Digitalisering
19. november 2025
What is PHP?
PHP is a programming language used to build the backend of dynamic websites, webshops, and custom web applications. In other words, it is the “engine” on the server that brings together data, logic, and content and sends a finished page to your browser, allowing users to take actions in real time.
PHP is an abbreviation for “Hypertext Preprocessor”, and yes, it really should be called HPP, but they chose to swap some letters around because it sounded cooler.
PHP is a server-side (backend) language used to code dynamic web pages and applications. Server-side means that the code runs on the server before the page reaches the user.
The language is around 30 years old and is now one of the most widely used programming languages on the internet. Rough estimates suggest that around 90% of all websites rely on PHP in one way or another, and it is often mentioned alongside, for example, C#.
PHP in brief
PHP is a programming language that runs on the server and determines what is displayed on your website. It is used to program the logic behind websites, webshops, and other solutions where the content changes based on the user.
In other words, PHP determines what content each user sees and which features are available.
As the name “Hypertext preprocessor” indicates, PHP is designed to work closely with HTML (hypertext is what we typically know as HTML pages). PHP code runs on the server, generates or adapts the HTML, and can also be embedded directly in the HTML code.
What is PHP used for?
With PHP, you can perform a wide range of tasks on the web, such as:
Process forms
Process files
Create databases
Dynamic adjustments on a website based on the user’s interaction
And much more…
PHP is compatible with all major operating systems (OS): Windows, macOS, and Linux.
PHP is an obvious choice for general web development, i.e., building websites, blogs, webshops, platforms, and other web applications.
PHP can also be used to build CMS solutions such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, making it easy to create, change, and manage the content on a website.
If you need to build complex web applications (CRM systems, customer databases, HR solutions, etc.), PHP is also an obvious choice—partly because the language is also well suited for building APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), which are the “bridge” between two systems.
So PHP is not only great for building systems and applications; it is also a strong language for building integrations (the bridge) to other systems.
Can anyone use PHP?
Yes, anyone can and may use PHP, as the language is so-called open-source software. This means that the source code is publicly available, and you may use, modify, and distribute the code without restrictions.
The great freedom in using PHP has created a large developer community around the language, which contributes to its continued development and improvement. This is a clear strength of PHP.
PHP has also become an extremely popular and widely used platform for web development, as it can be used without fixed costs and because many free tools are available to help developers learn and use the language.
PHP has many advantages
1 – Easy to learn and use
As mentioned earlier, the language is easy to learn and use, which keeps the barrier to getting started with PHP low. Many support tools and resources are available, as well as a large community around it.
2 – Free to use
It almost goes without saying that it is an advantage that PHP is free to use with no restrictions, so you can modify and distribute the code however you like.
3 – Many support tools available
PHP offers a wide range of libraries and frameworks that can make development processes shorter and more efficient.
This can include tools for data processing, error handling, or security.
4 – Easy integration with other technologies
PHP is easy to integrate with other web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and MySQL, making it possible to develop advanced web applications that work well across browsers and platforms.
5 – Scalable codebase
PHP can handle everything from small websites to large, advanced applications. PHP makes it easy to adapt and expand web solutions as needed.
This is due, among other things, to the fact that the language is easy to integrate with other technologies and to the large community that continuously expands and improves what is possible with PHP.
What about the disadvantages? They exist too
Nothing in life is without drawbacks, and PHP is no exception.
1 – Security is not a given
PHP has had/has a poor reputation when it comes to security, and although it has become more secure over the years, you should be aware that PHP is only as secure as you make it.
Because the language is so widely used, it has become a popular target for hackers and other cybercriminals. Therefore, you must take security seriously and follow best practices when working with PHP.
2 – Documentation challenges
Because PHP is so popular and can be used for so many things, it can be difficult to find all the necessary documentation, as the language can do almost anything to a greater or lesser extent. As a result, you may find areas that are not thoroughly documented.
3 – Too many cooks in the kitchen
The large community also has the “side benefit” that there are many different approaches and solutions to the same problems. This can make it difficult to find the best tools and solutions for your challenges.
In addition, there is not always a clear standard for PHP, so different developers may each have their own approach and logic for solving the same challenges.
