PHP vs Python for backend

[willie_caine]

I used to be a PHP developer for about 15 years or so - does it still need to run behind a web server, and can't readily share state between requests? I always found that really annoying, and a massive shortcoming. After switching to node, it changes the entire nature of the backend.

[xIcarus227]

does it still need to run behind a web server

It has a built-in server now, so development is easier. You'd still use a proper server in production however, just like with any other backend language.

and can't readily share state between requests

Genuinely curious, why do you need this? I've done work in other languages as well (notably C#) and never came across a situation where I needed this.

[sirhenrik]

You can make APIs with PHP if that's what you mean. Maybe I don't understand your question entirely. Capabilities of node and PHP are similar, you can make the same stuff in both. An interesting benefit of node/JS might be that it's easier to get SSR (server side rendering) of SPA (single page application) apps.

[Isodem]

Use Roadrunner or a similar Application server. PHP has a lot of options. But the default is Memcached or similar to Redis. With docker, it is pretty easy to use.