In the field of network programming, PHP is one of the most popular scripting languages (along with JSP, Perl and the languages used in ASP.NET) due to its simplicity, speed of execution, rich functionality and distribution of source code based on the PHP license. PHP is distinguished by its kernel and plugins, "extensions": for working with databases, sockets, dynamic graphics, cryptographic libraries, PDF documents, etc. Anyone can develop their own extension and connect it. There are hundreds of extensions, but the standard delivery includes only a few dozen well-proven ones. The PHP interpreter connects to a web server either through a module designed specifically for that server (e.g., for Apache or IIS) or as a CGI application.
It can also be used for administrative tasks in UNIX, GNU/Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and AmigaOS operating systems. However, in this capacity, it has not been spread, giving the palm tree championship Perl, Python and VBScript.
"PHP for Windows allows users to develop dynamic, high-functioning web applications quickly, leveraging the power of this popular scripting language."
PHP is currently used by hundreds of thousands of developers. Approximately 20 million sites report working with PHP, which is more than a fifth of the Internet domain names