When you think of web development, the first languages that often come to mind are JavaScript, Python, or even newer technologies like Rust and Go. However, one programming language has quietly powered a significant portion of the internet for decades: PHP. Despite the jokes and criticism, PHP remains one of the most widely used languages for building websites and applications. But here’s the big question for aspiring and current developers in 2025: Is PHP still worth learning?
The short answer? Yes. Let’s dive deeper into why PHP is still relevant, its advantages, its challenges, and how it fits into today’s web development landscape.
A Brief Look at PHP’s History
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) was first released in 1995 as a way to create dynamic web pages. Over the years, it has matured into a full-fledged server-side scripting language. At its peak, PHP powered more than 80% of websites on the internet, including giants like Facebook and Wikipedia.
In 2025, while newer languages and frameworks have gained traction, PHP continues to dominate the web—especially through WordPress, Drupal, Magento, and countless custom-built web applications.
PHP’s Market Share in 2025
If you’re wondering whether PHP is fading away, let’s look at the data:
- According to W3Techs, as of 2025, PHP still powers over 75% of all websites that use a server-side programming language.
- WordPress alone, which runs on PHP, powers over 40% of all websites globally.
- Major platforms like WooCommerce (eCommerce), Laravel (framework), and MediaWiki (used by Wikipedia) are PHP-based.
Clearly, PHP is not dead—it’s still a backbone of the internet.
Why PHP Is Still Worth Learning
1. Huge Demand from WordPress and eCommerce
WordPress is not going anywhere. With millions of websites running on it, there’s always demand for developers who can build custom themes, plugins, and integrations. Similarly, WooCommerce, Shopify alternatives, and Magento all rely heavily on PHP.
2. Laravel and Modern Frameworks
PHP’s reputation has greatly improved thanks to modern frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter. Laravel, in particular, has made PHP development cleaner, faster, and more enjoyable. It comes with built-in features like authentication, caching, queues, and REST API support.
3. Job Opportunities
A quick job search in 2025 still shows thousands of openings for PHP developers. Businesses with existing PHP applications need maintenance, upgrades, and new features. This creates a stable demand for skilled PHP professionals.
4. Ease of Learning
Compared to languages like Java or C#, PHP is beginner-friendly. It integrates seamlessly with HTML, making it an excellent first server-side language for newcomers to web development.
5. Active Community and Resources
PHP has a massive community, tons of tutorials, open-source packages, and documentation. Whether you’re solving a bug or learning advanced techniques, chances are someone has already written about it.
The Downsides of PHP in 2025
While PHP has many strengths, it’s not perfect. Here are some challenges you should consider:
- Reputation Problems: PHP has long been criticized for its inconsistent syntax and history of security issues. While modern PHP has improved a lot, the stigma still exists.
- Performance Compared to Other Languages: Languages like Node.js, Go, and Python are often preferred for building high-performance or highly scalable applications.
- Fewer Cutting-Edge Startups Use It: Many startups in 2025 prefer newer tech stacks. If your goal is to work in bleeding-edge AI or blockchain startups, PHP may not be the best bet.
What’s New in PHP in 2025?
PHP hasn’t stood still. Over the years, it has received major upgrades:
- PHP 8.x Features: With Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, attributes, union types, and improved error handling, PHP is more powerful and performant than ever.
- Better Security: Modern PHP frameworks and hosting environments emphasize secure coding practices.
- Compatibility with Modern Tools: PHP integrates smoothly with APIs, cloud services, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.
In 2025, PHP continues to evolve and adapt to modern development needs.
When PHP Is the Right Choice
PHP is a great option in the following scenarios:
- Building WordPress Websites: From small blogs to enterprise sites, WordPress is still king.
- E-commerce Platforms: WooCommerce, Magento, and custom solutions thrive on PHP.
- Rapid Development with Laravel: If you want to build a full-featured application quickly, Laravel is a solid choice.
- Maintaining Legacy Systems: Many established businesses run PHP-based systems and need ongoing support.
When to Consider Other Languages
While PHP is powerful, it’s not always the best choice. You might want to look at alternatives if:
- You’re building real-time applications like chat apps or streaming platforms (Node.js or Go might be better).
- You want to focus on data science, AI, or machine learning (Python is the leader here).
- You’re aiming for enterprise-scale applications with strong typing and modular design (Java, C#, or TypeScript may be more suitable).
PHP Career Opportunities in 2025
Even in 2025, PHP developers are in demand. Here are some common roles:
- WordPress Developer (themes, plugins, site building)
- WooCommerce/Magento Developer (eCommerce)
- Laravel Developer (custom web apps)
- Full-Stack Developer (PHP backend + frontend frameworks like React or Vue)
PHP jobs often pay slightly less compared to newer languages, but the volume of opportunities makes it a stable and practical choice.
Future of PHP Beyond 2025
PHP is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. With its deep integration into WordPress, eCommerce, and countless legacy systems, PHP will remain a crucial part of the web for years. However, its future may be more about maintaining and modernizing existing applications rather than dominating new projects.
Developers who combine PHP skills with modern frontend frameworks (React, Vue, Next.js) and cloud tools will be especially valuable.
Final Thoughts: Should You Learn PHP in 2025?
So, is PHP still worth learning in 2025? Absolutely—if your goals align with what PHP is best at.
- If you want to work on WordPress, WooCommerce, or legacy systems, PHP is a must-learn.
- If you’re looking for fast entry into web development, PHP is beginner-friendly.
- If you want to future-proof your career, pairing PHP with modern tools will give you a competitive edge.
That said, PHP shouldn’t be your only skill. The best developers in 2025 are versatile—comfortable with PHP, but also familiar with JavaScript frameworks, APIs, and cloud technologies.
In short: PHP isn’t dead. It’s evolving. And if you’re smart about how you use it, learning PHP in 2025 is not just worth it—it’s a smart career move.