10 php setara 1 java | Q&A

Summary

This video discusses the challenges of improving PHP performance, particularly with legacy systems. It highlights issues such as the inefficiencies of PHP compared to Java, difficulties in scaling, and the need for updates in outdated frameworks like Laravel. The speaker explains why PHP’s lack of compilation makes it slower and why scaling horizontally with Kubernetes may not be enough. They suggest considering more efficient technologies like Java or Golang if performance and costs become unmanageable. The importance of version upgrades and the occasional need to rewrite applications is also emphasized.

Takeaways

• 😀 PHP performance can be challenging, especially with legacy projects using outdated versions like PHP 7.4 and Laravel 6.
• 😀 Horizontal scaling (e.g., Kubernetes) improves PHP performance better than vertical scaling (increasing CPU), but it still lags behind Java in terms of hardware efficiency.
• 😀 PHP is an interpreted language, meaning each incoming request requires the script to be executed from scratch, resulting in slower performance compared to compiled languages like Java.
• 😀 Java's compiled nature allows it to run faster because the code is loaded into memory, reducing the need for repeated parsing and execution with every request.
• 😀 Even with horizontal scaling, PHP might require up to 10 times the hardware resources compared to Java for equivalent performance.
• 😀 Legacy PHP systems (e.g., PHP 7.4 and Laravel 6) are difficult to maintain and upgrade, as they're no longer supported and lack backward compatibility with newer versions.
• 😀 It is recommended to upgrade frameworks annually to avoid the challenges of large version gaps, as seen with PHP and Laravel's LTS cycles.
• 😀 While upgrading PHP and frameworks can improve performance, compatibility issues between versions may require significant changes to the codebase.
• 😀 In cases where legacy applications cannot be optimized further, rewriting the application in a more efficient technology (like Java or Go) may be the best option.
• 😀 Technology should be chosen based on performance and cost-efficiency rather than emotional attachment to a specific language or framework (e.g., PHP).

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the transcript?

The main issue discussed is the challenge of improving the performance of legacy PHP systems, particularly those using outdated versions of PHP and frameworks like Laravel 6, and the difficulties in optimizing them for better performance.

What is the difference between horizontal scaling and vertical scaling in PHP applications?

Horizontal scaling involves adding more instances of the application to distribute the load, which is more effective in Kubernetes environments. Vertical scaling, on the other hand, means increasing the CPU and RAM of a single instance, which is less efficient compared to horizontal scaling.

Why does PHP performance lag behind Java in terms of request handling?

PHP is an interpreted language, meaning that it re-executes the script for every incoming request, which slows down performance. In contrast, Java pre-loads the code into memory, allowing for faster request handling by directly retrieving responses from memory without re-reading the code each time.

What are the downsides of using outdated PHP versions like PHP 7.4?

Using outdated versions like PHP 7.4 is problematic because they no longer receive official support, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues. It also complicates the process of upgrading to newer versions, as the frameworks and dependencies may not be compatible with the latest PHP versions.

What does the speaker recommend for PHP projects stuck on old versions?

The speaker recommends upgrading PHP and framework versions whenever a new version is released, as staying on outdated versions can lead to performance bottlenecks and other challenges. Additionally, they suggest maintaining backward compatibility in frameworks to make transitions smoother.

What does the speaker suggest as a solution when legacy applications become too difficult to maintain?

When legacy applications become too difficult to maintain, the speaker suggests that sometimes it is more practical to rewrite the application from scratch rather than trying to optimize the old system, especially if performance has plateaued and maintenance is no longer feasible.

How does the speaker view the relationship between technology choices and company profitability?

The speaker emphasizes that technology choices should be driven by the need for improved performance and cost-efficiency rather than loyalty to a specific technology. If a technology like PHP no longer delivers on performance goals or is too costly, companies should consider switching to alternatives that better align with profitability.

Why does the speaker argue against being overly loyal to PHP?

The speaker believes that being overly loyal to PHP can be detrimental if it leads to ignoring better-performing alternatives. The key is to prioritize performance and cost-effectiveness over loyalty to any particular technology, as business success ultimately depends on these factors.

What are some of the technologies the speaker suggests considering as alternatives to PHP?

The speaker suggests considering technologies like Java, Go, and Node.js as alternatives to PHP, as these may offer better performance and cost efficiency for certain use cases.

What example does the speaker give of a company that switched technologies due to performance issues?

The speaker gives the example of Tiket.com, which initially used PHP with CodeIgniter but eventually switched to Java and Go due to growing performance and maintainability issues with their legacy PHP monolith.