The Top Databases for PHP Web Development You Must Know

When you're starting out in PHP development, one of the most common questions you might have is which database to choose. There are numerous resources available on this topic, but many of them are outdated. The world of databases is constantly evolving, and new options are emerging all the time. So, how do you know which database to use? The problem is, sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s popular based on a random opinion online. To make a well-informed decision, it’s helpful to look at data. A great source of data comes from the StackOverflow 2024 survey, where over 17,000 PHP developers shared their preferences. This survey provides an insight into what databases are most commonly used in the world of PHP development. If you're planning to take Web development training in Lucknow or any other place, understanding which databases are widely used can help guide your learning journey.    

MySQL: The Most Popular Database

According to the StackOverflow survey, the most widely used database by PHP developers is MySQL, with a huge 82% of developers choosing it. This makes perfect sense because MySQL has long been the go-to database for many developers working with PHP. It is supported by all major PHP frameworks, and you’ll find MySQL included in most tutorials and courses aimed at beginners. MySQL is known for its reliability, ease of use, and widespread availability. Since it’s so common in the PHP ecosystem, it’s an excellent choice for new developers to learn and master. Whether you're building a simple website or a complex web application, MySQL’s structure and performance make it a solid choice.

The widespread use of MySQL is also thanks to its long history and continuous development. Many of the most popular tools in web development are designed to work seamlessly with MySQL. If you’re just starting out with PHP development, there’s a good chance you’ll run into MySQL, as it is the default database in many web development tutorials.

Other SQL Databases: SQLite, PostgreSQL, and MariaDB

While MySQL takes the top spot, there are other SQL-based databases that many PHP developers also use. Three of the most popular alternatives are SQLite, PostgreSQL, and MariaDB.

• SQLite is used by 37% of PHP developers, which makes it a relatively common choice. SQLite is a serverless, self-contained database engine that stores data in a single file. It’s lightweight and easy to set up, making it ideal for smaller applications or for testing. One of its biggest advantages is its simplicity; it doesn’t require a server or complex configuration, which makes it a great option for developers just starting to learn about databases.
• PostgreSQL, which 35% of PHP developers use, is another powerful relational database. It’s often praised for its advanced features and support for complex queries. PostgreSQL is known for being more robust than MySQL in some cases, especially when dealing with large datasets or complex operations. If you’re planning to work on large-scale applications or enterprise-level systems, PostgreSQL is a great option to consider.
• MariaDB is a fork of MySQL and is used by 38% of PHP developers. It is often included in software bundles like XAMPP, which might explain its popularity among PHP developers. MariaDB has the same structure as MySQL but with some performance improvements and new features. Its close compatibility with MySQL means that developers can easily switch between the two, making MariaDB an appealing option for developers who need a drop-in replacement for MySQL.

NoSQL Databases: MongoDB

Moving away from SQL databases, MongoDB is the leading NoSQL database used by PHP developers, with 31% of developers opting for it. MongoDB is a document-based database, meaning it stores data in flexible, JSON-like documents rather than in rigid tables as SQL databases do. This flexibility makes MongoDB an attractive option for developers who are working with unstructured data or need to scale their applications quickly.

PHP frameworks like Symfony and Laravel work well with MongoDB, making it a natural choice for developers working in those environments. Its scalability and ability to store documents with different structures make MongoDB ideal for applications that require fast development and flexible data handling. Other NoSQL databases, like Cassandra, Couchbase, and DynamoDB, are much less popular among PHP developers. These databases are used by only a small percentage of developers, with Cassandra and Couchbase each used by less than 3% of PHP developers.

Key-Value Databases: Redis

Another database worth mentioning is Redis, a key-value store used by 22.84% of PHP developers. Redis is a powerful, high-performance database used primarily for caching and real-time applications. It’s designed to be extremely fast, allowing developers to store and retrieve data in real time. While it’s not typically used as a primary database for most applications, Redis excels in scenarios where you need to store session data, cache queries, or work with real-time data.

Despite its powerful capabilities, Redis is used by only about one-quarter of PHP developers. This is likely because it’s often used in conjunction with other databases like MySQL or MongoDB rather than as a standalone database solution. Still, Redis is an important tool in the PHP developer's toolkit, particularly for high-performance applications. 

What Databases Do PHP Developers Want?

Interestingly, the databases that PHP developers are most interested in are often the same ones they already use. The top three most desired databases for PHP developers are MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL. This shows that developers are generally happy with their choices, but many would still like to explore or work with other options. Around 25% of PHP developers didn’t specify which database they prefer, indicating a lack of strong preference or interest in experimenting with new technologies.

Which Databases Should PHP Developers Avoid?

While there are plenty of databases available, there are some that PHP developers don’t tend to use. The StackOverflow survey highlights a few databases that are much less popular with PHP developers, such as DB2, Cassandra, Couchbase, and DynamoDB. DB2, for instance, is used by only 2% of developers, while Cassandra and Couchbase have similarly low usage rates. DynamoDB, a NoSQL database from Amazon, is used by just 5.8% of PHP developers. These databases may be better suited for specific use cases or industries, but they are not commonly used in the PHP community.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right database for your PHP development projects is an important decision. Based on the data from the StackOverflow 2024 survey, it’s clear that MySQL is the most widely used and preferred database by PHP developers, followed by other SQL databases like PostgreSQL, MariaDB, and SQLite. NoSQL databases like MongoDB and key-value stores like Redis also have significant usage among PHP developers. As you continue to learn PHP and build web applications, it’s important to understand the strengths and use cases of each database.

 

If you are planning to pursue a career in PHP development, understanding these popular databases will give you a solid foundation. Whether you're taking Web development training in Lucknow or elsewhere, gaining practical experience with these databases will help you succeed in your career. So, if you’re looking to advance your web development skills, consider enrolling in the Best Web Development Course that offers hands-on experience with these essential databases.