With the ever-changing state of the IT industry and the fluctuating eCommerce development trends, it’s more than necessary to be flexible in trying out different tech stacks for your eCommerce site. Now, PHP is one of the most popular programming languages out there, and one with a long-standing track record. This tech stack is used by 77.4% of all the websites with a disclosed server-side programming language. So the question remains: is PHP good for eCommerce? This article will tell you all you need to know about PHP for eCommerce and the reasons you should use it to improve your site. 

What is the PHP programming language?

PHP is a general-purpose scripting language used by software developers to create all sorts of server-side applications. This tech stack was created by programmer Rasmus Lerdorf in 1993 and eventually released in 1995 as a general-purpose language. Initially, the name PHP was an acronym for Personal Homepage, but now it’s been updated and it stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. As for the different versions of this tech stack, since it was launched more than two decades ago, there have been multiple significant updates. PHP is currently on version 8.1, with the new major update coming as version 8.2 before the end of the year. 

PHP For eCommerce

As a server-side language, many would be quick to dismiss the importance of PHP for eCommerce. But this tech stack is actually vital for those with online eCommerce businesses thanks to the way it allows your development team to write code with flexibility and how it supports all major operating systems. Moreover, PHP makes starting an eCommerce store easier. From the open-source and budget-friendly framework to the low-code functionalities, PHP will allow you to create an eCommerce website focusing on a string server-side foundation and build upon it as your business grows over the years. 

Is PHP good for eCommerce? 8 reasons why you should choose it

1. Save money on development costs. 

There are many factors that come into play when deciding on which platform to choose to simplify your eCommerce projects. Every little cost adds up, and that’s why it’s so important to look for frameworks and tools that provide the best benefits at the lower cost possible. This makes PHP for eCommerce a great financial decision, as this is an open-source framework, meaning that no expense will be incurred to buy the license for this program. When you choose PHP as your eCommerce platform, at least for all server-side work, you are getting a great bang for your buck and will be able to allocate those resources better to advance your online business. 

2. Additional security features. 

If you have an online store and run an eCommerce business, then cybersecurity is most likely high at the top of your priority list. Every eCommerce platform should offer built-in security features to protect all data from customer transactions and lead tracking from the analytics of your site. Now, when it comes to cybersecurity, PHP has been prone to different issues in the past. Luckily, the framework has facilitated the installation of advanced protection patches, such as Suhosin, to avoid your site becoming vulnerable to internet attacks. This not only protects your site but also allows you to choose for yourself what kind of additional security features you’d like your website to use. 

3. Variety of frameworks. 

One of the key advantages of PHP for eCommerce is the large number of frameworks available for users to choose from. In fact, Wikipedia lists over 40 different PHP frameworks to choose from. These are the platforms that allow developers to build PHP web applications, and they all have their own features, communities, and eCommerce capabilities. If you want to learn which are the best PHP frameworks for eCommerce, check out our article about our favorite PHP frameworks for 2022 and beyond. 

4. Easy to learn.

Another advantage of PHP for eCommerce is just how easy to learn this tech stack is. Now, if you already have a dedicated development team working on your eCommerce store, this might not be such a deciding factor for you. Still, if you’re an entrepreneur starting out on your own or have a development team with not a lot of experience using PHP, the fact that this tech stack is easy to use and learn can really make a difference. Furthermore, PHP also allows for low-code solutions, helping entire teams optimize the development process and aiding companies in conducting their day-to-day operations with increased efficiency. 

5. Includes analytics options. 

If your company is interested in inbound marketing, then built-in analytic features are an absolute must for your eCommerce website. These analytics can help online businesses know more about their client’s preferences and behaviors while on their site. Outside of Google Analytics and Search Console, there are other analytic tools that PHP facilitates within its different frameworks. You’ll find there are dedicated tools especially targeted towards eCommerce sites that help keep track of sales and leads. Over time, this will help you adjust both your marketing and sales strategies, as well as the design of your website according to your customer’s actions, and offer more targeted products or services to increase leads and drive more sales. 

6. Personalized experience. 

We’ve mentioned that one of the main advantages of PHP for eCommerce is that it boasts several different frameworks that can help you with a variety of tasks. But there’s more. These frameworks not only contribute to the optimization of your eCommerce development experience, but they also make the process more personalized as well. You can even addlive chat apps to your site! There is a myriad of plug-ins, templates, and other tools at your disposal whenever you or your development team decide it’s time to make the eCommerce site a little more personal to help it stand out from your competitors. 

7. Scalability. 

When you build an eCommerce site, it’s usually with long-term goals in mind. That’s why a scalable eCommerce platform is key for the growth of your company. Imagine the state of your business one year from now. Has it expended? Have you doubled your clients or revenue? This would be the ideal scenario. And, in that case, you need an eCommerce store that can support an increase in products and/or traffic unless you’re willing to go through an eCommerce migration. PHP for eCommerce can help you build an online store with the potential to escalate to the next level, including both native and third-party. Both vertical and horizontal scalation are options with this tech stack and there are always different frameworks that can help you handle the increased traffic. 

8. Ability to integrate with different platforms. 

This one last advantage of PHP for eCommerce ties in directly with the tech stack’s ability to escalate your site faster and more efficiently. Integrating other platforms, such as analytic tools, social media plug-ins,mobile-first features, and customer service apps, into PHP is not a tough process since it’s open-source software. Over time, this will allow you to quickly grow your site and customize it to your company’s needs. 

Are you looking to build a website with PHP for eCommerce?

Now that you know that PHP can help eCommerce businesses grow and improve their capabilities, you might be looking into building or renovating your current site. At Resolve Digital, we’re familiar with the uses of PHP for eCommerce and have a team of seasoned IT professionals ready to help you develop an online store using this tech stack. With the aid of our team, you can access custom development solutions for a great price. Contact us today to learn more about our services!