PHP 2025: What’s Still Relevant, What’s Dead, and What You Need to Know

When you hear PHP, a server-side scripting language that powers over 77% of websites using server-side code. Also known as Hypertext Preprocessor, it’s the quiet engine behind WordPress, Drupal, and thousands of business sites that never made headlines. In 2025, PHP isn’t glamorous—but it’s still everywhere. You can’t ignore it if you’re building or maintaining websites, especially for small businesses, e-commerce, or legacy systems.

Many people think PHP is dying because of the rise of JavaScript frameworks and Python backends. But here’s the truth: WordPress, the content management system that runs 43% of all websites. Also known as WP, it’s built on PHP and doesn’t plan to switch. If you want to customize themes, fix plugins, or speed up a site, you still need to understand PHP. It’s not about being trendy—it’s about being useful. And PHP 8.3? It’s fast, secure, and modern. The real problem isn’t PHP—it’s the old versions still hanging around like PHP 7.4 and 8.1, which stopped getting security updates years ago. Running those is like driving a car without brakes.

So what does PHP 2025 look like? It’s not about learning PHP to replace JavaScript. It’s about knowing when to use each. JavaScript, the language of the browser that handles interactivity and dynamic content. Also known as JS, it works alongside PHP—not against it. PHP handles the server: logging users in, pulling data from databases, processing payments. JavaScript handles the front end: showing animations, updating forms without reloading, making things feel responsive. They’re teammates, not rivals. And if you’re freelancing or working for a company that runs WordPress sites, PHP skills mean you can fix problems others can’t—and charge more for it.

Don’t get tricked into thinking you need to learn every new framework to stay relevant. The market still needs people who can read PHP, debug a broken plugin, or optimize a slow WooCommerce site. You don’t need a computer science degree. You just need to know how to open a file, read an error message, and update a server. That’s it. And in 2025, those skills are still in demand—especially where big tech doesn’t reach.

Below, you’ll find real answers about PHP in 2025: which versions to avoid, why upgrading matters, how PHP stacks up against JavaScript, and whether it’s still worth your time if you’re starting out. No fluff. No hype. Just what works.