Top PHP Development Trends to Watch in 2023

In today’s fast-paced digital world, PHP stands out as a resilient programming language, trusted for 25 years.

By 2023, the application development market is valued at around USD 250.86 billion, and it’s projected to soar to USD 787.69 billion by 2027. Despite some viewing PHP as outdated, it powers 79.2% of websites globally in 2023.

There’s a growing demand for PHP developers. With PHP’s evolving role, it’s essential to know the top trends for 2023.

Were you considering hiring a PHP developer? This blog will guide you through the latest PHP trends to inform your decision.

Let’s dive in.

A Quick Peek into PHP

PHP, which stands for “Hypertext Preprocessor” (originally “Personal Home Page”), is a widely used, open-source scripting language. It’s primarily used for web development to produce dynamic web pages. When a user accesses a PHP page, the server processes the PHP code and sends the resulting output (typically HTML) to the user’s browser.

For in-depth PHP knowledge, Read our blog- Reasons Why PHP Is Still a Developer’s Choice For Web Development.

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Key Features

• Server-Side Scripting: Unlike client-side languages like JavaScript, PHP scripts are executed on the server.
• Embedded in HTML: PHP can be embedded directly into HTML, making it easy to integrate into web pages.
• Database Integration: Supports many databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more.
• Platform Independent: Works on almost all major operating systems and web servers.
• Open Source: It’s free to use and has a large community supporting its development and offering resources.

PHP Interesting Stats in 2023

• A significant 77% of active websites are built using PHP.
• Among the top 10,000 websites, PHP is the backbone for 22% of them.
• The version of PHP adopted by Facebook in 2004 remains active on about 18,000 sites today.
• Web development accounts for 81% of all PHP applications.
• On average, PHP developers command an annual income exceeding $94,000.
• Nearly 26% of web developers have a preference for PHP.
• Four nations host over a million websites that are PHP-driven.
• A mere 6.2% of developers express interest in acquiring PHP skills.
• The term “PHP” is typed into Google Search approximately 700,000 times monthly.

What Makes PHP a Preferred Choice for Web Developers?

PHP is a top pick for web developers globally due to its outstanding features. It’s acclaimed as one of the most prevalent programming languages worldwide.

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• Rapid Performance

PHP boasts remarkable speed. Sites developed in PHP tend to load more swiftly than those in other languages, attributed to its efficient memory usage and rapid information processing. Its user-friendly nature ensures developers can construct websites efficiently, regardless of their skill level, marking this as one of PHP’s standout traits.

• Frequent Enhancements

PHP is known for its intuitive learning curve. Its capabilities have been consistently amplified through regular updates and versions. Newer frameworks, including Symfony, Lamina, Cake, Laravel, and CodeIgniter, have further bolstered PHP’s toolkit. These frameworks simplify development and address some of PHP’s shortcomings. For instance, Laravel stands out with its distinct features, making it a top choice for many in the industry.

• Embracing Open Source

PHP is an open-source programming language, meaning it’s freely accessible. Its absence of licensing fees makes it an invaluable tool, especially for those undertaking web development projects on a tight budget.

• Scalability

When businesses select a programming language or framework, scalability often tops their list of priorities. This is particularly true for websites and applications meant for business purposes. As websites grow and traffic increases, entrepreneurs look for languages that can handle the surge without hassles.

PHP not only scales efficiently but can also cater to a substantial user base. Its compatibility across all web browsers further enhances its scalability credentials.

• Tailored Web Solutions:

Thanks to PHP’s rich features, developers can craft bespoke websites and applications tailored to a project’s unique needs. Its ability to integrate with other languages, like Java or Ruby, offers added flexibility. With PHP, specialists can sculpt a website that truly resonates with a business’s identity.

Latest PHP Trends to Embrace in 2023

1. PHP and Cloud-based Web Application Development

Data storage, especially in large volumes, poses challenges for numerous businesses. To address this, most organizations are pivoting towards cloud solutions. Research indicates a robust synergy between cloud services and PHP. In Q3 2019, the value of cloud infrastructure services surged to $27.5 billion, marking a 37% growth from the previous quarter. Impressively, nearly 79% of web platforms leverage PHP with cloud frameworks. PHP’s cost-effectiveness and its capabilities to develop scalable and secure online

applications make it a top choice for many.

2. Serverless PHP

The serverless architecture allows developers to create and run applications without managing server infrastructure. The focus shifts from server management to just the code, which runs in response to events, automatically scaling up or down as required.

Historically, languages like JavaScript (Node.js) dominated the serverless landscape. However, with platforms like Bref and tools dedicated to facilitating PHP in a serverless environment, PHP developers can now deploy their applications on platforms like AWS Lambda without a traditional server setup.

3. PHP Frameworks in IoT Integration

IoT, a trailblazer in technological innovation, has emerged as a significant trend in PHP development. Among IoT enthusiasts, PHP is frequently the technology of choice. When combined, IoT and PHP usher in groundbreaking methods for digital interaction.

The real estate sector, for instance, is leveraging IoT to enhance product intelligence and user-friendliness. In the era of smart homes, devices like appliances and lighting systems can be managed remotely via smartphones. This integration is achieved through the symbiotic relationship between IoT gadgets and PHP development tools. Symfony and Laravel are leading contenders among PHP frameworks optimized for IoT integrations.

4. Headless CMS with PHP

A headless CMS is a backend-only content management system; it provides an environment to create and manage content and then exposes it to other systems (like a front-end application) via APIs.

