With the battle between Python and PHP, it’s a bit like between Marvel and DC, each user has his own favourite one for which would give up the honour and almost nothing in the world can change their mind. However, we want to approach the subject without being partial and show you how it really looks like. So prepare yourself for a little bit different kind of battle based on the rules, where there only a huge sphere of possibilities.

Make it clear!

If you don’t know where to start, it’s best to start from the basics of what Python and PHP really are. Therefore, if you don’t know anything about it, it will be a nice introduction for you and if you are an expert in this field, you can always add something in the comments box.

Python

Python is a remarkable, high-level and, most importantly, universal programming language. It was released in 1991 by Guido van Rossum, and as far as the Python philosophy is concerned, it is worth mentioning that it emphasizes the readability of code with its substantial use of whitespace. This language has a great object-oriented approach to help programmers create clear and logical code for small as well as large projects. Python also supports a huge standard library, which is undoubtedly a great advantage, and probably that’ s why this programming language is sometimes described as ‘batteries included’.

The main qualities of Python:

very easy to learn as a first programming language

it has a simple, almost intuitive syntax

codes created by this programming language are extremely readable

PHP

PHP is a programming language mainly used for creating websites. It was founded in 1994 through the creativity of Rasmus Lerdorf and is ideal for creating websites as well as complex applications that manage large amounts of data such as discussion forums, content management systems and online shops. PHP is a server-side language, which means it is invisible to users. If you want to use PHP on a website, you need to be sure that the server has its services installed. Also, it is worth mentioning that PHP may be more difficult to maintain and track errors as the application grows, as it lacks static typing, which is considered disadvantage in this case.

The main qualities of PHP:

runs on many platforms such as Windows, Linux, etc.

supports a wide range of databases out-of-the-box?

users have great access to mature frameworks

the best language to choose when creating web development

Beginner-friendly

Python is much easier to learn as the first programming language. For newcomers, this is the ideal language to start working as a programmer. It is extremely intuitive and very straightforward. PHP is more complex and its mainly used for creating web sites.

Design

As you know, the design is important, probably for this reason so many people fell in love with the iPhone because its graphic design is simply brilliantly designed and extremely intuitive. So if you’ve ever seen any codes written in PHP or Python, you know very well that looking at and experiencing Python is simply more enjoyable. If you don’t believe us, check it out for yourself.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufmzc2sDmhs

Productivity

Productivity is an extremely important element in the IT industry. It is important to consider, from an investor’s point of view, what constitutes a positive value for him/her in the long term. Nobody wants to gain from the start and then lose with time. So from a long term perspective, Python definitely wins over PHP, which may seem more efficient at first, but loses quite a lot over time.

Web framework

It is about time to talk about web frameworks. Django, Pyramid, Pylons, and Flask are the ones who stand by the Python, while PHP runs on Kohan, Zend, Symfony, and CodeIgnitor. It looks like a tough battle but we have to admit that PHP has been created to develop websites but it’s hard to deny that Django became the current favourite in the industry and the position of PHP is decreasing year by year.

Readability

Readability is very important because it allows us not only to quickly discover errors in the code but also makes our work a pleasure. Probably Python is not only more readable than PHP, but also more readable than most other available programming languages. It is also worth to emphasise that the philosophy behind Python states that the main goal of it is just the readability of the code. Simple as that, but so important at the same time!

Syntax

PHP can be very messy so it is very hard to put all things right there because it gives a lot of different option to do this same thing which can be quite tricky. Python in the other hand has a clean, elegant structure which is just crystal clear and so, so nice to look at.

Community

Considering the support of the community, both programming languages are fantastic in this area. Even though PHP has existed on the market for much longer, Python has gained great popularity since it is used to support applications such as YouTube or Instagram. The support of the Python and PHP community is huge and remarkable, they will help in every situation, which provides great opportunities for development and help dealing with situations of deadlock.

Profitability

The question of cost-effectiveness cannot be omitted. Of course, you can learn programming languages to play with them and use them in the comfort of your own home, but the main purpose of learning programming languages is to make money, and indeed a quite bit ones. In terms of income, the big winner is Python because not only is it extremely versatile, but also programs created with it is simply more cost-effective and the actual creation of them thanks to a transparent interface takes less time than it is in the case of PHP. So if you’re planning on making a living from programming, you’d better sign up for a course with Python.

Source: https://stackoverflow.blog/2017/09/06/incredible-growth-python/

This table may be a little controversial for some people, but it is important to approach the subject logically so we present here the elements that are better in particular spheres of the Python and PHP battle, it is not always straightforward but we tried to be fair.

	Python	PHP
Beginner friendly	✔️
Designed	✔️
Productivity	✔️
Web framework	✔️	✔️
Readability	✔️
Syntax	✔️
Community	✔️	✔️
Profitability	✔️

 

The fight was intense but there is no doubt that Python will work much better as a perfect tool for a web developer. Not only is it easy, clear and readable, but it is also much more efficient when long-term effectiveness is taken into account.

Perhaps it is worthwhile to have a closer look at the Python programming language course. Its importance in the market is growing year on year and consequently, the rates for codes made precisely in Python are rising. Besides, we cannot miss the opportunity to mention once again that if you want the job to be a pleasure it is good to use the program that will provide you with the pleasure and that’s undoubtedly the Python.