PHP and ASP are perhaps two of the most favorite languages that are used to make and build web sites. The question arises which one should be chosen as the better option.

Interaction with databases and the freedom to exchange information is possible using both languages to build websites with Dynamic Content. IIS (Internet Information Server) uses Microsoft services on which ASP (Active Server Pages), a Microsoft product, runs. Rasmus Lerdorf was the creator of PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor). This was subsequently adapted by hundreds of volunteers. Linux and UNIX Servers are used to run this software.

ASP and PHP have a number of obvious differences.

Price

The Windows platform should have IIS installed for you to use ASP programs. This is not free, and is not cheap either. Linux is totally free to use and is open source, on which PHP is normally run. MS-SQL is made by Microsoft and therefore has to be acquired separately. ASP uses this database connectivity, which can also be an expensive option. MySQL is available from numerous sources across the Internet totally free, which is used to run PHP.

Speed

PHP also displays higher speed in comparison to ASP. PHP code is much faster in execution than ASP code. COM architecture is used to create ASP which is an additional overhead as far as the server is concerned. In contrast, PHP code uses the memory space of its own to run.

Compatibility

Sun Microsystems' Solaris, Windows, Unix and Linux are the platforms used to run PHP programs, whereas predominantly a Windows platform is used to run ASP. If ASP-Apache has been installed then ASP can be run on the platform based on Linux.

Other Costs

Being open source, numerous PHP tools can be found at absolutely no cost through many forums online. Many encryption options and the facility of email, using a web page, are some of the inbuilt features in PHP. These features are not standard in ASP and, if needed, have to be bought separately through Microsoft sites.

Usage of Base Language

C++ is considered to be the finest programming languages, ever developed, by many programmers on which PHP is based. Therefore, those who are comfortable with syntax of C++ will like PHP. ASP has a greater Visual Basic feel similar to many Microsoft products. ASP will be preferred by those who generally like to use Microsoft products. This is more a personal preference as opposed to any tangible advantage of one over the other.

Connectivity to Database

PHP is a very adaptable open source program which is capable for connecting to numerous types of database. However, MySql database is most frequently used with PHP. ASP also provides a degree of flexibility in database connectivity but MS is most often used for this.

In Conclusion

Many reasons can be put forward on favor of either PHP or Asp, both have significant high points. Eventually it is the personal preference and previous experience of the individual user that prevails. The contention of many that ASP should be used for ecommerce websites is not, probably, wholly true. The reason for this impression is because most people use Asp for ecommerce. However, PHP is equally capable of producing outstanding results. If one were to consider the cost element, PHP has a very distinct advantage being essentially totally free.

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