- 1 PHP is a free, beginner-friendly programming language widely used for web development, known for its effectiveness in backend tasks like database integration, security, and API development. It supports easy integration with third-party services such as PayPal, Facebook, and Google Analytics. PHP is the foundation of flexible content management systems like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal and is ideal for building secure and scalable ecommerce platforms such as Magento and OpenCart. Additionally, PHP is often used for developing enterprise apps, offering scalability, data protection, and workflow automation. Its open-source nature makes it a cost-effective choice, and its strong developer community further supports its versatility for a wide range of web development needs.
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
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:
- Server management
- Database management
- Security
- API development
- Application logic
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
Third-Party Integrations
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
Content Management Systems
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
Ecommerce Development
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
Enterprise App Development
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:
- Scalability
- Data protection
- Third-party integrations
- Database management
- Role-based access control
- Workflow automation
- Collaboration and communication tools
- Performance optimization
- Auditing
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
Which Web Development Services Will You Require with PHP?
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?
