Introduction to PHP
PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, is a widely-used open source
scripting language. It is especially suited for web development and
can be embedded into HTML. As of 2024, PHP powers 77.5% of all
websites with known server-side programming languages. It is
known for its ease of use, large community, and extensive library
support.
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by Chandu Gowda
Early Days: PHP 1.0 and 2.0
PHP was created by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1994 as "Personal Home
Page Tools." PHP 2.0, released in 1997, introduced form
interpretation, cookies, and MySQL support. It started as a set of
simple CGI binaries written in C. Initially, it was designed to track
visits to his online resume.
Simple Beginnings
Started as Personal Home Page Tools.
Key Features
Form interpretation, cookies, MySQL support.
PHP 3: The First Widely
Adopted Version
PHP 3 was developed by Andi Gutmans and Zeev Suraski in 1997.
It introduced a new engine, marking a shift from a toolset to a
language. It included object-oriented programming features. It was
renamed to the recursive acronym "PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor."
Open sourced, leading to rapid adoption and community
contributions.
New Engine OOP Features Open Source
PHP 4: Performance and Scalability
Released in 2000, PHP 4 featured the Zend Engine 1.0. This significantly improved performance, reliability, and
scalability. It became the foundation for many large-scale web applications. Session management and output
buffering were also introduced.
1 Zend Engine 1.0
2 Improved Performance
3 Session Management
PHP 5: Modernization and OOP
Released in 2004, PHP 5 brought major improvements. It enhanced object-oriented programming support, including
constructors, destructors, and interfaces. The PHP Data Objects (PDO) extension was introduced for database
access. It also included better XML and SOAP support.
2 PDO Extension
OOP Support 1
XML and SOAP
3
Key Milestones: PHP 5.3 to
5.6
1 PHP 5.3 (2009)
Namespaces, late static binding, and closures.
2 PHP 5.4 (2012)
Traits, short array syntax, built-in web server.
3 PHP 5.5 (2013)
Generators, password hashing API.
4 PHP 5.6 (2014)
Constant expressions, improved use function.
PHP 7: Performance Revolution
Released in 2015, PHP 7 focused on performance improvements. Zend Engine 3.0 resulted in up to a 2x
performance increase. It also reduced memory consumption by about 50%. Scalar type declarations and return type
declarations were introduced. Deprecated features and extensions were removed.
2x Performance
1
2 Reduced Memory
3 Type Declarations
PHP 7.1 to 7.4: Further Enhancements
PHP 7.1 (2016) PHP 7.2 (2017) PHP 7.3 (2018) PHP 7.4 (2019)
Nullable types, void Improved security, object Flexible Heredoc/Nowdoc Typed properties, arrow
return type, class type hints. syntax, JSON error functions, preloading.
constant visibility. handling.
PHP 8: The Present and
Future
Released in 2020, PHP 8 introduces more modern features. This includes
a JIT (Just-In-Time) compiler for improved performance. Union types,
attributes, constructor property promotion, and match expression were
added. Ongoing development focuses on performance, security, and
developer experience.
JIT Compiler
Union Types
Property Promotion
Conclusion: PHP's Enduring Legacy
PHP has evolved significantly since its inception and remains a dominant force in web development. A large
community and continuous updates ensure its relevance. It powers a significant portion of the internet, driving
innovation and accessibility.
Evolution Dominance Relevance
Significant changes since inception. A leading force in web development. Large community and
continuous updates.