Due to its strong CMS heritage (think WordPress, Drupal), PHP is well-positioned to adopt the headless CMS approach. Many traditional PHP-based CMSs now offer headless capabilities, allowing developers to use modern frontend technologies like React or Vue.js while managing content in a familiar PHP environment.

5. PHP and the Rise of Intelligent Chatbots

In business, irrespective of scale, customer service remains paramount. Traditional customer service avenues, like phone calls or physical store visits, are waning in favor due to their time-intensive nature and diminishing suitability for today’s brisk pace of life. Enter chatbots — digital assistants capable of fielding questions, furnishing information, troubleshooting issues, supplying documents, and aiding users, much like their human counterparts.

There’s been a noticeable uptick in chatbot adoption recently. Modern PHP developers are increasingly weaving intelligent chatbots into their solutions. These AI-driven chat assistants bridge the after-hour communication gap and simulate genuine human interactions, enhancing the user experience.

6. PHP: A Stronghold for Website Security

In the face of rising global cyberattacks, website security has become more crucial than ever. These cyber-threats have led to significant financial losses for businesses, individuals, and governments, with the average data breach costing around USD 3.86 million, as per Statista. Thus, safeguarding websites against all potential cyber vulnerabilities is paramount.

PHP development tools offer the means to institute formidable cybersecurity defenses, shielding websites from diverse cyber threats. Organizations can harness PHP tools to craft potent security solutions for their online platforms. PHP frameworks, like Phalcon, stand out for their exceptional caching, security, and asset management capabilities. Additionally, frameworks like CodeIgniter empower businesses to integrate robust encryption features, further bolstering website security.

7. Component-based Development

Instead of relying on a single framework or tool for every feature, component-based development emphasizes using various frameworks or libraries’ best parts (or components).

Thanks to the PHP-FIG (Framework Interop Group) and the PSR (PHP Standard Recommendations) standards, interoperability between different PHP tools has been facilitated. This means a developer can, for example, utilize a component from the Symfony framework within a Laravel project. Such flexibility allows for more customized, optimized, and efficient application development.

8. Voice Search Enhancement with PHP

Voice search optimization is a notable PHP web development trend heading into 2023. With the growing prominence of digital voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, web developers increasingly embed voice search capabilities into their sites. Research suggests a marked preference among users for voice queries over manual typing because voice searches are typically three times quicker.

PHP frameworks and tools empower developers to craft dynamic, user-centric web applications. Popular PHP frameworks, including CakePHP, CodeIgniter, and Laravel, can be utilized to design websites boasting enhanced user interfaces. Moreover, many of these PHP frameworks come equipped with templating engines, facilitating the creation of visually compelling user experiences.

Why PHP Developers Must Keep Up with the Evolving Trends?

Proficient developers adept in PHP, who actively incorporate its latest trends and updates, will find the programming process smoother.

Moreover, developers who stay abreast of the most recent evolutions in PHP become invaluable assets to businesses utilizing this language. Their contemporary approach ensures they move beyond archaic development techniques and embrace current innovations.

Here are some pivotal PHP tools and features that elevate a developer’s contributions:

In the future, embracing these enhancements and advancements will be essential to augment one’s PHP expertise.

• Robust Library Access- PHP boasts a comprehensive standard library with versatile modules and built-in functions. These features simplify many tasks for developers, from string manipulations and file operations to database interactions.
• User-Friendly- PHP is renowned for its ease of use. Its intuitive syntax allows developers, regardless of their experience, to swiftly code and design web applications.
• Diverse Frameworks- PHP frameworks like Laravel, CodeIgniter, and Symfony are essential tools for web app development. They come packed with features such as database abstraction, form validation, and security, streamlining the development process and facilitating code reuse and scalability.
• AI Integration- PHP allows seamless integration of AI through various frameworks and libraries. Libraries like Rubix ML and PHP-ML provide a range of algorithms suitable for crafting intelligent applications. Furthermore, PHP frameworks, including Symfony and Laravel, offer extensions and tools to work effortlessly with these AI libraries.
• Platform Versatility- PHP is compatible across multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. This cross-platform nature ensures developers can work in varied environments without re-coding, and PHP apps can be easily hosted on numerous platforms.
• Seamless Integration- PHP offers excellent integration with web servers, diverse databases, and other technologies. It supports databases like SQLite, PostgreSQL, and MySQL and communicates effortlessly with web servers using protocols like HTTP. Moreover, PHP can interface with other services via APIs.
• Vibrant Community- PHP developers benefit from an active community where they can seek support, share insights, and stay updated on the latest developments. This thriving ecosystem offers online forums, tutorials, user-contributed libraries, and extensive documentation.

In essence, PHP provides a holistic environment for developers, making web application development more efficient and innovative.

OnGraph: Delivering next-level AI-based PHP Development Solutions

PHP is a premier server-side backend technology pivotal for your company’s expansion. Many PHP frameworks and tools are at hand, enabling dynamic and intuitive online application development. Developers can leverage renowned PHP frameworks like CakePHP, CodeIgniter, or Laravel to craft websites prioritizing user experience.

To ensure your customers enjoy a seamless, efficient, and feature-packed experience, it’s crucial to have a trusted PHP development ally. Net Solutions is ready to cater to your demands with a rich history of two decades in PHP Web Development Services. Our adept team, well-versed in core PHP and CMS, has a track record of curating and launching tailored websites, eCommerce platforms, apps, and portals that bolster business growth and ensure long-term relevance.

Suppose you want to craft a new PHP application or require support in upkeeping a current platform, including security enhancements. In that case, OnGraph is your go-to destination for premier PHP development offerings.