Is PHP Still Worth Learning in 2025? Here’s What I Think

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Alright, let’s get real. PHP has been around since forever (well, since 1995, but that feels like forever in tech years). You might’ve heard whispers like, “PHP is dead?” or “Why learn PHP when there’s shiny new stuff like Node.js or Python?”

So, in 2025, should you bother learning PHP? Buckle u, I’m about to make the case for why PHP is still a total boss in the web world.

The Legend Lives On: Why PHP is Still Relevant

1. The Web Runs on PHP (Like It or Not)

Guess what? About 79% of websites using server-side languages are rocking PHP behind the scenes. That’s WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and plenty of other platforms that run the internet’s day-to-day. Want to work on stuff that millions use? PHP’s your gateway.

2. PHP 8+ Is Not Your Grandpa’s PHP

PHP 8 brought some serious upgrades. Think of it like PHP going from flip phone to smartphone: JIT compilation, fancy syntax improvements, and speed boosts that make it snappy and modern. So no, it’s not stuck in the past, it’s catching up fast.

3. Frameworks That Feel Like Magic

Laravel, Symfony, CodeIgnite - these aren’t just boring old frameworks. Laravel, for example, is loved for its elegance, developer joy, and huge ecosystem. Building apps feels almost fun (yes, fun!) and efficient. If you enjoy clean, readable code, PHP frameworks got your back.

4. Hosting? No Sweat!

Almost every hosting provider supports PHP out of the box. Want to get your site live without wrestling with Docker configs or complex cloud setups? PHP makes it easy peasy.

5. Backend Powerhouse for APIs and More

Whether you’re crafting REST APIs or experimenting with real-time features (hello, Swoole and ReactPHP), PHP can do the job. It’s versatile and battle-tested.

6. Easier to Get PHP Jobs

Because PHP powers so much of the web, many companies from startups to established firms are always on the lookout for PHP developers. The job market is steady and accessible, making PHP a practical choice if you want to land your first dev role or grow your career.

When to Look Elsewhere?

• If you want to build chatty real-time apps or crazy-scalable microservices, you might want to peek at Node.js or Go.

• For AI, machine learning, or data scienc, Python is still king.

• And if you’re all-in on full-stack JavaScript, that ecosystem is mighty tempting.

The Bottom Line

PHP isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving and evolving. If you want a backend language that’s easy to learn, insanely popular, and backed by a huge community, PHP’s still got your back.

So yeah, learning PHP in 2025 isn’t just worth it, it’s smart.

Got questions or wanna share your PHP story? Drop a comment, let’s geek out together