PHP is a programming language originally designed for creating web applications, but you can also use it for more general programming. The name “PHP” refers to the original “PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor.” It is a server-side language, meaning the code is executed on the server and the results are sent to the client (e.g., a browser) to be displayed to the user.
PHP 8 is the latest version of the PHP programming language and was released on November 26, 2020. Compared to the previous versions, PHP 8 offers some new features and improvements that can make developing PHP applications easier and more efficient.
PHP 8 Advantages
Below are some of the key differences between PHP 8 and PHP 7 and previous versions:
1)Speed:
PHP 8 is generally faster than previous versions, thanks to its new JIT (Just-In-Time) compiler, which optimizes code at runtime.
2)New features:
PHP 8 includes many new features, such as Union Types, Match expression, Named Arguments, etc. These new features make the code more readable and manageable. More specifically, union types provide flexibility in variable typing and also leverage type hinting to improve code readability and maintainability.
The match expression bears a strong resemblance to switch statements, but is often a more appropriate choice. Named arguments provide a way for programmers to assign labels to each variable they pass to a function or method, without the need to create temporary variables. By using named arguments, programmers can provide context and meaning to each argument passed, making code more readable and self-explanatory.
3)JIT Compiler:
As we mentioned above, PHP 8 includes a JIT Compiler (Just-In-Time Compiler) that improves code performance. The JIT Compiler converts intermediate code (bytecode) into machine code at runtime, thus optimizing execution time.
4)Improved typing:
PHP 8 offers improved type recognition and support, which improves code safety and reliability.
5)Improved error handling:
PHP 8 offers improved error handling and new exceptions, which make error handling more efficient.
Final Thoughts
Finally, you should note that moving from PHP 7 to PHP 8 may require some modifications to existing code, as some features may have changed or are no longer supported. Before upgrading to PHP 8, it is important to read the PHP upgrade manual and check for compatibilities with your application’s existing code.