PHP (64-bit)

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a widely-used open-source scripting language primarily designed for web development.

It is embedded in HTML and works efficiently alongside web servers like Apache and Nginx.

The 64-bit version of PHP for Windows offers improved performance, better memory management, and compatibility with modern architectures.

It is ideal for developers working on web applications, content management systems (CMS), and APIs.

Key Features

Cross-Platform Compatibility – Runs seamlessly on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Extensive Database Support – Works with MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and more.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) – Supports OOP paradigms for better software structuring.

Rich Extensions Library – Includes modules for image processing, encryption, and debugging.

Built-in Web Server – Allows testing without third-party server software.

Security Features – Comes with data encryption, input validation, and protection against common vulnerabilities.

Fast Execution – Optimized for speed, especially with PHP 8’s Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation.

What`s New (in latest version)

Property Hooks: Allows defining custom getter and setter logic directly within property declarations. ​

Asymmetric Property Visibility: Enables different visibility levels for reading and writing properties, offering more control over property access. ​

Updated DOM API: Enhancements to the Document Object Model (DOM) API improve performance and add new functionalities. ​

Performance Improvements: Various optimizations have been implemented to enhance the overall performance of PHP applications. ​

Bug Fixes and Cleanup: This release includes numerous bug fixes and general codebase cleanups to ensure stability and maintainability. ​

User Interface

Since PHP is a scripting language, it does not have a graphical user interface (GUI).

Instead, developers interact with it via a command-line interface (CLI) or integrate it into web servers and development environments like XAMPP, WAMP, or Laragon.

Installation and Setup

• Download PHP – Get the latest 64-bit version from the official PHP website or FileHorse.
• Extract Files – Unzip the downloaded package to a directory like C:\php.
• Configure php.ini – Customize PHP settings by renaming php.ini-development to php.ini and editing configurations.
• Set Environment Variables – Add C:\php to the system’s PATH variable.
• Test Installation – Run php -v in Command Prompt to verify successful setup.
• Integrate with Web Server – Configure PHP with Apache or IIS for web development.

How to Use

Run PHP Scripts – Execute scripts using php script.php in the command line.

Develop Web Applications – Use PHP in combination with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Create and Manage Databases – Use PHP’s database extensions to interact with MySQL or PostgreSQL.

Set Up a Local Development Server – Utilize built-in CLI server with php -S localhost:8000.

Debug and Optimize – Use tools like Xdebug and built-in error reporting.

FAQ

Is PHP (64-bit) better than the 32-bit version?
Yes, the 64-bit version supports larger memory allocations and is more efficient for complex applications.

Does PHP work without a web server?
Yes, PHP has a built-in server that can be used for development without a third-party web server.

What is the best IDE for PHP development on Windows?
Popular choices include Visual Studio Code, NetBeans, Notepad++ and Sublime Text.

Can I use PHP for non-web applications?
Yes, PHP can be used for CLI scripting, automation, and even desktop applications.

How do I update PHP on Windows?
Download the latest version, replace the existing PHP folder, and update configuration settings.

Alternatives

Python – More versatile but not specifically built for web development.

Node.js – A JavaScript runtime for server-side applications.

Ruby on Rails – A powerful web application framework for rapid development.

ASP.NET – A Microsoft-based framework for enterprise applications.

Pricing

PHP is completely FREE and open-source under the PHP License.

System Requirements

• Operating System – Windows 10, 11 (64-bit)
• Processor – Intel or AMD 64-bit processor
• RAM – 2GB (minimum), 4GB+ recommended
• Storage – 200MB for installation, more for projects
• Web Server (Optional) – Apache, Nginx, or IIS

PROS

• Open-source and free
• Highly flexible and scalable
• Wide community support
• Excellent database integration
• Compatible with multiple web servers

CONS

• Inconsistent function naming conventions
• Slower than compiled languages like C++
• Requires additional security configurations
• Not ideal for mobile app development

Conclusion

PHP (64-bit) for Windows is an essential tool for web developers looking for a powerful and flexible server-side scripting language. It is widely supported, easy to integrate with various databases, and optimized for performance with its 64-bit capabilities.

While it has some drawbacks, such as inconsistent syntax and security concerns, it remains a top choice for building dynamic websites, APIs, and enterprise-level applications. If you’re into web development, PHP is still a great language to learn and use.

Also Available: PHP (32-bit) and PHP for Mac