PHP is one of the most influential programming languages ever created. Quietly, persistently, and at massive scale, it has powered the modern web for more than two decades.

While trends have come and gone, PHP has continued to evolve, modernize, and remain deeply relevant. Today, it runs a significant portion of the internet, underpins the world’s most widely used content management system (WordPress), and supports countless custom applications, APIs, and platforms.

This article explores what PHP does best, why it remains important, how it fits into modern software development, where it has limitations, how security should be approached, and why experienced teams still rely on it.

At Intoria Software Architects, we work extensively with PHP. Our team includes many PHP experts who build, maintain, and modernize serious production systems with a long-term mindset.

What Is PHP, Really?

PHP is a server-side scripting language designed specifically for web development.

It was created to make it easier to build dynamic, database-driven websites. Over time, PHP evolved from a simple scripting tool into a full-featured programming language with strong object-oriented capabilities, modern syntax, and a rich ecosystem.

Today, PHP is used to build:

Content management systems
Marketing and corporate websites
E-commerce platforms
APIs and backend services
Custom web applications

PHP runs on nearly every major operating system and integrates with most web servers and databases.

PHP and the Web. A Foundational Role

PHP’s importance is inseparable from the web itself.

WordPress and PHP

WordPress is built on PHP.

WordPress is the most widely used content management system (CMS) in the world, powering a significant portion of all websites globally (some estimate approximately half... you read that correctly). Its success has cemented PHP’s relevance across marketing sites, blogs, publishing platforms, and increasingly complex digital experiences.

Because WordPress is extensible, PHP is used to create:

Custom themes
Plugins and extensions
Integrations with third-party services
Performance and security enhancements

For organizations that rely on WordPress, PHP expertise is not optional. It is foundational.

Beyond WordPress

While WordPress is the most visible example, PHP also powers many other widely used platforms and custom systems. Its flexibility and accessibility have made it a default choice for web-based solutions of all sizes.

Common PHP Frameworks

Modern PHP development is strongly influenced by frameworks that bring structure, consistency, and best practices.

Well-known PHP frameworks include:

Laravel
Symfony
Laminas
CodeIgniter

These frameworks provide:

Routing and request handling
Database abstraction and ORM tools
Authentication and authorization patterns
Security mechanisms
Testing and tooling support

Frameworks have played a major role in modernizing PHP and making large-scale, maintainable PHP applications more practical.

Open Source and PHP

PHP has always been deeply connected to open source.

How Open Source Shapes PHP

PHP itself is open source. Its ecosystem is built and maintained by a global community of contributors, maintainers, and organizations.

Open source in the PHP world means:

Transparent development and discussion
Publicly reviewed changes
Shared libraries and frameworks
Rapid innovation and collective problem-solving

This openness has allowed PHP to adapt continuously to new demands while remaining accessible.

Composer and the PHP Ecosystem

Dependency management in PHP is centered around Composer.

Composer allows developers to reuse well-tested libraries, manage versions, and share code across projects. This has dramatically improved productivity and consistency in PHP development.

As with any open-source ecosystem, responsible dependency management is critical.

The PHP Foundation and the Modern Language

The PHP Foundation was established to support the ongoing development of the PHP language.

Its role includes:

Funding core PHP development
Supporting maintainers and contributors
Ensuring long-term sustainability
Improving language performance and stability

The Foundation helps ensure that PHP continues to evolve in a structured, well-supported way, rather than stagnating or fragmenting.

Modern PHP includes significant improvements in:

Performance
Type safety
Error handling
Language consistency

These changes have made PHP more predictable and robust than earlier versions.

PHP and Security. A Realistic Discussion

PHP has historically been criticized for security issues. Some of that criticism is deserved. Much of it is outdated.

Common Security Flaws

Security issues in PHP applications often arise from:

Improper input validation
SQL injection vulnerabilities
Cross-site scripting
Insecure file handling
Poor authentication or authorization logic

These are not inherent flaws in PHP alone. They are implementation issues that occur when best practices are ignored.

Modern PHP Security Practices

Modern PHP frameworks include built-in protections against many common vulnerabilities.

Secure PHP development requires:

Proper input sanitization and validation
Use of prepared statements for database access
Secure password hashing
Careful handling of user permissions
Regular updates and dependency audits

In experienced hands, PHP can be used to build secure, reliable systems.

Where PHP Shines

PHP excels in areas where the web is the primary interface.

Content-heavy websites
CMS-driven platforms
Rapid development of web applications
Systems tightly integrated with hosting environments

PHP’s low barrier to entry and wide hosting support make it extremely practical.

Where PHP Has Limitations

PHP is not ideal for every use case.

It is not designed for frontend development
It is less commonly used for mobile or desktop applications
Long-running processes and real-time systems require careful design

For many teams, PHP works best as part of a broader technology stack rather than as a universal solution.

Why Intoria Builds with PHP

At Intoria, PHP is one of several core technologies we use to solve real business problems.

Our PHP experts focus on:

Building maintainable, secure systems
Customizing and extending WordPress responsibly
Modernizing legacy PHP applications
Integrating PHP systems with APIs, cloud services, and other platforms

We approach PHP with discipline, not shortcuts. Experience matters, especially with a language that is as widely used as PHP.

The Bigger Picture

PHP remains one of the most important languages on the web.

Its connection to WordPress, its open-source foundation, and its continued evolution have kept it relevant in a constantly changing industry.

PHP is not trendy. It is proven.

When used carelessly, it can produce fragile systems. When used well, it delivers scalable, secure, and effective web software that serves millions of users every day.

As always, the difference is not the language. It is the expertise behind it.

Build thoughtfully. Maintain responsibly. And let PHP do what it has done for decades. Power the web.

PHP: The Engine Behind the Web