PHP is not dead: the strength of a language that keeps evolving
A REFLECTION: WHY PHP IS STILL RELEVANT
In recent years, among developers and digital enthusiasts, the idea has spread that PHP is a declining language, surpassed by more modern solutions like server-side JavaScript (Node.js), Python, or even Go. But this perception does not reflect reality. PHP is not only still widely used, but it continues to evolve, offering modern, high-performance, and incredibly flexible solutions.
When people talk about PHP, they often think of the simple websites of the 2000s or amateurish solutions. In reality, PHP has come a long way. It has become a language capable of powering complex projects, international e-commerce platforms, scalable applications, and modern architectures like REST APIs or headless CMS. It is no longer a “simple website language” but a mature tool backed by a solid industrial ecosystem.
Those who work in the web world often rely on PHP without even realizing it. WordPress, which powers over 40% of all websites online, is written entirely in PHP. Many business platforms, both custom-made and open-source, still use PHP as their core engine. This is not about nostalgia, but a very concrete technical and economic reality.
The secret to PHP‘s longevity lies in its ability to adapt. While other languages have focused on specific niches or use cases, PHP has continued to broaden its horizons, improving performance, introducing modern tools, and simplifying the development of complex applications. Today, a PHP developer can work with advanced technologies like Docker containers, asynchronous messaging systems, GraphQL, automated testing, and modular architectures.
Another strong point of PHP is the vast availability of skilled developers, updated documentation, and a constantly active community. This means it’s much easier to find support, solutions, tutorials, or real-world examples compared to emerging technologies that, while interesting, often lack such a structured ecosystem.
In addition to WordPress, Symfony—one of the most robust and professional PHP frameworks—is used by international companies and public administrations. Its architectural model is similar to enterprise frameworks like Spring (Java) and .NET, but with a more accessible learning curve.
In the e-commerce field as well, PHP plays a leading role. Sylius, a framework built on Symfony, enables the creation of customized, modern, and secure e-commerce platforms. It is the choice for those who want a powerful online store without being constrained by pre-packaged logic like Shopify or Magento.
And it’s not just about big names. PHP continues to be the ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses that want to build custom platforms while maintaining high standards and controlling time and costs.
So no, PHP is far from dead. In fact, it has quietly accomplished what many other technologies have failed to do: stay relevant, reliable, and competitive in an ever-changing world.
If you have a company, a startup, or simply an idea you want to bring online, PHP remains one of the best options. And if you think it’s “old,” maybe it’s just because you haven’t seen what it has become today.
FOR DEVELOPERS AND TECH PROFESSIONALS: A LANGUAGE THAT KEEPS GROWING
PHP 8.x and beyond: typing, performance, and concurrency
The latest versions of the language have introduced many improvements:
- Union types and static return types
- Readonly properties, Enums, Intersection types
- Fibers for asynchronous handling
- JIT Compiler for superior performance
- Nullsafe operator, Named arguments, match expressions for cleaner code
Symfony 7.2 and 7.4: ongoing evolution of the enterprise framework
Symfony remains a major reference in the PHP world thanks to its modular structure, architectural clarity, and adherence to the latest standards.
- Symfony 7.1 introduced improvements in service management, security, API handling, and autoconfiguration
- Version 7.4 is already under development and will be released in November 2025
- Native API support with API Platform
- Perfect for headless projects, PWAs, modular ERPs, and distributed systems
Sylius 2.0: modern and future-ready e-commerce
Version 2 of Sylius was released in 2024 and marks a significant step forward compared to the 1.x series:
- Updated for PHP 8.2+ and Symfony 7
- New, more flexible plugin system
- Improved support for JSON:API
- Even cleaner and more scalable DDD architecture
- Ideal for headless e-commerce and modern frontends
Laravel, Filament, API Platform, Shopware
- Laravel 11 with Livewire, Filament, Jetstream
- Filament v3: modern, responsive, and customizable admin panel
- API Platform: REST and GraphQL, with automatic OpenAPI and Swagger support
- Shopware 6: Symfony + Vue.js, enterprise and headless e-commerce
DevOps, testing, and modern tools
- PHPStan, Psalm: static analysis
- Pest, PHPUnit: advanced testing
- Rector: automatic refactoring
- Xdebug 3: professional debugging and profiling
Conclusion
PHP is far from obsolete: it’s constantly evolving, supported by an active community, cutting-edge frameworks, and professional tools. Those who consider it “dead” are likely stuck in an outdated mindset.
Whether you want to build a traditional website, a complex management system, a scalable e-commerce platform, or a headless app, PHP has everything you need to build the future.
Tags: API Platform, Laravel, PHP, Prestashop, Sylius, Symfony, Woocommerce, WordPress
