In 2024, PHP continues to be a significant player in the world of web development. Despite the emergence of newer programming languages, PHP remains widely used and relevant. This server-side scripting language, created by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1994, has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to modern development needs.
PHP is primarily used for web development, powering over 77% of websites that use server-side programming. It is the backbone of many popular content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, which alone powers over 40% of the web. PHP’s ease of use, flexibility, and extensive documentation make it a preferred choice for building dynamic websites, e-commerce platforms, and web applications. Its seamless integration with databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL further enhances its utility in data-driven applications.
The release of PHP 8 brought significant improvements in performance, security, and modern language features, ensuring that PHP remains competitive. The language’s large and active community continues to contribute to its development, providing a wealth of libraries, frameworks, and resources that streamline the development process.
As for the most popular programming languages in 2024, the top ten are:
- Python
- JavaScript
- Java
- C#
- C++
- TypeScript
- Swift
- Kotlin
- Ruby
- PHP
Python leads the list due to its versatility in web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. JavaScript remains the king of web development, while Java and C# are favored for enterprise-level applications. C++ is essential for high-performance applications, and TypeScript is popular for large-scale JavaScript projects. Swift and Kotlin are preferred for mobile development, Ruby for web applications, and PHP for its enduring role in web development.
In conclusion, PHP’s relevance in 2024 is undeniable, thanks to its continuous evolution and widespread use in web development.