PHP vs Javascript - What are the Key Differences?

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JavaScript Course With Certification: Unlocking the Power of JavaScript
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JavaScript Course With Certification: Unlocking the Power of JavaScript
JavaScript Course With Certification: Unlocking the Power of JavaScript
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PHP and Javascript are both one of the most popular programming languages in the world ever. They are both free and open source and have a lot in common.

For an instance, they both have been used in server-side scripting. However, there are many significant differences between PHP and JavaScript. Let us try to throw some light on them:

  • Javascript can be used for both Backend and Frontend development while PHP usually all times is used for Backend development only.

  • In Javascript, all the code is executed line by line in a sequence also it comes with a variety of characteristics such as promises, callbacks, and async/await that permit handling of events like asynchronous events. PHP stands by for the execution of IO operations to complete as it is synchronous.

  • Javascript allows us to run it in browsers and also after Node, we can also make it work with the Command line. On the other hand, PHP runs on the server, so it is not possible to run.

  • Javascript can be bundled with different variety of technologies like HTML, XML, and AJAX to provide new features and use their functions. While PHP can only work with HTML and use its functionality alongside.

  • While in the instance of functions, JavaScript happens to be case-sensitive. PHP is hardly case-sensitive in instances of functions.

  • (.js) extension is used while saving a JavaScript file. On the other side, (.php) extension is used for saving PHP documents.

  • Javascript occurs to be a single-threaded language that also happens to be event-driven which conveys that every single thing works concurrently and not at all blocks. PHP is a multi-threaded language which means to support concurrent different tasks, it obstructs input-output.

  • JavaScript was developed by Brendan Eich in 1995. While PHP was developed by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1994.

Types of Backend Development Languages

Back-end scripting languages may diverge, some might offer performance, some may deliver compatibility and stability, some require more code, and some languages work with less code. Some languages offer Object Oriented Programming (OOPS: a way of programming that contains objects, functions, and attributes) and while other languages compile as a substitute for interpretation which affects the speed of processes and loading time. There are many Backend languages offered by the community. Let us have a glance at some of them.

  • JAVA: This language is an object-oriented programming language that is globally implemented for building applications for different backgrounds such as scientific, android, web, desktop, etc also with the enterprise.

  • C++: It is a good language for backend development. It is speedy, powerful, and prominently reliable. It depends upon what your idea is or what do wish to build, also how you define the back end. This language is great if you seek speed, and reliability and want to manipulate the allocation of the memory with your code.

  • JavaScript (Node.js): Well amazingly, JavaScript is the most popular and well-implemented back-end language ever. Also, it can be implemented for both front-end and back-end development. JavaScript is the best-loved scripting language of developers as it is an easy-to-operate language for building mesmerizing applications.

  • PHP: PHP is the acronym for Hypertext Preprocessor and before it was called Personal Home Page. This language works on a server. Implementation of PHP is essential for back-end development. It comes with various databases like SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgresSQL. Backend languages like PHP work on frameworks that make web development a lot easier.

  • Python: It is an easy-to-understand language. It has a set of many level-headed frameworks and tools for development. It provides Сlean syntax and readable code. Python is a globally well-used programming language used for many purposes due to which many large active communities exist.

An Introduction to PHP and JavaScript

Backend development is the mechanism behind the working of a website. It is the establishment of backend logic that fuels apps and websites from backstage. But to be able to create a robust backend, we need programming languages, libraries, frameworks, etc.

PHP and JavaScript have proven to be one of the most popular and used programming languages for this purpose, out there. These are both scripting languages that can be used for creating backend servers. They both have their respective sets of benefits and disadvantages.

Javascript can be used for both Backend and Frontend development while PHP usually all times is used for Backend development only. But what should you choose when it boils down to the two of them? This is entirely what this article is about: PHP VS JS

Benefits of JavaScript

  • Speedy user exposure means client-side execution of the backend. Loading times are reduced as server calls requirement is abstracted due to the code running live in the browser. Without disturbing the Interaction of the user in the front end, with the point in mind that Java is an asynchronous language, even if the server is present it can connect with the server in the background.

