PHP vs. JavaScript: Comparison and Applications

Key takeaways:

• PHP and JavaScript are both top contenders for web development. Each has unique strengths, so the choice should depend on your goals and project needs.

• Learning both PHP and JavaScript can elevate your development skills by bridging the gap between back-end processing (PHP) and front-end interactivity (JavaScript).

• PHP excels in server-side tasks like content management systems (WordPress) and e-commerce platforms, while JavaScript powers interactive front-end designs, real-time applications, and full-stack solutions with Node.js.

When choosing a language to learn for building web applications, PHP and JavaScript are always at the top of the list. Both languages have their own pros and cons, but when it comes to learning, you need to choose one as a starting point. That’s why we hear the PHP vs. JavaScript debate so frequently online.

It’s great to learn both languages and upgrade your development skills, and Educative offers interactive courses for experts and beginners in both JavaScript and PHP. However, as developers create websites and applications, the question arises: Which language is best to develop? Should I start with PHP or JavaScript? So many questions can pop up when it comes to choosing a language to learn and develop. And for that purpose, we have created a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions. Let's dive in.

What is PHP?#

PHP stands for “Hypertext Preprocessor,” a widely used scripting language designed for server-side development. It was introduced in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf. PHP has been one of the top choices for many developers because it processes information on the back end and then sends the processed data to the browser as plain HTML.

Thanks to its server-side capabilities, PHP is a popular choice for developing dynamic web pages and applications that require data manipulation, such as content management systems or e-commerce platforms.

PHP has many advantages, and the biggest advantage is flexibility. It is platform-dependent and is used to integrate database systems such as MYSQL and POSTGRESQL seamlessly. Because of this, it may function on a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and MacOS. PHP's extensive ecosystem, various built-in features, and an excellent community have made it possible for modern web solutions, ranging from WordPress to massive business apps.

Advantages#

• PHP is an open-source programming language, which means users and developers can modify its code.

• PHP is a platform-independent programming language, meaning that it’s suitable for Mac, Windows, Unix, and Linux environments.

• PHP is easy to learn. With the right content and guidance, you can learn PHP very quickly.

• PHP boasts a robust and active community that offers extensive support, resources, and contributions to its ecosystem.

Disadvantages#

• PHP is not suitable for large, content-based websites.

• PHP is an open-source language, which can lead to security concerns. 

• Due to scalability and maintenance concerns, PHP might not be the best choice for extremely large and complex applications.

• PHP isn’t the best option for heavy computational tasks or situations where real-time performance is essential, like intense graphic design or image processing.

What is JavaScript?#

JavaScript, often referred to as JS, is a high-level programming language renowned for its role in web development. It was introduced in 1995 by Netscape as a front-end language to help create interactive web pages, and it serves its purpose very well. People usually think that JavaScript is a front-end language, but that’s not entirely true.

JavaScript has expanded dramatically. With the advent of Node.js, JavaScript has made its way to the server side, enabling full-stack web application development using a singular language. Coupled with a vast ecosystem, myriad libraries, and frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, JavaScript stands as one of the most versatile and widely used programming languages in the world today.

Advantages#

• JavaScript enables dynamic content, providing users with interactive web pages and a richer user experience. Developers can seamlessly implement features like animations, form validations, and responsive designs using JavaScript.

• Almost all modern browsers support JavaScript, meaning most users can access JavaScript-based applications without additional requirements.

• JavaScript runs in the client’s browser, reducing the load on the server and providing quicker response times.

• With platforms like Node.js, JavaScript is not limited to the browser. It can be used for server-side development, making full-stack development possible with one language.

• A vast array of frameworks, libraries, and tools are available – such as React, Angular, and Vue.js for front-end development and Express.js for the back-end – which accelerates development and offers solutions for various needs.

Disadvantages#

• JavaScript’s code is visible to users so they can use it for malicious purposes, and it can put a toll on the security of your web application.

• The debugging facility JavaScript provides is not as effected compared to C/C++.

• Different browsers implement JavaScript in slightly different ways. This means that developers had to write extra code to ensure functionality across all browsers.

• JavaScript is an interpreted language that might not run as fast as compiled languages.

• JavaScript runs in a single thread. While there are ways around this limitation, such as using Web Workers, it’s not as straightforward as multi-threaded programming in other languages.

PHP vs. JavaScript differences#

Here is the table comparing PHP and JavaScript based on the provided features:

Why learn PHP and JavaScript together?#

Mastering both PHP and JavaScript allows you to tackle all aspects of web development, making you a versatile and in-demand developer. Each language has unique strengths that complement the other:

• PHP's role: Handling server-side logic, managing databases, and generating dynamic content.

• JavaScript's role: Enabling user interactions, real-time updates, and rich front-end experiences.

By learning both, you can bridge the gap between front-end and back-end development, creating seamless and feature-rich web applications.

Real-world applications#

Here’s how PHP and JavaScript are used in different scenarios:

PHP in real projects

• Powering back-end functionality for websites like Wikipedia and Facebook.

• Creating scalable content management systems (CMS) like WordPress.

• Managing e-commerce platforms with tools like Magento or OpenCart.

JavaScript in real projects

• Building dynamic front-end interfaces for modern websites and SPAs (Single Page Applications) with React or Vue.

• Creating real-time chat apps using WebSockets or libraries like Socket.IO.

• Developing cross-platform applications with frameworks like React Native and Electron.

Wrapping up!#

When it comes to choosing the right language to begin your learning, JavaScript and PHP are both great choices. While JavaScript can help you create interactive web applications for your website, PHP can help you control back-end servers smoothly.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert developer looking to enhance your coding skills, learning to code in JavaScript and PHP will benefit you in the future. You can start with Hero to Zero in JavaScript (which includes everything you need as a beginner). Or, if you want to learn PHP, we suggest starting with Web Development with PHP.

Educative offers a variety of courses for expert developers so that they can always learn what’s new and upgrade their skills. Explore today and start learning!