Hosting PHP
One of the biggest decisions that are made when deciding to choose either a Linux or Windows server, is whether you want to work with PHP or ASP.
PHP hosting is more than readily available since Linux has been dominating the market for some time. While both languages can create dynamic content websites, they are inherently different.
PHP hosting price
Hosting PHP is always going to be a cheaper option. To use ASP you need to have IIS installed and it gets very pricey fast.
PHP runs on Linux which is open source and completely free of charge.
Dealing with your database is another area where price becomes an issue. With ASP, you will work through MS-SQL which must be purchased separately. PHP uses MySQL which is also a no cost solution.
In the price battle, PHP hosting will always win.
PHP and database connectivity
PHP is very flexible in regards to database connectivity. It is open-sourced and allows you to connect with a variety of database types even though MySQL is the most popular. ASP has limited flexibility and is always used with MS.
PHP compatibility
PHP hosting is compatible with a number of platforms including Linux, Unix, Windows, and Solaris. ASP is “almost” solely used on a Windows platform.
Base language
PHP is based upon C++. C++ is still considered to be one of the best programming languages of all time, which is one reason that PHP caught on so quickly.
ASP is much more similar to Visual Basic which is true for most Microsoft tools. The preference of either in this area is solely opinion. Neither are really “better” than the other, just preferable.
Additional miscellaneous factors about PHP hosting
There are some additional factors that developers may also want to keep in mind.
The first is that since PHP is open source, which means that all future upgrades to software will be free to get, the same is true of additional features. On the other hand, as with most Windows products, extra features are going to cost you.
ASP seems to consistently get the nod when it comes to speed. ASP is normally considered to crush PHP when it comes to speed, which is becoming more important as Google and other such engines factor in website loading speed in their SEO formula.
Hosting PHP will always be one of the most popular options. It is free, largely compatible, and based on C++. All of these characteristics are excellent for developers.
