Hacker News Reader

PHP is great as long as you accept it 100% for what it is - a shitty language.

Have you used a version of php from the past decade? Or are you conflating a bad framework or codebase with a bad language?

Yes, it's like an old Model T Ford from the early 1900s that has had a turbocharger, air conditioning, a new stereo, a subwoofer, roof rack for a bike, roof rack for a tent, grounding straps, trailer hookup, clean water system, etc.. bolted onto it.

At some point you ask yourself - why did I do all of this to a Model T? Sure, it has some modern facilities but the language itself was never designed and so none of it feels cohesive. The syntax is off-putting. It's just a ton of nightmare for what reason? Why? There are so many other languages to choose from and PHP has no competitive advantage other than $3/mo GoDaddy hosting.

You have to give up arguing.

The PHP dev will look at a Model T DIY'd into "The Homer", and beside it a 2016 Toyota Corolla.

The PHP dev will argue, sincerely, that The Homer is just as practical of a daily driver as the Corolla. You have to just walk away from this kind of person.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com