- PPF Points
- 57
When I first started learning web development, I wasn’t sure which language to focus on. Everyone had their own opinion — some said JavaScript, others recommended Python. But one language kept coming up that had a mixed reputation: PHP. I’d heard people say it was “outdated” or “dying,” but I decided to give it a try anyway. After working with PHP for over a year now, I can confidently say it’s still very much worth learning — especially if you want to build dynamic websites or work with platforms like WordPress, Laravel, or even Magento.
My journey with PHP started when I wanted to customize a WordPress site for a small business project. WordPress is powered by PHP, and I realized that if I wanted to make real changes — like adjusting themes, writing plugins, or controlling how data was displayed — I needed to understand PHP. Within a few weeks of learning the basics, I was building simple scripts, modifying templates, and actually enjoying the flexibility PHP gave me. It wasn’t as hard as I thought, and the documentation and community support were a huge help.
The continued widespread use of PHP shocked me. Platforms like WordPress, which powers more than 40% of the web, and large corporations like Facebook, which have since changed but still use PHP-like structures, rely on PHP. PHP is therefore very useful if you intend to work with clients, create websites for small businesses, or provide freelance services.
One thing I like about PHP is how quickly you can see results. Setting up complicated environments is not necessary. It is literally possible to write code in a PHP file, run it on a local server such as XAMPP, and see it function immediately in your browser. When you're learning, that is really inspiring.
PHP isn't flawless, of course. Compared to more recent languages, some of its older customs seem clumsy, and it has its peculiarities. However, PHP has advanced significantly in recent years, particularly PHP 7 and 8. Strong typing, improved performance, and clearer syntax are now supported. You can quickly and systematically create robust web applications with frameworks like Laravel.
In my own experience, learning PHP led to many opportunities. I was able to work as a freelancer, modify websites more than drag-and-drop tools could do, and even look into creating entire web applications. PHP is still a wise choice if you want to work in web development, particularly if you want to manage both front-end and back-end tasks.
Therefore, learning PHP is still very worthwhile. It is popular, easy for beginners to use, and supported by a vast ecosystem. Don't let antiquated beliefs deter you from picking up a skill that is still highly sought after today.
My journey with PHP started when I wanted to customize a WordPress site for a small business project. WordPress is powered by PHP, and I realized that if I wanted to make real changes — like adjusting themes, writing plugins, or controlling how data was displayed — I needed to understand PHP. Within a few weeks of learning the basics, I was building simple scripts, modifying templates, and actually enjoying the flexibility PHP gave me. It wasn’t as hard as I thought, and the documentation and community support were a huge help.
The continued widespread use of PHP shocked me. Platforms like WordPress, which powers more than 40% of the web, and large corporations like Facebook, which have since changed but still use PHP-like structures, rely on PHP. PHP is therefore very useful if you intend to work with clients, create websites for small businesses, or provide freelance services.
One thing I like about PHP is how quickly you can see results. Setting up complicated environments is not necessary. It is literally possible to write code in a PHP file, run it on a local server such as XAMPP, and see it function immediately in your browser. When you're learning, that is really inspiring.
PHP isn't flawless, of course. Compared to more recent languages, some of its older customs seem clumsy, and it has its peculiarities. However, PHP has advanced significantly in recent years, particularly PHP 7 and 8. Strong typing, improved performance, and clearer syntax are now supported. You can quickly and systematically create robust web applications with frameworks like Laravel.
In my own experience, learning PHP led to many opportunities. I was able to work as a freelancer, modify websites more than drag-and-drop tools could do, and even look into creating entire web applications. PHP is still a wise choice if you want to work in web development, particularly if you want to manage both front-end and back-end tasks.
Therefore, learning PHP is still very worthwhile. It is popular, easy for beginners to use, and supported by a vast ecosystem. Don't let antiquated beliefs deter you from picking up a skill that is still highly sought after today.