Skip to main content

Why Most Websites Use PHP (WordPress) While Python Dominates Modern Education



It might seem strange at first glance — the majority of websites today are built with WordPress, which runs on PHP, yet when you look at college curriculums or online learning platforms like Udacity, Coursera, or edX, they rarely teach PHP. Instead, they focus on Python or JavaScript.



Let’s explore why this paradox exists and what it reveals about the evolution of web technology.


🧩 1. WordPress’s Dominance Comes from History, Not Current Trends

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites worldwide. Its success began in the early 2000s, when PHP offered the easiest and most affordable way to build dynamic web pages.

Back then:

  • PHP was free and worked seamlessly with cheap shared hosting.
  • WordPress made website creation accessible to everyone with themes and plugins.

So, while PHP remains widespread, its dominance is largely historical, not due to modern innovation. It’s like COBOL in banking — deeply embedded, but not where new ideas start.


🧠 2. Why Universities Prefer Python

Academic and professional programs like CS50x or Udacity Nanodegrees choose Python because it is:

Universities teach concepts and adaptability, not just tools. And Python helps students think computationally — a key skill for any programming career.


🧰 3. PHP Is a Tool for Production, Not for Research

While PHP is great for building websites or running online stores, it’s rarely used for:

These are the fast-growing fields driving the future — and they all rely heavily on Python.


🚀 4. Different Goals, Different Languages

Purpose Common Language Why
Teaching fundamentals & AI/data Python Clean syntax, wide applications, modern jobs
Building quick websites PHP (WordPress) Easy setup, plugins, no-code support
Frontend development JavaScript/TypeScript Runs in all browsers, essential for interactivity

Education focuses on learning to think and build anything, while WordPress focuses on publishing quickly.


🧭 In Summary

It’s not strange after all:

WordPress and PHP dominate the web’s infrastructure, while Python dominates the web’s future.

  • PHP helps non-developers publish and manage websites easily.
  • Python empowers developers to innovate, analyze data, and automate systems.

So, while PHP quietly powers millions of websites, Python powers the next generation of developers and digital transformation.


In short: PHP runs much of today’s internet — Python trains the people who will build tomorrow’s.

Comments

Popular Posts

Breathe New Life Into Your Old Dell Mini Laptop: Switch from Windows 7 to Linux

If you still have a Dell mini laptop running Windows 7, you’ve probably noticed that it feels outdated and insecure. Since Microsoft ended support for Windows 7, the system no longer gets updates, leaving you exposed to security risks. But instead of throwing the laptop away, you can switch to Linux , a free and open-source operating system that will keep your device useful for years to come. Why Linux? Still supported : Modern Linux distributions (distros) are updated regularly. Lightweight options : Perfect for older laptops with 1–2 GB RAM. Free software : Includes browsers, office tools, coding environments, and multimedia players. Secure by design : No need to worry about viruses in the same way as on Windows. Best Linux Options for Old Laptops Here’s a quick comparison of some great Linux distros for older machines like Dell mini laptops: Distro Minimum RAM Ease of Use Look & Feel Best For Download Linux Mint XFCE 1 GB (2 GB recommended) ⭐⭐...

x86 vs LinuxONE: An Impartial Comparison with Real Cost Insights

When evaluating enterprise computing infrastructure, two key contenders often come up: x86-based servers and IBM LinuxONE mainframes. Both have strengths and weaknesses depending on workload types, scalability requirements, and total cost of ownership. 1. Overview of x86 Servers Technology : Built on Intel and AMD x86 architecture. Use Cases : General-purpose workloads, web hosting, enterprise applications, virtualization. Strengths : Affordable entry costs, wide vendor availability (Dell, HPE, Lenovo, Supermicro). Weaknesses : May struggle with extreme scalability, high consolidation, and always-on mission-critical workloads. 🔗 Learn more: Intel Xeon Scalable Processors 2. Overview of IBM LinuxONE Technology : IBM’s enterprise-grade mainframe optimized for Linux workloads. Use Cases : High-security environments, large-scale databases, fintech, and industries requiring 24/7 uptime. Strengths : Extreme scalability, integrated security features (confidential compu...

Google Sites vs. HubSpot Website Builder: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to building a website, two platforms often come up in conversations: Google Sites and HubSpot Website Builder (CMS Hub) . Both serve very different purposes. Google Sites is free, simple, and perfect for beginners, while HubSpot is a professional marketing platform designed to help businesses grow online. In this post, we’ll explore the limitations of Google Sites compared to HubSpot Website Builder, so you can decide which one fits your needs best. 🔹 Limitations of Google Sites Design & Customization Google Sites comes with very limited templates and themes. You can’t add custom CSS or JavaScript, and there’s no plugin ecosystem. This means you’re stuck with basic drag-and-drop elements without much room for creative flexibility. Functionality If you’re looking for advanced features like e-commerce, live chat, lead capture forms, or dynamic content, Google Sites won’t be enough. It mainly integrates with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive), but does...