Is PHP Compiled or Interpreted? Unveiling the Secrets of PHP Execution Process

Is PHP Compiled or Interpreted? Unveiling the Secrets of PHP Execution Process

PHP is a popular server-side programming language, and many developers are curious about how it works under the hood. Does PHP get compiled or interpreted? Let’s uncover the truth behind this question.

The Role of the PHP Compiler

• Converts source code into bytecode that can be used by the runtime engine.
• Parses function names, class names, and variable names.
• Creates the symbol table.

The Role of the PHP Interpreter

• Reads and executes bytecode line by line.
• Handles runtime exceptions and errors.

From the above analysis, we can see that PHP's execution process is not purely dependent on interpretation; it combines both compilation and interpretation. PHP code is first compiled into bytecode, and then the Zend engine interprets and executes it. This hybrid approach allows PHP to strike a balance between performance and flexibility.