For years, developers have debated whether PHP is on its way out. With newer languages gaining traction, the question persists: Is PHP dead? The reality is more complex. PHP remains a cornerstone of web development, but its role has shifted as competitors emerge.
PHP by the Numbers
- 74% of websites with a known server-side language still run on PHP as of July 2025.
- WordPress, Drupal, Magento, and Facebook continue to rely heavily on PHP.
- Packagist, the PHP package repository, now hosts over 400,000 packages, showing strong community engagement.
These statistics alone prove that PHP remains a cornerstone of web development.
Why PHP Is Still Relevant
- Continuous Updates: PHP 8.4 was recently released, introducing async-friendly features and performance improvements.
- Framework Ecosystem: Popular frameworks like Laravel and Symfony keep PHP modern, offering elegant syntax and robust tooling.
- CMS Dominance: WordPress, which powers over 40% of all websites, is built on PHP. As long as WordPress thrives, PHP will remain indispensable.
- Adaptability: PHP has shown resilience by evolving with trends such as cloud-native development, AI integration, and microservices.
The Competition Factor
- It’s true that JavaScript (Node.js), Python, and Go have gained traction for modern web apps. They often appeal to startups and developers seeking cutting-edge solutions.
- However, PHP’s low barrier to entry, massive ecosystem, and proven scalability make it hard to replace entirely.
| Competitor | Strengths | Weaknesses vs PHP |
| Python | Excellent for AI, data science, and web frameworks like Django/Flask | Less dominant in CMS/e-commerce; smaller hosting ecosystem |
| Node.js (JavaScript) | Non-blocking I/O, great for real-time apps | Requires more setup; fewer turnkey CMS options |
| Ruby on Rails | Elegant syntax, rapid prototyping | Declining popularity; smaller community compared to PHP |
| Java | Enterprise-grade scalability | Higher complexity; slower development cycles for small projects |
The Future of PHP
Looking ahead, PHP is expected to:
- Embrace async programming for better scalability.
- Integrate more seamlessly with AI-driven applications.
- Continue powering enterprise-level CMS and e-commerce platforms.
Rather than dying, PHP is quietly evolving to meet the demands of modern web development.
Conclusion
PHP is not dead—it’s alive, evolving, and still dominant. While newer languages may capture the spotlight, PHP’s widespread adoption, active community, and adaptability ensure it remains a vital part of the web’s backbone.
So, the next time someone asks “Is PHP dead?”, the answer is simple: No, it’s still kicking—and powering most of the internet.
