PHP vs. Python Comparison

Website Development
PHP vs. Python Comparison
Last Updated: October 24, 2024

If you’re looking into web development languages and are at a crossroads between PHP and Python, the key distinction is that one promises reliability while the other offers flexibility. Depending on your needs, this choice can make or break your project, impacting all aspects from speed and security to scalability.

With the help of our experts, we’ll resolve the PHP vs. Python dilemma. Both have their strengths, quirks, and yes, a few oddball characteristics, so let's get into it. Which one is the best for your business?

PHP vs. Python: Quick Overview

Before we start comparing these two head-to-head, let’s take a quick overview to get familiar with their key traits. Both PHP and Python are popular choices for a variety of types of web development, from basic websites to complex web applications.

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PHP

PHP
[Source: Wikimedia Commons]

PHP is a self-referential acronym for hypertext preprocessor, although the name originally was supposed to mean personal home page. It is a key component of the LAMP stack, which includes Linux, Apache, and MySQL. It is designed specifically for server-side scripting and is the backbone of many websites used daily, 75.7% to be exact.

PHP development is ideal for creating dynamic web pages and is deeply embedded in web development, offering frameworks like Laravel and CodeIgniter for streamlined projects.

Python

Python
[Source: Python]

Python, on the other hand, is the cool, versatile kid who can hang out with anyone at the programming party. While not originally designed for web development, Python has morphed into a powerhouse, with popular frameworks like Django making it one of the top choices for developing web applications. It’s also the go-to language for artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and automation.

Python is also one of the top three most used programming languages among developers, with statistics backing its popularity.

Now that we know who’s who, let’s see how they fare in a good old-fashioned comparison.

PHP vs. Python: Comparison in 8 Crucial Points

To help you make the best choice for your business, let’s break down how these two programming languages compare across key factors like speed, security, and scalability.

Speed to Market

When you’re running a business, time is money. So, how quickly can you launch your product using PHP or Python?

PHP

As a web-focused language, PHP has been optimized over the years to get web projects live in record time. Its deep integration with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress or Joomla makes it easy for businesses to quickly build and deploy websites without custom coding everything from scratch.

Plus, PHP’s compatibility with most web hosting platforms means less setup time for developers. If your goal is a fast website launch, PHP is a sure bet.

Python

Python’s simplicity and elegant syntax make development fast, especially with frameworks like Django and Flask, which come with built-in features for security, scalability, and speed. That said, Python might lag behind PHP when it comes to highly web-specific applications, since it wasn’t originally designed with web development in mind.

However, it excels in more complex, data-driven applications, where speed to market may not just be about getting the product out quickly but also about building a robust, long-lasting solution.

Learning Curve

Now, if your business team is involved in hiring or working with the development team, the ease of learning the language can matter.

PHP

PHP is relatively easy to grasp, especially for developers who are already familiar with web development basics. But, if you’re not well-versed in web development, PHP can feel a bit more cryptic and specialized, especially compared to Python’s simpler approach.

Python

Python wins hands down when it comes to simplicity. Its syntax is so clear and readable that even someone without a background in programming can understand what’s going on in the code. For non-technical teams trying to collaborate with developers, Python’s straightforwardness makes communication easier.

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Performance

Your website or application needs to run smoothly. So, how do PHP and Python stack up in terms of performance?

PHP

In terms of raw performance, PHP has made significant strides with recent versions like PHP 7 and 8, which offer significant speed improvements over earlier iterations. For web-specific tasks, PHP can be extremely efficient, especially when paired with its ecosystem of frameworks, which are optimized for speed.

When handling traditional web requests — like serving dynamic web pages — PHP performs exceptionally well.

Python

Python, being an interpreted language, can sometimes be slower than PHP in executing certain tasks. However, Python’s frameworks work hard to close that performance gap. Plus, Python shines when it comes to more complex backend tasks like handling heavy computations, data processing, and even AI algorithms.

While it may not be as fast as PHP for standard web requests, Python’s performance is highly optimized for more advanced, multi-layered applications.

Scalability

As your business grows, so must your technology. Which language scales better with your growing needs?

PHP

PHP has evolved over the years to become more scalable, particularly with the help of modern frameworks like Laravel and CodeIgniter. However, it’s still primarily web-centric, so if you plan on scaling beyond a web-based environment — such as expanding into mobile apps or advanced server-side technologies — PHP may struggle.

