Java vs. PHP: Which Should You Choose for Your Next Application

Application development has been the latest fad so far in the market out there. Every industry is keen towards getting an application developed with the help of an application development company. And why shouldn't they? It's the only way to stay ahead of the competition, retain their position in the market and be available to users 24/7.

There may be a different kind of application required by different kind of industry segments. An organization may go for an enterprise application, web applications, mobile applications, and etc. Accordingly, application development companies opt for a programming language that is easy to build quality application and meet their client’s expectations at the same.

From many years Java programming language has been in the run for all kinds of application development. But with a change in time, there have been other languages introduced for application developments. Developers now have the choice to opt for their preferred language as per the demand, need and output expected. However, there is still a struggle to find out which language to choose?

The competition between Java and PHP is tough. Let’s analyze both the languages and see which would be the best preference for the application development would be.

Java Programming Language Overview:

Java is a general-purpose, object-oriented, high-level programming language. Similar to the language C++, it is easier and class-based language. The best advantage of Java is that the application development coding and development could be done on one system and run on another. It is the most versatile and reliable language known so far which makes it the first preference of the Java developers and the Java application development companies.

PHP Overview:

PHP is hypertext preprocessor and an open source server-side scripting and general-purpose programming. It is freely available on Linux web servers and unlike Java, it is used to develop dynamic and creative web applications. It has one PHP Engine which runs .php file easily without the need of a defined application server. Since PHP is the main base of many web frameworks and content management system, it has been in demand ever since the increase in the use of internet technologies and e-commerce websites.

Java vs PHP: A Comparison Guide to Help You Choose For Your Next Application

1) Programming Support

As described above, PHP started its base as side server scripting language. It was used to develop websites. However, with time and updates, PHP has started to support object-oriented language features too making it a more lucrative option than Java. This is the reason many websites specifically e-commerce websites are using PHP to get a dynamic website developed.

Java, on the other hand, is a full power-packed object-oriented programming language that supports a number of functional programming paradigms. The latest updates on Java support developers and programmers to write modular and maintainable software applications. Many Java development companies prefer Java over PHP to build enterprise applications.

2) Performance and Speed

When it comes to writing complex and long codes, there is nothing that can beat Java language. In enterprise application development, there is an instance when long and complex codes are to be written. In such a case, only Java can come to the rescue. It can easily use multiple threads to manage and process manifold instruction sequence rapidly and concurrently. With PHP the challenge is that the developers are able to speed up the enterprise applications while dropping memory consumption.

3) Security

The updated versions of Java have no doubt the enhanced security features to protect enterprise application and data. Some Java 9 security features include:

· Developers can process the client and server exchange data over secure protocols.
· Developers prefer Java due to its robust security features to develop enterprise applications

Whereas PHP lacks some of the built-in security features. Developers have to take access to various PHP framework for added security protection from malware attacks.

4) Development Cost

PHP being an open source scripting language is available free and developers can avail the language without any license fees. Even customization of server-side scripting language is possible with PHP as per the need and specific requirement of each enterprise application project.

Java being an object-oriented language, is neither open source nor free. JDK is being used by a Java development company for the implementation of Java programming language. Hence enterprise application development is quite expensive with Java.

5) Web App Development

PHP is the best language when it comes to having built-in web development capabilities. Web application development companies without giving a second thought opt for PHP as they can avail the advantage of several PHP frameworks and libraries.

On the other hand, Java has fewer native features in the language and isn't too focused on developing web applications. Developers can develop web-based applications with the use of web frames available with Java.

Conclusion

Coming to the conclusion, the question would always be the topic of debate. Both Java and PHP have come a long way with upgrades and more advanced features. Both are the preferred language for enterprise application development and web application development. However, depending on the need, requirement, type of application, the language is chosen. For dynamic web development, PHP is the first choice and for other Java is best considering its robust, reliable and secure features.