  • JavaScript has presented UI (user interface) interactivity to the web. JavaScript now also has the same for applications of every kind, supporting to build of the most attractive UX. Frameworks such as Vue.js are pushing animations and transitions to a different level today.

  • Behind every good responsive web page is JavaScript. Moreover, designing across different browsers and platforms requires elopers to tweak. This can be adapted by bundling a different variety of technologies like HTML5, CSS3 & JavaScript inside a single codebase.

  • JavaScript is not difficult to understand and learn and is fast to dive right inside active development. It provides an uncomplicated and pliable syntax for newbies. Simplifying application composition makes building complex apps for developers not difficult. With a bundle of different frameworks and packages, it becomes easy for some developers to some range.

Benefits of PHP

  • PHP works almost on every operating system such as MACOS, LINUX, UNIX, Windows, etc. On any platform Complex, PHP apps can be built easily. With other apps and data, PHP can be connected easily and quickly. It rescues a lot of time and effort.

  • Using PHP has another benefit which is the Hyper Preprocessor script which was developed and maintained by PHP developers. In addition, PHP contains workflow modules of greater capability.

  • It has been 21 Years since PHP was developed. Many developers worked on app usage at this time. Over the years, new bugs were founded and quickly resolved to make PHP very much stable.

  • PHP is free because it is open an source web language. There are no licenses involved.

  • One of the benefits of PHP is linking and connecting databases and establishing secure communication of data to PHP. It contains built-in modules for linking of database to PHP.

Examples for PHP vs JavaScript

Writing into the HTML Output

JavaScript

PHP

Single Line Comments

JavaScript

PHP

Creating Variables

JavaScript

PHP

Table of Differences - PHP vs JavaScript

S. No.PHPJavaScript
1.It is a Server-Side Scripting languageIt is a client-side scripting language
2.It is mainly used for backend developmentIt is used for both frontend and backend development
3.It is more secure (invisible in browser)It is secure, has tools for security but more ways to go
4.It helps in developing High- level pagesIt helps in developing user-friendly pages
5.It gives slow performanceIt offers fast performance
6.PHP is usually only used for making dynamic web pagesJavaScript is implemented for most software applications like 3D games, productivity apps, and many more because it is a client-side scripting language
7.In PHP after the interpretation of the source code by the server you can only then view the codeIn JavaScript even after the interpretation of the output you can view the source code
8.PHP controls matters after going to the server sideWithout working on the server side javascript can handle matters on the browser side
9.PHP has to do all the server-side things such as handling requests, creating web content, user authentication, viewing results, etcJavaScript can make things beautiful in the website just by modifying HTML tags
10.In comparison, PHP is more powerful, easier to understand, and referred to learn and use firstDue to its complexity JavaScript makes it not so easier to learn and understand

Learn More

Learn in detail about important concepts in JavaScript at Scalar.

Conclusion

  • Back-end development is the establishment of backend logic that fuels apps and websites from backstage.

  • Among many others, JavaScript and PHP are two prominently used backend scripting languages.

  • JavaScript is the most popular and well-implemented back-end language ever.

  • PHP is the acronym for Hypertext Preprocessor and before it was called Personal Home Page. This language works on a server.

  • JavaScript provides speedy user exposure means client-side execution of the backend. Loading times are reduced as server calls requirement is abstracted due to the code running live in the browser.

  • Javascript occurs to be a single-threaded language and can be bundled with different variety of technologies like HTML, XML, and AJAX to provide new features and use their functions.

  • JavaScript is not difficult to understand and learn and is fast to dive right inside active development. It provides an uncomplicated and pliable syntax for newbies.

  • PHP works almost on every operating system such as MACOS, LINUX, UNIX, Windows, etc. On any platform Complex, PHP apps can be built easily.

  • PHP is mostly used for backend development and stands by for the execution of IO operations to complete as it is synchronous.

  • PHP is hardly case-sensitive in instances of functions. It is a multi-threaded language which means it supports different concurrent tasks, it obstructs input-output.

  • Depending on what your project needs you can use both of them mutually. JavaScript is the most popular programming language, so after learning it you may find career opportunities. Today still different companies use PHP also which is an easy-to-understand language.