Discover how PHP, the popular server-side language, is used in backend development, third-party integrations and enterprise app development.
Did you know that some of the most popular content management systems and ecommerce platforms we use are built on PHP frameworks? Released in 1995 by Rasmus Lerdorf, Hypertext Preprocessor or PHP programming language is popularly used by 6-8 million web developers in the world.
Since it is free to use, beginner-friendly, and efficient for cross-platform development, it is being used widely to develop high-functioning and scalable websites, apps, content management systems, e-commerce platforms, and make third-party integrations.
Let’s check out in detail how PHP is useful for obtaining different types of web development services.
Backend development includes developing server side of websites and apps where data management, user authentication, and server logic are handled. Any client requests made go to the server, where they are processed and sent back to the frontend. There are 5 key aspects of backend development, including the following:
PHP is more efficient at handling HTTP requests, integrating databases, and handling server-side logic. It also has many built-in features for data encryption and cross-site scripting protection.
Popular backends developed using PHP: Wikipedia, early versions of Facebook, and early versions of MailChimp
To extend functionality for any website or application, it needs to be integrated with other third-party platforms such as social media platforms, online payment gateways, databases, cloud servers, analytical tools, messaging platforms, email services, and CRM systems.
PHP has an extensive set of libraries and API support to integrate these third-party platforms to existing apps and websites.
Popular third-party services integrated with PHP: PayPal, Facebook, and Google Analytics
Websites today work when they are dynamic. It means they require constant update in content and more user interaction. A content management system is a software that helps you build and maintain such dynamic websites with ease.
Due to its server-side efficiency, database integration capabilities, and extensive library, developers can use PHP technology for building flexible and customizable content management systems.
Popular CMS built with PHP: WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal
An ecommerce development platform is ideal for building websites when it ensures security, scalability, and proper database management. PHP is used for making such ecommerce platforms due to its efficient integration with third-party databases, built-in security features, and numerous frameworks offering cross-platform development. Its frameworks also support payment integrations, user authentication, and product management.
Popular e-commerce platforms made on PHP: Magento, PretaShop, and OpenCart
An enterprise app is meant to ease internal communication and management of an organization. From organizing workflows to maintaining extensive databases, it should be capable of everything. Following are some essential features it must have:
PHP is an open-source platform, thus making enterprise app development more cost-effective. Its robust frameworks like Laravel and Symfony have built-in modules for database interactions and user authentications. Other features like load balancing, cloud hosting, and caching systems allow it to build scalable and flexible apps.
Popular enterprise solutions built on PHP: Early versions of Slack, Moodle, and SugarCRM
PHP is primarily used for backend development services. Even though it is most popular for ecommerce and enterprise solutions, all kinds of blogs, websites, and progressive apps can be made using PHP. Along with being efficient, it has a vast community support that has encouraged many developers to use PHP frameworks. What does your brand require to build for hiring a PHP developer?
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