PHP has powered websites for decades, but some developers believe it is outdated because newer technologies such as Python, JavaScript, and Java have become popular.
Facebook’s history with PHP raises an interesting question: Is Facebook the only company still using PHP? No. PHP remains an important technology for content management systems, publishing platforms, e-commerce websites, and custom web applications.
WordPress and MediaWiki are prominent examples of software that currently requires PHP. Meanwhile, Facebook evolved its technology toward Hack and HHVM as its engineering needs changed.
In 2026, PHP remains a practical choice for many projects. Understanding its current capabilities, limitations, and real-world applications helps businesses and developers decide whether it is right for them.
Is Facebook the Only Company Still Using PHP?
No. Facebook is not the only company or platform associated with PHP. The language continues to support many websites and applications.
WordPress uses PHP for its server-side functionality, while MediaWiki, the software behind Wikipedia, is also written in PHP. These examples demonstrate that PHP remains relevant to modern website development.
However, a website using PHP does not necessarily mean that its entire infrastructure runs on PHP. Large platforms often combine multiple programming languages, databases, APIs, and services.
For example, PHP might generate website pages while other technologies manage search, analytics, payments, or data processing.
The important question is whether PHP still solves real development problems. Its continued use in established platforms demonstrates that it does.
Does Facebook Still Use PHP in 2026?
Facebook initially relied heavily on PHP because it enabled developers to build dynamic websites relatively quickly. As the platform grew, its engineers needed better performance and tools for managing a large codebase.
From PHP to HHVM
Facebook developed HipHop for PHP to improve execution speed. It later introduced the HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM), which used just-in-time compilation to improve performance.
Meta’s engineering team documented this development in its official HHVM article.
Understanding PHP, Hack, and HHVM
These technologies are related but different:
PHP: A programming language commonly used for server-side website development.
Hack: A language developed at Facebook with roots in PHP. It includes features such as static typing to help developers identify certain errors earlier.
HHVM: A virtual machine originally developed to execute PHP efficiently. It later shifted its focus to Hack and no longer aims to support ordinary PHP applications.
In 2014, Facebook announced that it had migrated nearly its entire PHP codebase to Hack. This was an important milestone, but it does not prove that every current Meta service uses traditional PHP or that its entire technology stack remains unchanged.
The official HHVM documentation provides further information about Hack and HHVM.
The key takeaway: Facebook’s history demonstrates how a large company can evolve beyond traditional PHP while continuing to use related technology. Historical PHP adoption should not be confused with confirmed use across Meta’s entire current infrastructure.
| Platform | PHP Connection |
|---|---|
| WordPress | PHP is required to run WordPress. |
| Wikipedia / MediaWiki | MediaWiki, the software behind Wikipedia, is written in PHP. |
| Historically relied heavily on PHP; much of its codebase later moved to Hack. | |
| Slack | Has been associated with Hack/HHVM, technologies related to PHP. |
| Quizlet | Has been listed among users of Hack/HHVM; this does not establish current PHP usage. |
WordPress
WordPress is a popular content management system used for business websites, blogs, online publications, and e-commerce stores. PHP powers its server-side functionality, including themes, plugins, and application logic.
Its official requirements page documents its PHP requirements. WordPress is particularly useful for businesses that need flexible publishing and SEO-friendly website management.
Wikipedia and MediaWiki
Wikipedia runs on MediaWiki, an open-source platform written in PHP. The official MediaWiki installation requirements confirm PHP’s role in running the software.
This example demonstrates that PHP can support substantial publishing platforms when combined with appropriate architecture and infrastructure.
What about Slack and Quizlet?
The official HHVM FAQ lists Slack and Quizlet among the sites using Hack and HHVM. These are relevant examples of PHP-related technology, but they should not automatically be described as websites running traditional PHP today.
This distinction matters because Hack is a separate language, and HHVM no longer aims to be compatible with ordinary PHP applications.
Why Do Major Companies Still Use PHP?
PHP remains useful for several practical reasons.
1. Established ecosystem
PHP offers extensive documentation, libraries, hosting support, and development tools. Frameworks such as Laravel and Symfony help developers build structured applications without creating everything from scratch.
