PHP is the programming language that everyone loves to hate. If you're a computer science purist, PHP is an ugly mess of compromises. The hip new startups scoff at its perceived weaknesses. But here's the thing - PHP powers a massive chunk of the internet. It handles boring but essential jobs like databases, forms, and CRUD operations. While Silicon Valley chases the new hotness, PHP keeps working.
The hate comes from PHP not fitting theoretical ideals. It evolved gradually as the web took off, not designed pristinely from scratch. To purists, PHP is an ugly mutt. But ugly mutts can still be excellent pets. PHP gets the job done for millions of devs daily.
Programmers can be elitist and jump on bandwagons. The flashy new languages get the hype. But longevity comes from solving real problems for real users. The latest hotness fades quickly. New only sometimes means better.
Good programmers focus on the right tools for the job, not cherry-picking based on their personal preferences. If your business needs demand cutting-edge tech, by all means, reach for the stars. But often, boring old PHP is the pragmatic choice. It handles the unglamorous work of powering e-commerce sites, content management systems, web forums, and more.
The best developers work comfortably in the languages that fit their tasks. An expert PHP dev will outperform an amateur stumbling through the trendy new syntax. Coding skill and experience matter more than abstract metrics.
So, be wary when people hate PHP. They often lack real-world perspective. The world runs on compromises and trade-offs. PHP made choices that optimized for beginner accessibility and web development. That worked astonishingly well. The web as we know it today was primarily built on PHP.
The flashy startups chasing VC funding mock it at their peril. Their hot new tech may fade quickly when the winds of fashion change. PHP abides, powering an ever-growing chunk of backend infrastructure. It's the reliable old car that keeps on trucking mile after mile. You'll never look cool driving it, but you'll get where you want to go.
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The original article was published on medium.com