Hypertext Pre-processor (or PHP) is a very popular scripting language and is used to enhance web pages. PHP is a server-side language that is because the PHP doesn't get executed on your computer, but on the computer, you requested the page from. Once results are created they then, in turn, are handed over to you, and displayed in your browser. PHP is used by 75%+ of all websites that use a server-side programming language.
PHP can be embedded in HTML, and it's well suited for web development and the creation of dynamic web pages for web applications, e-commerce applications, and database applications. It's considered a friendly language with abilities to easily connect with MySQL, Oracle, and other databases.
Real world examples of PHP are found in major CMS systems such as Wordpress, Joomla, and Drupal.
Yes, there are mulitple versions of PHP and they have release life cycles. Typically each php version has a life cycle that roughly lasts 2 years and.
Below is information directrectly from "The PHP Group" which releases the Official PHP Versions:
| Branch | Initial Release | Active Support Until | Security Support Until |
|---|---|---|---|
7.1 |
1 Dec 2016 |
1 Dec 2018 |
1 Dec 2019 |
7.2 |
30 Nov 2017 |
30 Nov 2019 |
30 Nov 2020 |
7.3 |
6 Dec 2018 |
6 Dec 2020 |
6 Dec 2021 |
source - http://php.net/supported-versions.php
Branch Chart:
Key:
| Active support | A release that is being actively supported. Reported bugs and security issues are fixed and regular point releases are made. |
| Security fixes only | A release that is supported for critical security issues only. Releases are only made on an as-needed basis. |
| End of life | A release that is no longer supported. Users of this release should upgrade as soon as possible, as they may be exposed to unpatched security vulnerabilities. |
source - http://php.net/supported-versions.php
There are multiple ways to execute PHP scripts. FullSail Systems Offers four common PHP handlers across our Linux based servers:
Executes PHP scripts on a web server as Apache. Every Apache worker is able to handle and execute PHP scripts itself removing the need to deal with any external processes.
This way of running applications is considered to be the legacy way. Running PHP with CGI support requires a new process to be created each time any PHP code needs to be executed.
Executing PHP scripts with FastCGI requires each request to be passed from the web server to FastCGI via a communication socket.
Considered to be the alternative PHP FastCGI implementation with some additional features. PHP-FPM gives administrators the ability to gracefully stop and start PHP worker processes without losing any queries.