Today many programmers claim that there is no argument in discussing the difference between JavaScript and PHP as both accommodate many purposes in web development. The JavaScript vs PHP for web development can together make dynamic webs. Where JavaScript represents (client-side) scripting language and PHP represents (server-side) scripting language. While the advent of Angular.js, Node.js, and React.js permits JavaScript to efficiently apply server-side scripting. So, JavaScript Vs PHP has become a feasible debate to discuss.
What Is PHP?
The Hyper Preprocessor—PHP is a key website technology that empowers developers to dynamically build websites. It helps to build complex web pages such as login pages, image galleries, and more. The PHP includes several efficient features and precise functions that permit the developers to create data-driven websites and feature-rich web pages.
It is an Open-Source language that can perform in most operating systems like Linux, Mac OS, UNIX, and Windows. The most common PHP examples are CMS (Content management systems) like Drupal, Joomla, and Word Press. And the Servers of PHP are Sybase, SQL, PostgreSQL, and MariaDB.
What Is JavaScript?
JavaScript is majorly used for building user-friendly web pages and non-web projects such as smartphone apps, PDFs, game development, etc. It is a lightweight language usually executed in the browser to make dynamic and interactive web pages. The JavaScript doesn’t need the re-accumulating; thus, it boosts the time efficiency.
There are several advanced versions of JavaScript, such as Angular.js and Node.js. That gives the website development company more functionalities than just a simple download file. The most common examples of JavaScript are ReactJS, Ember.js, jQuery, Backbone.js, and AngularJS. And the JavaScript technologies are Node.js, MongoDB, and Express.js.
PHP Vs. JavaScript: Key Similarities
PHP and JavaScript are both interpreted and object-oriented languages and are independent open-source platforms. That can support frameworks, demands HTTP to support, and provide memory management features.
PHP is prominent for some object-oriented features, while JavaScript can copy these features with summarized purposes in PHP as local methods and variables. And there is no uncertainty that PHP and JavaScript are different from other. But they are also similar to each other. So, let’s jump into some similarities between PHP and JavaScript first.
- Involves HTTP to execute
- Existing codes are easy to use
- Object-oriented
- Case sensitive to variables
- Independent platform
- Memory management
- Special handling
- Library
- Supports framework
- Garbage collection
- Open source
Besides deliberating the similarities between both, when these languages use together, they can make the perfect combination. And the number of webs combines PHP for the back-end and JavaScript for the front-end. They provide a massive codebase of the framework, various libraries, and community support. The developers who build gaming websites (online) usually combine PHP vs JavaScript performance. As they can provide secure and reliable platforms that host a massive range of games.
PHP Vs. JavaScript: Key Differences
Considering JavaScript and PHP similarities, they also have some prominent differences. So, keeping in mind, let us spread some light on the major differences between JavaScript and PHP.
#1 Availability
Availability plays a vital role when observing the difference between JavaScript and PHP, as it describes who owns and modifies the script. JavaScript is an open-source non-free program maintained by Ecma International and W3C [World Wide Web Consortium]. While the source code of PHP is available cost-free because the internet owns its open-source language. And the PHP developers can change the original design as there is countless support accessible by ordinary users.
#2 Language Type
JavaScript and PHP both are scripting languages. But the JavaScript is the [client-side] language, and its code is only performed in the browser, not the server. While the PHP code is performed on the server only, and the outcome is the finest HTML code as feedback to the browser.
#3 Universal Support
PHP and JavaScript have a massive effect on website development. Because they both can efficiently work in the web development phase with many features. The JavaScript performs well in the frontend, whereas the PHP handles the backend efficiently. And with the involvement of these top web programming languages, there is a boost in community support for libraries codebase and JavaScript framework vs PHP framework that creates a perfect deal package. In fact, there is always the best solution when these languages support each other.
#4 The Concurrency
The concurrency defines all the sub-threads and threads before the finish task processing. Thus, all the threads start and end at the same time. The JavaScript contains a functional script of a single thread that executes the event-driven model with [non-blocking] input or output to ensure that everything performs concurrently. While the PHP contains multiple threads [blocking] input or output to simultaneously accomplish the various task with a methodological approach.
#5 Simplicity To Use And Learn
The major difference between JavaScript and PHP is how simple and effective they are used and learned. PHP is much simpler to use and controllable with its bigger library. It provides the functions of a particular operation. Some top software stacks and websites, including Facebook, WordPress, Tumblr, and Wikipedia, use PHP because of its simplicity. Though JavaScript seems difficult to learn because of its state-of-the-art features, usage of lineup events, complexity, and violation of particular rules reinforced by many programming languages.
PHP Vs JavaScript—Which Is Better For Your Next Project?
When your project covers a solution stack such as LAMP [Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP], you should select PHP language as the perfect back-end technology. On the other hand, when your project covers the front-end tech [ReactJS, Ember.js, AngularJS, Backbone.js], Dynamic SPAs [Single page apps], solution stacks like MEAN [MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js], and server technologies like [MongoDB, AngularJS, Node.js], then you should select the JavaScript.
Furthermore, PHP can grasp minor efficiency because of its open-source simplicity and availability. But then again, combining PHP and JavaScript is perfect for obtaining both language benefits.
PHP Vs JavaScript—When To Use?
Choose PHP as your back-end language when your project requires:
- Custom web development services using solution stacks like LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).
- Development of Content Management Systems (CMS) such as Drupal, WordPress, Joomla, etc.
- Integration with servers like PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Oracle, Sybase, etc.
Opt for JavaScript when your project demands:
- Custom web development services with a focus on front-end technologies like AngularJS, ReactJS, Backbone.js, Ember.js, etc.
- Building dynamic Single Page Applications (SPAs) that provide seamless user experiences.
- Server-side development using technologies like MongoDB, Express.js, Node.js, etc.
- Utilizing solution stacks like MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, Node.js).
While both PHP and JavaScript have their respective advantages, PHP can hold a slight upper hand in custom web development services due to its open-source availability and ease of use. However, it’s often wise to combine PHP and JavaScript to leverage the full potential of both languages for your custom web development projects.
To Wrap Up
Both the JavaScript and PHP languages are good enough for extensibility, building applications, and community support. JavaScript is particularly more efficient in terms of universality and speed. While PHP has still some learning curves via its syntax. But it all depends on your project and your personal preferences.
FAQs
Which is better JavaScript or PHP?
The contrast between JavaScript vs PHP ends on the project requirement and personal preferences. Both languages are good for building apps, community support, and extensibility.
Is PHP more powerful than JavaScript?
The source code of PHP is cost-free because the internet owns an open-source language of PHP. And the PHP designers can transform the original design as there is countless support available by regular users.
Can PHP replace JavaScript?
PHP can’t fully replace JavaScript. We must say Node.js is much better, but still, PHP is a perfect and helpful choice for doing small projects.
Why would you use PHP instead of JavaScript?
PHP is the server-side language and is used for the back-end. It has richer libraries, efficient security, and more features than JavaScript.
