Python vs PHP: Difference and Comparison

Python and PHP, the two most popular programming languages, are opposites for web development. When it comes to backend web development, Python and PHP are, without a doubt, the most popular languages to use.

Even though PHP powers over 80% of the web, Python has a slight advantage over PHP in several key areas.

Web development professionals across the globe utilize these two powerful high-level programming languages to get their work done. Even if you’re a tiny company, you’ll need a website and a mobile app, and both of them need backend programming, which is one of the most in-demand talents today.

Key Takeaways

  1. Python is a general-purpose programming language, while PHP is primarily used for web development.
  2. Python is easier to learn and use than PHP.
  3. Python is better for data analysis and scientific computing, while PHP is better for web development and server-side scripting.

Python vs PHP

Python is a high-level, interpreted language that emphasizes code readability and simplicity. It is widely used for web development and scientific computing. PHP is a server-side scripting language designed for web development. It is known for its ability to interact with databases and generate dynamic content on web pages.

Python vs PHP

Python is a dynamically semantic, interpreted, object-oriented high-level programming language. Combining its high-level data structures and dynamic typing/binding make this a great language for Rapid Application Development and as a scripting or glue language to link other languages and applications together.

Python’s straightforward syntax promotes readability, which saves money on software upkeep. PHP is a server-side programming language that may build static or dynamic websites and Web applications.

PHP is now known as the Hypertext Pre-processor instead of Personal Home Pages. PHP scripts can’t be understood on a server that doesn’t have PHP already installed.

Client PC PHP scripts can only be viewed via a web browser.

Comparison Table

Parameters Of ComparisonPythonPHP
FrameworkLesser frameworkMore framework than Python
Database ConnectivityNot as broad as PHPCan access more than 30 different database
Key featuresDynamic coding and Quick developmentOpen source and constant upgrading
ReadabilityPython is more understandable than PHP owing to its well-structured syntax.
PHP is a well-documented language using a traditional method.
SyntaxA coding syntax that is simple to comprehend Numerous naming conventions
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What is Python?

Python has several advantages over other object-oriented programming languages, such as Perl, including its simple syntax and readability. Because Python is portable, its statements may be interpreted by a wide range of operating systems, including UNIX, Mac OS, MS-DOS, OS/2, and several versions of Microsoft Windows 98.

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Python is considered to be simple to learn and reasonably straightforward to use. Guido van Rossum, a former Netherlands resident and fan of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, developed Python.

The program’s source code is accessible for anybody to modify and reuse. There are a large number of people who utilize Python.

Python’s indenting of source statements helps with readability by indenting the code. Many system functions and libraries have interfaces in Python.

It has dynamic data types. It has ready-made classes. It’s extensible thanks to the C++ and C programming languages.

Microsoft’s Active Server Page (ASP) technology accepts Python as a scripting language. Python was used to create the scoreboard system at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The popular Web application server Z Object Publishing Environment is also built in Python.

python programming language

What is PHP?

Hypertext Preprocessor is a PHP abbreviation. PHP was created in 1995 by Apache project member Rasmus Lerdorf.

PHP was the personal home page of Rasmus Lerdorf. PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor was the abbreviation created by Zeev Suraski and Andi Gutmans.

PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor was the abbreviation created by Zeev Suraski and Andi Gutmans. We don’t need to build the code because of the Hypertext Preprocessor.

The request is sent to the server initially on every page request. Client browsers request HTML output from the server, which the server understands.

PHP is an object-oriented and procedural programming language. It is a scripting or programming language used on the server side, and it is extremely simple to learn.

Zeev and Andi added object-oriented support to PHP with version 5.0, released in 2004. Among its many helpful features are those that generate dynamic content for web pages, send an email, add or delete records in a database, gather form input, and manage cookies and sessions.

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Because it’s free to download and use, this is the most popular tool for web developers today. PHP is database-friendly, enabling it to create, edit easily, and remove data inside a database.

Additionally, PHP can gather data from your forms, support cookies, encrypt data, and restrict user access. WordPress.com, Facebook.com, Wikipedia.org, Zoom.us, Microsoft.com, Canva.com, and Salesforce.com are just a few prominent websites that use PHP.

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Main Differences Between Python and PHP

  1. Python allows functional programming, while PHP does not.
  2. Python’s generator function is called using a “yield” command. On the other hand, PHP does not support threads (concurrent programming).
  3. Python is a high-level scripting language that allows project- and procedure-oriented programming, effectively isolating a program’s functionality and splitting it into many sub-modules. On the other hand, PHP is object-oriented, which enables developers to organize many jobs into containers defined by PHP classes. PHP’s primary function on the Web is to facilitate interoperability with other resources.
  4. Python is a relative newcomer to the scene and is quickly establishing itself as a rising star in the world of CGI programming. Python has developed and matured over several years to become one of the most commonly used Web and system scripting languages. On the other hand, PHP is a relative newcomer to the Web-scripting landscape yet has existed for a long period. PHP is a much more capable language than when it was first introduced, yet it maintains the same extensible capabilities.
  5. Python-based software is regarded as one of the safest and most secure available. However, PHP is not; its code requires extra security measures.
Difference Between Python and PHP
References
  1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7023652/
  2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Farid-Morsidi/project/Regular-Expression-to-detect-Text-Patterns-in-Uncategorised-Documents/attachment/5a0fe633b53d2f46c7eae42b/AS:561952864694272@1510991411210/download/Regexp_matching_can_be_simple.pdf?context=ProjectUpdatesLog
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Sandeep Bhandari
Sandeep Bhandari

Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.

8 Comments

  1. This is a very comprehensive and accurate comparison between Python and PHP for web development. The detailed explanation of their key features and differences is very helpful.

  2. The article offers a comprehensive analysis of the features, syntax, and differences between Python and PHP, making it an excellent resource for developers interested in these languages.

  3. Both Python and PHP are widely used for web development, but their advantages and best use cases are clearly explained in the article, making it easy for readers to understand when to use each language.

  4. The article does a great job of explaining the advantages of Python and PHP for web development purposes. It covers the syntax, readability, and features of both languages thoroughly.

  5. The comparison table provided in the article perfectly summarizes the differences between Python and PHP, making it easy to understand their application in web development.

  6. This article provides a detailed overview of Python and PHP, comparing their syntax, features, and usage in web development. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to start learning these languages.

  7. The in-depth explanation of Python and PHP as well as their main differences is well-documented and provides a very clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each language.

  8. I appreciate the article’s detailed information about Python and PHP, as well as the comparison of their main differences. It’s an insightful read for anyone interested in web development.

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