PHP Vs Python

Question

For professional web development which scripting language you recommend, PHP or Python? What's the current trend? Why you chose one over the other?

Answer 1

Having so many frameworks to work in, I'd say they are both on par. PHP is strictly for web applications, while Python is a universal language.

Answer 2

I am really biassssed, but Python is my choice. It's simply because you can do so much more with it, while PHP is only for the web. Both handle MySQL finely, to be fair.

Answer 3

As usual, it depends ;-)

Will you work in/for a team that already has some expertise in a particular language? They might have service contracts with clients. You will have to blend in and benefit from the experience of your team mates.

Will you work for a client who needs some extensions to an existing CMS or web framework? Supposed they are running an instance of Drupal, your language of choice will be PHP. For Django or Rails, Python or Ruby will be your language of (no) choice.

Apart from PHP and Python, which you have mentioned in your question, and Ruby (see above) there are more options to choose from:

Some companies run the Java-based Liferay Portal. The maket might be small by numbers, but these are huge companies and you might want to get a foot in the door there.

Last but not least, there is server-sided JavaScript in the form of node.js To my impression, the Rails hype has faded a bit and node.js is the current trend..

To sum it up again: It depends, but I would definitely keep an eye of node.js.

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If you are likewise proficient in PHP and Python and can realize the project by your own, trust your instincts and go for Python. If you expect to need a lot of help, consider the local eco system. A local meetups or user group, where you can get some information on the pitfalls of particular libraries or best practises can make difference for your project.

Answer 4

I am working on a personal project which includes a video & photo db but stuck between choosing python or php. I'm using mysql for back end. From the start php felt clunky and a bloated language but python seems crisp & neat. There is no specific requirement for the scripting language. So, if you were in my situation which one you choose? Help much needed :)