For years, PHP has been the target of “legacy” labels, yet the 2026 PHP Landscape Report reveals a language that is effectively the electrical wiring of the web: essential, hidden in plain sight, and facing a critical shortage of qualified experts.
The Demographic Chasm
50%+
Users with 15+ years of PHP experience.
15%
Users with 5 years or less experience.
Succession planning is no longer an HR exercise; it is a primary risk factor for enterprise stability.
The “Glue” of Modern Architecture
PHP tied with JavaScript as the most-used open source language this year. Its survival is built on its ability to integrate seamlessly across the full tech stack:
| Integration | Usage | Operational Role |
|---|---|---|
| Relational Databases | 92% | The undisputed data-handling engine. |
| Web APIs | 83% | The primary layer for service orchestration. |
| NGINX Infrastructure | 69% | Reflecting a shift toward containerized middleware. |
Pragmatic Optimism
Organizations aren’t leaving; they’re doubling down. With only 3% planning to retire their PHP apps, the industry remains committed to the platform’s reliability.
“The takeaway is pragmatic optimism. PHP is here to stay. The challenge now is ensuring the skills, support, and continuity needed to sustain it for the long term.”
— Matthew Weier O’Phinney, Perforce Zend
About Perforce
The best run DevOps teams in the world choose Perforce. Perforce products are purpose-built to develop, build and maintain high-stakes applications. Companies can finally manage complexity, achieve speed without compromise, improve security and compliance, and run their DevOps toolchains with full integrity. With a global footprint spanning more than 80 countries and including over 75% of the Fortune 100, Perforce is trusted by the world’s leading brands to deliver solutions to even the toughest challenges. Accelerate technology delivery, with no shortcuts.
About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.