PHP.