PHP Web Development: What It Is, Why It Still Matters in 2025

When you work with PHP web development, a server-side scripting language that runs on the web server to generate dynamic content before sending it to the browser. Also known as Hypertext Preprocessor, it’s the backbone of over 77% of websites that use server-side code — including WordPress, which runs on PHP for more than 430 million sites worldwide. This isn’t legacy tech clinging to life — it’s the quiet engine behind most online stores, blogs, and business sites you visit every day.

PHP doesn’t work alone. It connects directly with WordPress, the most popular content management system, built almost entirely on PHP to let you manage content without touching code — until you need to customize themes or plugins. Then, you’re working with PHP files, hooks, and functions. It also pairs with server-side scripting, the process of running code on the server to handle forms, databases, user logins, and dynamic page generation. Unlike JavaScript, which runs in the browser, PHP handles the heavy lifting behind the scenes: fetching data from a database, processing payments, or sending emails.

Not all PHP is created equal. Outdated versions like PHP 7.4 and 8.1 are no longer secure — they don’t get updates, and hackers know it. The current standard is PHP 8.3, a fast, secure, and feature-rich version with better error handling and performance. If you’re building or maintaining a site today, you’re not just writing PHP — you’re choosing the right version. And that choice affects speed, security, and how easily your site can scale.

People ask if PHP is dead. It’s not. It’s just quieter. You won’t see it trending on Twitter like new JavaScript frameworks, but you’ll find it running the checkout page on your favorite online store, the login system on your bank’s portal, or the blog you read every morning. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable. And for freelancers and agencies, it’s still one of the most in-demand skills for fixing, updating, and expanding existing sites — especially WordPress ones.

Whether you’re learning to build your first site, fixing an old plugin, or upgrading a client’s system, PHP web development is about solving real problems: making forms work, speeding up slow pages, or keeping sites safe from attacks. Below, you’ll find clear guides on what PHP versions to avoid, how WordPress uses PHP, and why upgrading isn’t optional — it’s basic maintenance.