PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, was first created in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf as a simple set of Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts for tracking visits to his online resume. Originally called Personal Home Page Tools, it was later renamed to PHP/FI (Forms Interpreter) and released to the public in 1995. At this time, it was primarily used for small-scale web development and personal websites. However, as the internet and demand for dynamic web pages grew, so did the capabilities of PHP.
In 1997, two developers, Andi Gutmans and Zeev Suraski, rewrote the core of PHP, creating what is now known as PHP 3. This new version included improved performance and support for databases, making it a more powerful tool for web development. This upgrade also introduced the concept of “server-side scripting,” allowing for the creation of dynamic web pages that could be customized based on user input or data from a database.
With the release of PHP 4 in 2000, the language continued to evolve and gain popularity. This version added support for object-oriented programming (OOP), making it more efficient and flexible for larger scale projects. Additionally, PHP 4 was the first version to include the Zend Engine, a powerful scripting engine that has been used in all subsequent versions of PHP.
In 2004, PHP 5 was released, introducing even more advanced features such as improved OOP, better error handling, and the ability to create web services. This version also saw the introduction of the Zend Engine 2, which greatly improved the performance and stability of PHP.
Today, PHP has become one of the most widely used programming languages for web development, powering over 80% of all websites on the internet. Its versatility, ease of use, and constant evolution have made it a favorite among developers. With the recent release of PHP 7, the language continues to evolve and improve, with even faster performance and new features such as scalar type declarations and anonymous classes.
From its humble beginnings as a simple set of scripts, PHP has evolved into a powerful and versatile programming language. Its journey from Personal Home Pages to a major player in the world of web development is a testament to its adaptability and continued growth. As technology and the internet continue to evolve, it is safe to say that PHP will continue to evolve and remain a crucial tool for creating dynamic and interactive websites.
