Characteristics and use.
WHAT IT IS
A dynamically typed, interpreted language designed for the web.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES IT
Built for request handling: each request starts fresh
Embedded directly in markup, historically Deployed by copying files, on almost any host
WHY THAT LAST POINT MATTERS
It runs on essentially all shared hosting, which is why it powers so much of the web.
WHAT IT POWERS
A very large proportion of all websites, through content management systems.
WHAT ITS REPUTATION SUFFERED FROM
Early versions with inconsistent naming and unsafe defaults A large body of poor code written by beginners
WHAT CHANGED
Modern versions added strict typing, proper error handling, substantial performance improvements, and modern language features.
WHAT THE ECOSYSTEM PROVIDES NOW
A dependency manager Mature frameworks Standards for interoperability Strong testing tooling
WHAT TO USE
A current version, with strict types declared.
WHAT TO AVOID
Old tutorials, which teach unsafe practice.
WHO IT SUITS
Web applications, particularly where shared hosting is the target.
