Is PHP being replaced?
PHP is an extremely robust language. It has been in the process of “being replaced” now for many years. However, each language that has been poised to replace PHP has fallen by the wayside. There currently is no language that offers the flexibility, security, as well as the robust qualities that PHP has developed over the previous decade. The closest competitor that PHP has is ASP. The problem with ASP is a similar issue as with other languages. It is inflexible in the platforms it is allowed to run on. Examples of languages that have been put forth as replacements for PHP include the following:
ASP — This is the Microsoft web programming language. It is a very flexible programming language with quite a few resources available to it. The problem with ASP is that it is required to run on a Windows server. As a result, there are specific limitations placed on the server in addition to any licensing concerns.
Ruby on Rails — This is another very flexible programming environment. The advantage is that applications can be developed quickly using this. However, there are quite a few limitations on the server environment, and the server is typically cost-prohibitive.
ActionScript — This is a great scripting language. It is the scripting language behind Flash-based sites. This allows for some beautiful and amazing web sites. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of performance hits when a site is build completely in Flash and ActionScript. Also, the developer is required to purchase specific software in orer to develop the site in the first place. The end user is also required to install software on their machine in order to even be able to view the site.
Java/JSP — Quite flexible and able to do quite a few things. The problem with this one is that the Java implementation between browsers and servers is different. As a result, the site will need to be programmed differently for each browser.
There are many languages out there, and each has pros and cons. The primary advantages with PHP include that it has a very large following that continues to grow, it continues to be developed according to the demands of the programming community, and has proven itself to be able to stay around in spite of everything. The primary disadvantages to PHP that people tend to put forth include that “PHP is not an object-oriented language”, “PHP has security holes”, and “PHP is not flexible”. The problem with the arguments are that:
1. PHP has included object-oriented programming in its later versions. So this is really not an issue any more.
2. PHP sites only have the security holes that have been programmed into the site itself. Every language has the same problem with human error.
3. PHP is extremely flexible. In my opinion, it is one of the most flexible web programming languages available.
In short, PHP has proved that it is a viable web scripting language, and that it is not being replaced anytime soon. It has proven itself time and again and wil continue to do so.
Valentine’s Day
I have not tried to find the history behind today’s holiday, but I am grateful for it. It is sometimes annoying to feel “obligated” to buy presents for my wife on this specific day. However, I am grateful for the opportunity to join millions of other people around the world in demonstrating the way they feel to the one they love.
Yesterday, I left work and discovered my car had been vandalized. There was writing all over the windows. Someone had come up and written things like “Happy Valentine’s Day” and “We love you, Dad”. This was not the first time this has happened, nor do I think it will be the last. However, this time was different. As I saw the faces of my wife and children as they waited to see my reaction, I was filled with an overwhelming love for them, and I drive that car proudly now.
I was a little nervous this morning as I drove past a police officer who just stared at the car as I went past. However, that nervousness quickly passed as I noticed a smile creep across his face as he read the writing on my windows.
I love my family, and my wife, and enjoy showing them every day, but I am grateful for this specific holiday.
President’s Day
This coming Monday is President’s Day. Boy have things changed. When I was growing up, everything shut down — government, banks, schools. Then came a slow, but significant change — President’s Day sales. In an effort to create more sales, business decided to capitalize on a holiday meant to remind us of what two of the most important presidents in our history did for this country.
Now, I have no problems with capitalism. In fact, I wholeheartedly endorse it. The problem I see with what happened is that because of this effort to boost sales, it lessened the importance of the holiday. Suddenly, Martin Luther King, Jr. (who I do respect, but do not hold in the same regard as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln) became more important than George Washington who inspired troops and an entire country allowing the creation of the United States of America and Abraham Lincoln who kept the United States from destroying itself by helping us to realize the brilliance of the fouders of the nation in creating a system whereby anyone can express their opinion and live with our neighbors who have differing opinions without fear or reprisal.
I am extremely proud to have a holiday where I can recognize, thank, and otherwise celebrate the efforts of these two great men.