ASP vs. PHP: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 23, 2023
ASP (Active Server Pages) is Microsoft's server-side scripting technology, while PHP is an open-source, server-side scripting language.
Key Differences
ASP, or Active Server Pages, is a server-side scripting technology developed by Microsoft. PHP, on the other hand, is an open-source server-side scripting language known for web development.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
ASP typically integrates with IIS (Internet Information Services), Microsoft's web server, while PHP commonly pairs with Apache or Nginx web servers, though it can run on others.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
ASP scripts usually use VBScript as their default scripting language, though other languages can be implemented. PHP uses its own scripting language which has C-like syntax.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
In terms of databases, ASP often interfaces with Microsoft products like Microsoft SQL Server. PHP, meanwhile, frequently connects to MySQL databases but can interface with a wide range of database systems.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Cost can be a differentiator between the two. Since ASP is a Microsoft product, there might be licensing fees involved, especially for the server OS. PHP, being open-source, is generally free, though costs can arise based on the chosen infrastructure and additional tools.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Database Integration
Commonly with Microsoft SQL Server
Often with MySQL but supports many databases
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Cost
Licensing fees for some Microsoft products
Generally free, though costs can arise from infrastructure
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
ASP and PHP Definitions
Asp
Can use VBScript as its scripting language.
Most of our ASP applications are written in VBScript.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
PHP
Can be embedded into HTML.
You can insert PHP scripts directly into your HTML code for dynamic content.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Asp
Stands for Active Server Pages.
ASP allows web pages to be more interactive by accessing databases.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
PHP
Primarily used for web development.
With PHP, you can create dynamic web pages with ease.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Asp
Microsoft's server-side scripting technology.
The website's dynamic content is powered by ASP.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
PHP
An open-source server-side scripting language.
The blog is developed using PHP and MySQL.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Asp
Typically integrates with IIS.
To host an ASP site, you might need an IIS server.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
PHP
Has a C-like syntax.
If you're familiar with C, you might find PHP syntax familiar.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Asp
A competitor to technologies like PHP and JSP.
Our team debated between using ASP or PHP for the project.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
PHP
Commonly used with MySQL databases.
Many content management systems use PHP and MySQL together.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Asp
Any of several venomous snakes, especially the viper Vipera aspis of southern Europe, the cobra Naja haje of Africa and the Middle East, or the horned viper.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 18, 2015
FAQs
What is a common database used with PHP?
A common database used with PHP is MySQL.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Can ASP run on non-Microsoft web servers?
While ASP is designed for Microsoft's IIS, it can run on other servers using third-party tools, though not common.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Can you embed PHP within HTML?
Yes, PHP scripts can be directly embedded within HTML code.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Is there a cost associated with using ASP?
While ASP itself might not have a direct cost, associated Microsoft products and server OS might have licensing fees.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Which is older, ASP or PHP?
ASP was released in December 1996, while PHP was released earlier in 1995.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
What's a common web server for ASP applications?
A common web server for ASP is Microsoft's IIS (Internet Information Services).
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Which web servers can PHP run on?
PHP commonly runs on Apache and Nginx but can operate on various web servers.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Can ASP applications be hosted on Linux servers?
With third-party tools like Mono, it's possible, but native support is for Windows servers.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Does PHP have its own scripting language?
Yes, PHP uses its own scripting language with a C-like syntax.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Can PHP interact with other databases besides MySQL?
Yes, PHP can interface with many databases, including PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
What's the main use case for PHP?
PHP's main use case is web development, powering dynamic web pages and applications.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Are there any major websites powered by ASP or PHP?
Yes, many major websites have used or continue to use both ASP and PHP, including various Microsoft services for ASP and sites like Wikipedia for PHP.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Is ASP.NET the same as ASP?
No, ASP.NET is a more modern framework, whereas ASP refers to the older Active Server Pages.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
Does PHP support object-oriented programming?
Yes, PHP has supported object-oriented programming since version 5.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Is VBScript the only scripting language supported by ASP?
No, while VBScript is the default for ASP, other languages like JScript can also be used.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Are there modern versions or successors to ASP?
Yes, ASP.NET is a modern successor to the classic ASP.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
How do ASP and PHP compare in terms of performance?
Performance can vary based on the application, infrastructure, and optimization, so direct comparisons can be subjective.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
