PHP vs Python: Which Programming Language Delivers Faster Performance?

The debate between PHP and Python has survived for years in the development world. Both have their perks in terms of performance, scalability, security, and flexibility. But when it comes to speed and efficiency, selecting the right language can make or break your project.

In this blog, we’ll compare PHP vs. Python in terms of performance and help you decide which suits your project needs. Plus, we’ll let you know when the right time is to hire PHP developers or consult the Python team for the best results.

Breaking Down the Core Differences

Before we start comparing the two programming languages based on their performance, it is highly important to understand what they are:

PHP is a server-side scripting language and is widely used for web development. It is easy to use and open source, which is excellent for building dynamic websites. PHP web development is widely used to create content management systems and e-commerce stores.

Python is an object-oriented and high-level programming language. It is known for its simplicity and readability. It is commonly used in projects of machine learning, artificial intelligence, backend development, and automation.

If you are confused either to hire PHP developers or Python experts, start by understanding the differences between both languages.

PHP or Python: Which Performs Better?

To evaluate the performance of PHP and Python, it is important to consider execution speed, deployment time, framework capabilities, and how well each handles data load. Here is the detail of each factor:

1- Faster Execution Speed

PHP is usually faster than Python in terms of simple web apps. But when it comes to handling complex projects that involve AI and data, Python offers different speed-enhancing tools. PHP offers the following new features that improve the speed of execution:

• JIT compiler which reduces processing time and converts code into machine language directly
• Better OPcache, which precompiles data and stores it in memory in advance

On the other hand, Python’s async/await feature makes sure Python handles multiple tasks at a time. However, Python uses an interpreter that reads code line by line and making Python slow in CPU-intensive and high-traffic situations. In these cases, PHP’s JIT compiler surpasses, especially when handling more users at once.

Final Verdict: PHP easily manages heavy traffic and basic web tasks.

2- Startup Time

Many businesses are concerned about the time application takes to get ready after being started, which is the startup time. So, in the case of these programming languages, PHP has a faster startup time, especially for web applications. The following are the key points that explain why PHP has a quick startup time:

• Request-based execution of PHP scripts, so no server is running in the background
• 3Built-in web servers like Apache and Nginx, which help in rapid script execution
• Minimal dependency loading because there are no extra tools and libraries installed in small PHP apps

In contrast, Python often takes more time in startup loading, especially in frameworks like Django or Flask. The reason is that these frameworks make apps usable after loading settings, middleware, and routes.

Final Verdict: PHP is more appropriate for more requests and low complexity situations

3- Load Handling Capability

PHP is not concurrent, which means it runs each request separately and cannot handle different tasks at the same time. But it now has some tools like Swoole, ReactPHP, and RoadRunner, which can manage multiple tasks at once, but they would need extra settings.

While Python is capable of building applications that can easily support thousands of users, real-time updates, and API heavy workloads. But it is also possible with frameworks like FastAPI or aiohttp.

Final Verdict: Python handles high traffic and live apps more effortlessly, while PHP needs extra settings to match that level.

4- Framework Performance

PHP offers the best speed optimization framework, Laravel. It has a variety of features like route caching, queue management, and built-in tools that speed up development and response time. Businesses often hire dedicated PHP developers who fully leverage these performance optimization features.

On the other hand, Python has Django and FastAPI that offer security, high-performance, and ready-to-use admin tools, but both these frameworks are heavyweight, which can slow down the Python app.

Final Verdict: It is a tie because PHP’s Laravel is best for responsive business-focused web apps, meanwhile FastAPI and Django are live and high-speed API projects.

5- Deployment Environment

Hosting and execution of PHP is quite simple; most of the traditional web servers support PHP, like Apache and Nginx. This makes it easy for PHP developers to make applications live with minimal setup. Additionally, the hosting for PHP apps is also quite pocket-friendly.

On the contrary, Python demands a little bit of setup. Python developers need specific servers like Gunicorn and Uvicorn to run apps, especially Django or FastAPI.

Final Verdict: PHP is simpler and faster to deploy.

6- Performance Tools and Ecosystem

Both programming languages are widely used and have a vast ecosystem providing several performance tools. PHP’s notable performance tools are OPcache, Laravel Octane, Blackfire.io, and Xdebug. With the help of these tools, developers can build lightweight apps, CMS, and e-commerce stores.

While Python performance tools are cProfile, Py-Spy, Uvicorn, and FastAPI. This helps developers to build modern apps and real-time systems.

Final Verdict: Both have a diverse ecosystem, but it depends on the project type and which programming language suits your project.

When to Choose PHP or Python for the Best Performance?

It depends on the project's nature and which programming language is best for it. Let's simplify your decision-making process by dividing where each language performs well based on real-world use cases:

Choose PHP When:

• You want to build a website with a CMS like WordPress or Joomla
• You expect to launch quickly while keeping deployment simple
• Your website can run smoothly on a shared server
• Your project is content-focused and needs a faster response
• You are considering building a Laravel application and planning to hire PHP developers with expertise in Laravel

Choose Python When:

• Your app has features of machine learning or complex data processing
• Your website expects a lot of traffic
• You are creating scalable APIs or microservices
• You build live chat apps, real-time notifications, and live streaming platforms.

If you are still not sure, consider discussing it with a development team to guide you better. Or hire PHP developers and Python experts from Bizmia, who can provide you with skilled and experienced developers within 48 hours.

Conclusion

Both PHP and Python are high-performing languages, but each one stands out in different situations. PHP is the best suited for faster execution, easier deployment, and rapid startup time, ideal for content-heavy websites. Python applications, on the other hand, have load handling capacity and offer modern frameworks and performance tools for data-driven and real-time applications.

If your target is a fast, scalable website or e-commerce platform, it’s a smart move to hire PHP developers with experience in all PHP frameworks and performance tools.