2. Existing applications
Businesses may have years of investment in PHP websites and applications. Replacing a stable system can be expensive and risky, so upgrading and improving the existing application may be more practical.
3. Performance improvements
Modern PHP versions have introduced performance and language improvements. However, real-world speed also depends on database queries, caching, application design, and server configuration.
4. Developer availability
PHP has a large development community, making it easier for many businesses to find developers and maintain existing projects.
5. Flexible hosting
Many hosting providers support PHP, making it accessible for freelancers, small businesses, agencies, and larger organizations.
Is PHP Still Relevant in 2026?
Yes. PHP remains relevant for content management systems, e-commerce platforms, publishing websites, and server-side applications.
The language continues to receive updates, and modern development tools support better code organization, testing, dependency management, and maintainability.
The official PHP supported-versions page lists supported branches and their security-support schedules. Developers should consult it before choosing a version or planning an upgrade.
PHP frameworks such as Laravel and Symfony provide tools for routing, authentication, database access, and validation. These features make it possible to build maintainable applications when developers follow good practices.
However, PHP is not automatically secure or fast. Website owners must update supported software, patch dependencies, validate input, use safe database queries, protect sessions, and configure servers correctly.
For most businesses, the important question is whether PHP meets their requirements and can be maintained securely—not whether the language is considered fashionable.
| Language | Common Uses | Suitable Projects |
|---|---|---|
| PHP | Server-side websites | WordPress sites, Laravel applications |
| JavaScript / Node.js | Frontend and backend development | Interactive websites, APIs |
| Python | Automation, data processing, backend development | Data-driven applications, AI integrations |
| Java | Enterprise backend development | Large business systems, enterprise applications |
No language is universally better. PHP is a natural fit for WordPress projects, JavaScript can support full-stack development, Python is popular for automation and data-related work, and Java is widely used in enterprise applications.
Performance depends on implementation, workload, libraries, and infrastructure. Choose the language that best matches the project and your team’s skills.
Advantages and Limitations of PHP
Advantages
Beginner-friendly entry into server-side web development.
Extensive documentation and development tools.
Broad hosting support and developer availability.
Strong integration with WordPress and established frameworks.
Practical options for maintaining and modernizing existing websites.
Limitations
Legacy applications may contain difficult-to-maintain code.
Outdated dependencies and poor coding practices create security risks.
Performance problems can arise from inefficient queries or architecture.
Some projects may benefit more from another language’s ecosystem.
Upgrading older applications can require significant testing and refactoring.
These limitations do not make PHP unsuitable. They highlight the importance of selecting the right architecture and maintaining software responsibly.
Should Businesses and Developers Choose PHP Today?
PHP is worth considering for several types of projects:
Business websites: WordPress offers a practical solution for content publishing and SEO.
E-commerce: PHP-based platforms can support catalogs, orders, customer accounts, and payment integrations.
Existing applications: Upgrade and optimize working PHP systems when doing so meets business needs.
Large platforms: Use suitable caching, database optimization, monitoring, and scalable infrastructure.
Beginners: Learn PHP if your goal is WordPress development, Laravel, or server-side website development.
For large applications, combining PHP with other languages and services may be appropriate. The best choice depends on security, performance requirements, development costs, available expertise, and long-term maintenance.
Common Myths About PHP
Myth 1: PHP is dead. PHP continues to receive updates and security fixes and remains required by established software platforms.
Myth 2: Only Facebook uses PHP. WordPress and MediaWiki are clear examples of software that currently requires PHP.
Myth 3: PHP cannot scale. PHP applications can support substantial workloads with suitable architecture, caching, databases, and infrastructure.
Myth 4: Every PHP website is slow. Performance depends on implementation and infrastructure, not just the programming language.
Myth 5: Modern languages have made PHP obsolete. Different languages serve different needs, and PHP remains useful for many website projects.
Key Takeaways
Facebook is not the only platform associated with PHP.
WordPress and MediaWiki provide strong examples of continuing PHP use.
Facebook’s transition toward Hack and HHVM is different from using traditional PHP.
PHP remains a viable web development technology in 2026.
Security, architecture, maintenance, and project requirements matter more than language trends.
