If you’re a developer, you’ve probably had this dilemma – ASP.NET vs PHP. Which one should I learn? If you’re a business that is looking to hire a developer for your next project, the question only slightly changes a bit. ASP.NET or PHP? Which developer should I hire? ASP.net Developer or PHP?
To actually answer these questions, you need to understand the two. Once you know the difference, you’ll be able to evaluate your requirements better. Both are very much in demand. Many of the latest and smooth websites and applications are built using either ASP.NET or PHP.
Without much ado, let’s get started with the details.
What is ASP.NET?
ASP.NET is a web development platform that provides a programming model and infrastructure to build web applications.
Some key points to remember.
- Released in 2002.
- Not dependent on a specific language.
- Provides support for JavaScript, CSS and HTML.
- Built on CLR (Common Language Runtime).
- Developers can use any .NET supported language to write code.
- ASP.NET is used extensively to create dynamic web pages.
What is PHP?
PHP, short for Hypertext Preprocessor (previously Personal Home Pages), is a server side scripting language used for developing Static/Dynamic websites and Web applications.
Some key points to remember:
- Started as a small open source project back in 1995 (first appearance).
- PHP code is processed by a PHP interpreter.
- PHP supports major protocols like IMPA, POP3 and LDAP.
- PHP has a lot of open-source libraries in its source distribution.
- PHP is used to manage dynamic content, session tracking, databases, etc besides also being used to build ecommerce websites.
After reading the overview, it is evident that both ASP NET and PHP developers can help you with your project. That’s why it’s important to understand the key differences between ASP.NET and PHP in order to make an informed choice. Every project is different and it’s important that you choose the right type of developer according to your current needs.
Differences between ASP.NET Vs PHP?
1. Paid Vs. Open Source
ASP.NET is a web application framework provided by Microsoft and hence, is a paid one.
On the other hand, PHP is an open source scripting language that is free for all. It’s easier for developers who are beginners to go for PHP.
2. The Big Fish Vs Startups
ASP.NET is mostly used to create web apps for medium and large companies. PHP is best for start-ups and small businesses.
Depending on the kind of business you have, you can go for either an ASP.NET developer or a PHP developer.
3. The Upper Hand
Even though ASP.NET asks developers to pay for it, it still has a decent overall market share.
Because PHP is open source, it is free for everyone and developers are able to use it without making any payments. For this reason, it enjoys a higher market share as compared to ASP.NET.
4. The Bigger Community
The ASP.NET community has a good number of developers who help each other out but again, because it isn’t open source, the community size is much smaller than that of PHP.
Your PHP developer will be able to solve problems faster if they get stuck anywhere during website or web app development than your ASP.NET developer.
5. Desktop Applications Vs Web Applications
ASP.NET is more suited to create desktop applications while PHP is better for web applications. The reason for this is that PHP is slower in performance than ASP.NET and desktop applications require a speedy performance.
If your business is of a nature that will require the development of desktop applications, you must hire an ASP.NET developer as the applications will be more responsive if built using ASP.NET.
If the next project for your business is a web application project, choose a PHP developer as the process of development will be much faster and smoother.
6. The Purpose
There are different key advantages and focus areas here.
If the focus of your app is functionality and security then an ASP.NET developer is your best bet. This is because ASP.NET comes with inbuilt security features like SQL injection. PHP does provide you with the tools for security but the difference is that ASP.NET does the work of automatically securing your app. On the other hand, a PHP developer will need to work on the security aspect using the tools.
Hire a PHP developer if the main focus of your application is speed as PHP Doesn’t take up too many system resources to operate.
What’s the purpose of your application? What does it do and depending on that, what should you focus on? Once you know this, the answers are right above!
7. Oops.
ASP.NET developers have an advantage. They get a prompt if they make a coding mistake. What does this mean? The application is more secure and has fewer bugs right from the start.
PHP developers don’t have this advantage in the pre-compiling stages. What do they have? A bigger community. So even though errors aren’t rectified in the pre-compiling stage, they’re quickly rectified afterwards.
8. Easy-Peasy
Which one is more difficult to learn?
ASP.NET is quite challenging to understand. A developer will take their time to master it.
PHP is a scripting language which makes it easier for a developer to learn and master.
Pro-tip:
Hire a remote ASP.NET developer (we will help you find the best one) and keep “learn PHP” as an onboarding task. *evil scheme, devilish laughter*
9. The Extras
By now you know that ASP.NET is paid so it’s obvious that there’s a license cost associated with its usage.
PHP being open source is free to use and easily available at no extra cost.
10. Custom-made
ASP.NET is a little rigid. However, this ensures that there are no irregularities when the application is running.
On the other hand, PHP is highly customizable making it more efficient but this makes it more susceptible to bugs as well.
These are the key differences between ASP.NET and PHP that can help you decide which developer you need to hire for your next project.
We Can Help You
After getting a clear understanding of the main differences between ASP.NET and PHP, you can decide whether you’d like to hire a PHP developer or an ASP.NET developer for your web application project. And. if you are looking for a remote job as a developer, feel free to check our remote tech job openings.