That said, many large-scale applications have been built using PHP, so it’s not incapable of handling big projects. It just requires more effort and expertise to scale effectively.

Python

Python shines when it comes to scalability, especially for businesses looking to expand into areas like data analytics, machine learning, or larger web applications. Its versatility allows it to easily adapt to both small and large projects. The language’s broad applicability across various sectors makes it an excellent choice for businesses aiming to expand their technological scope over time.

Security

Security is crucial, whether you’re building a simple website or a large eCommerce platform.

PHP

PHP has had a checkered history when it comes to security. Early versions of the language were notorious for vulnerabilities, but recent updates and frameworks like Laravel have significantly improved PHP’s security reputation.

However, it still requires developers to be more proactive in writing secure code and following best practices like regular updates and using prepared statements to prevent SQL injection.

Python

Python is often considered more secure, particularly because its frameworks come with built-in security features like protection against cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. This makes it easier to build secure applications right from the start. Python’s widespread use in industries like finance, healthcare, and even government is a testament to its reputation as a secure programming language.

Environment Management

Development environments can have a great impact on a project, so how do PHP and Python handle environment management?

PHP

PHP is simple to set up and can be run on most servers right out of the box, thanks to its integration with web servers like Apache. However, managing different environments for PHP can be a bit clunky. Dependency management in PHP often relies on web development tools, but it’s not streamlined as Python’s solutions.

Python

Python’s virtual environment tools make it easy to create isolated environments for each project, ensuring that dependencies and libraries don’t clash. This makes it easy to avoid conflicts between libraries and ensures that different projects can run without issue, even if they require different dependencies.

Python’s environment management is also essential for applications involving data science and machine learning, where dependency conflicts can wreak havoc.

Community Support

When it comes to open-source software languages, community support is essential. Both PHP and Python boast active communities that can assist in diagnosing and resolving website issues, but which one’s larger?

PHP

With a long history of web development, PHP has a massive, established community. This means plenty of online tutorials, forums, and resources for developers and business owners looking to build web applications. If you hit a roadblock, chances are that someone else has already faced — and solved — the problem. Plus, many hosting providers offer dedicated support for PHP-based apps.

Python

Python has a similarly large and active community, but its scope is broader than PHP’s. Python developers are involved in fields ranging from web development to AI, machine learning, and even automation. The community’s diversity makes it easy to find support for almost any type of project, from simple websites to advanced data-driven applications.

Documentation

What if you or your developers need to dive into the docs for a solution?

PHP

PHP’s documentation is extensive and easy to follow, but because of its long history, some of it is a bit scattered. Nonetheless, for web development specifically, PHP’s documentation provides all the answers you’ll likely need.

Python

Python’s documentation is often praised for its clarity and organization, its documents are straightforward and cover everything from basic syntax to advanced features. Python’s well organized, intuitive documentation is one of the reasons it’s so popular among developers.

PHP or Python: Which One Is Best for Your Business?

If your business needs a fast, affordable website or web app with minimal complexity (think blogs, CMS sites, or small eCommerce platforms), PHP is your go-to. It’s a trusted workhorse and integrates well with most web hosting environments. It’s the equivalent of choosing a reliable, nonsense-free car.

But if your business needs a complete solution for full-stack development — from the user interface to the database — Python's flexibility makes it a strong contender for more comprehensive, scalable applications. Its flexibility and broad application give you more room to innovate and grow.

If your business needs enterprise IT services focused on data management or complex integrations, Python is likely your best bet

Ultimately, the best language for your business depends on your current needs and where you see your business in the years to come.

If you’re still on the fence, it’s worth consulting with a web development agency that specializes in both PHP and Python. They can evaluate your business’s goals, technical requirements, and long-term plans to recommend the right choice that aligns with your budget and future ambitions.

PHP vs. Python FAQs

1. Can PHP and Python be used together?

Yes, they can. Some businesses use both, depending on their specific needs.

2. Can I switch between PHP and Python for my project?

Technically, yes — but it’s not always easy. Migrating an existing project from PHP to Python or vice versa requires considerable effort, including rewriting code, testing, and integrating existing systems. It's best to choose the right language from the start, but if your project’s scope changes significantly, a switch may be necessary and should involve expert advice.

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