Open Source
PHP4 to PHP5
Wed, 04/15/2009 - 19:14 — admin
PHP is an open source scripting language used to develop dynamic web applications. Being an open source language, PHP has a strong online developer community that is constantly developing and adding new features and functionalities to enhance the existing version of the language. As a set of new features are tested and verified, a new version of the language is released. In order to avail of the benefits that the new and improved features have to offer, applications based on the older version are required to be migrated to the latest version.
Open Source Development offers its expertise in PHP to upgrade applications developed in PHP4 to PHP5 and for PHP web application development.
Features PHP5 is the latest version of PHP and includes a host of new features. These include the following:
- XML Extensions: An improved XML extension, SimpleXML, is available in PHP5 that enables developers to access and manipulate XML files with ease.
- Object Oriented Model: PHP5 has an improved object oriented model as compared to PHP4 that allows for better performance. The new model offers a whole set of features such as constructors, destructors, interfaces etc. In PHP5 coding objects can now be assigned and passed by reference.
- Embedded Database: SQLite is an embedded database available with PHP5. SQLite does away with the need to install a separate database application.
- MySQL Extension: PHP5 includes an upgraded MySQL extension – MySQLi that includes features such as prepared statements, SSL connections, multi-query functions etc.
- Exception Handling: PHP5 includes exception handling that provides developers with a better mechanism to handle and manage errors. Exception handling enables the separation of programming logic from error handling.
- SOAP Implementation: SOAP is a web services protocol that transfers XML based messages. It is the foundation layer of web services on which other messaging classes can be built. A SOAP extension that implements most of the SOAP 1.2 functionalities is available with PHP that enables developers to create SOAP clients and servers without a Web Services Description Language file.
Case Studies
Recommendations
Outsourcing web development efforts can yield drastically different results depending on who you partner with. In the end, success depends on so many factors far beyond code development itself - strong project management skills, the ability to balance a strategic vision and end user needs with technical realities, discipline in execution, steady productivity, honesty, and a positive attitude in dealing with unexpected challenges and changes to name a few. I've found that those who can consistently deliver on these key attributes are rare.
Ted Bream
CEOCore Agenda Inc.
