Evolution of a Super Hero
PHP 4.0, in Leaps and Bounds
By Tobias Ratschiller
[Download
PHP 4.0 rc 1]
The release of PHP 4.0, the long-awaited, next generation of the popular Web scripting language, is just around the corner. The most recent version, release candidate 1, is stable and ready to take over PHP 3.0's role in Web application development. The release takes PHP to new levels, with increased performance, more features, and cleaner syntax.
Fresh Features
With over 1000 functions, there's no itch you can't scratch with PHP--even with the older 3.0 version. Indeed, PHP is the most popular Apache module according to an E-soft survey. Netcraft studies indicate its continuing growth, and that it was being used on over 1.4 million domains in February 2000.
Version 4.0 offers increased performance (boosts of up to 1200 percent aren't uncommon), and a much cleaner base engine. For developers, this means applications scale better, more features are available, and you can use PHP for business-critical applications. And the best of all, all those benefits are immediately available to you once you install the new version.
Indeed, PHP 4.0 is backward compatible with earlier versions, except in a few cases. The most important incompatibilities are outlined at www.php.net/version4/incompatibilities.php. Most developers wlll be able to switch to the new version without having to change a single line of code.
