ASP versus PHP

ASP and PHP are both programming languages that are commonly used to create websites. Unlike the usual static html web pages, ASP and PHP websites are more dynamic and can allow users to interact and exchange information using the website's databases.

ASP is the short term for Active Server Pages, a type of program that works with Microsoft alongside IIS or Internet Information Server. ASP needs a Microsoft Server for the website to work. On the other, PHP or Hypertext Preprocessor, runs using Linux or Unix server. The more updated PHP programs can now run on an NT server.

PHP programs can also run in Windows, Solaris, Unix and Linux while ASP can only work with Window-based platforms. Just recently, ASP can now run on a Linux platform given that there is an ASP-Apache program installed on its server.

If you were a programmer adept with the C++ language, you would probably be more comfortable using PHP than ASP. PHP uses C/C++ as base language and most syntax are similar to each other. Because a big chunk of programmers are still using C++ language, PHP are by far more popular than ASP.

ASP is very much similar to the syntax and interface of Visual Basic programming. This is basically because Visual Basic is basically correlated with Microsoft products and programs. So if you were a programmer, choosing between ASP and PHP would basically depend on which language you are more adept with.

When it comes to costing and expenses, ASP programs needs to run on Windows with IIS installed on the server. You need to purchase both of these components in order for ASP to work. On the other hand, a PHP would only require running on a Linux server, which you can get at no cost.

PHP is very much flexible when it terms of database connectivity. It can connect to several databases of which the most commonly used is the MySQL. Note that MySQL would not cost you a thing to use. But if you were to use ASP, you need to purchase MS-SQL, which is a Microsoft product.

Loading speed is a big factor in maintaining a website. If you are particular about speed, then you need to go with PHP. PHP codes runs much quicker than ASP basically because it runs in its very own memory space while ASP uses an overhead server and is uses a COM based architecture.

In working with PHP, most tools associated with the program are mostly open source software so you need not pay for them. As for ASP, you might need to buy additional tools to work with its programs.

In conclusion, both PHP and ASP have its own advantages and disadvantages. It basically depends on which part of developing a website you are most concerned with. Are you worried about the cost of creating your website? Do you want to use a programming language that you are more familiar with? Do you want a more stable and faster website? Choosing between ASP and PHP basically depends on your own personal preference. It doesn't hurt to confer with other programmers or webmasters and research more information on which programming would best fit the requirements of your website.