A Comparison of Programming Languages: Php Vs Perl

Since several different programming language options are now accessible, it is not unusual that programmers find it difficult to make a choice. This is why this report has compiled information regarding two of the most renowned languages and has brought a comparison between the two competitors. Both PHP and Perl are eminent names, which are greatly used within the web environment.

Perl

Perl is amongst the most acclaimed programming languages today. Initially, it was developed as a text editor for processing huge amounts of data for basic tasks including creating reports. However, it has made a significant progress over the years. Today, it is modified enough to be used for efficient game programming and even GUI or web development. It is known to be the best when it comes to tasks related to administration scripts.

Popular websites such as LiveJournal and Amazon have been created using Perl. Perl has a code structure that makes it flexible to use during app development. It can also be used on any platform. Perl also offers CPAN, a vast archive of free Perl codes.

Perl scripts are basically run as stand-alone programs. Here, HTML pages are created when the script is run. The thing to keep in mind is that since Perl is an open source language, it may also have security related vulnerabilities.

Coming to its major disadvantages, it could be said that Perl’s syntax is what causes an issue. It could get difficult to handle not just by occasional coders but also pros, especially if you are trying to work with a code written by someone else. Experts suggest that even they require making several comments on Perl so that they can later understand the code they wrote if they ever get back to it.

PHP

This particular scripting language is not only open source but is also free-of-charge. It is simple to learn as well as use. Due to its flexibility, it can be used to develop websites for not just small but also for gigantic businesses or organizations. PHP is mostly used to develop shopping cars, e-commerce solutions, chatting platforms, and also informative forums. Multiple renowned websites such as WordPress and Facebook have been written using PHP.

The construction of PHP pages is similar to that of HTML ones. The code is easily inserted in the page and is executed whenever a request for the page is made.

PHP, which is multi-platform, is compatible with all operating systems. The reason why PHP applications have a greater speed is the fact that here, servers parse codes at the source and then send back efficiently formatted html to the clients’ computers. It is also great for manipulating texts. If you ask newbies, they would say that PHP is easier to learn than Perl.

Unfortunately, when it comes to security, PHP lags behind and is not considered very secure. Since it is open source, anyone who wishes can view the coding of a PHP application. Any bugs could allow a user to explore an application’s weaknesses and exploit them. This makes an application vulnerable.

Conclusion

In can be concluded that both, PHP as well as Perl have huge user communities and a well-written documentation too. Both of them are great competitors in this vast world of programming. Your choice regarding using one of them should depend on your own requirements.