php3, php4, php5. what is the difference?

mars · September 25th, 2008, 12:25 PM

Can anybody tell me what are the differences between these languages?

Aso · September 28th, 2008, 05:01 PM

The higher the version, the more features and functions you get to play with

Terrible explanation I know, but major version changes usually incorporate a significant change or upgrade in the programming of PHP, too many to list here.

You can check out the changelog for 4 and 5 if you like

ScottR · September 28th, 2008, 11:08 PM

The main differences in the different versions are upgrades to existing features and added features that add to the functionality of the language.

Security fixes are a big one too. Often minor security fixes are put off until a new release is released.

CloudedVision · September 30th, 2008, 08:42 PM

Actually, Scott, with PHP minor security fixes are addressed quickly, and support for a version goes on a year or so after the next version is released. PHP 4 support was dropped about a month ago, so now if any security hole is discovered, PHP4 will be dropped by quite a lot of hosts.

But as aso said, each version contains a bit more code candy than the version before it. For example, PHP 4 OOP was completely rewritten in PHP 5, giving you a lot more features.

ScottR · October 1st, 2008, 07:33 AM

Well, this is taken directly off of the PHP site:

"Each new version will often include both major and minor changes to enhance security and repair any flaws, configuration mishaps, and other issues that will affect the overall security and stability of your system."

Here's the link. http://us.php.net/manual/en/security.current.php

Maybe instead of trying to correct everyone, you should do a little fact checking. Every time I post here you have to reply to try to "correct" me. I was simply elaborating on what ASO was saying. As you can see I didn't attempt to correct him, or contradict what he said.

It's people like you that keep people away from this site. I should've stayed away also, I will this time. I'm sure once people see that they can't get answers here, just arguments, they will go elsewhere also.

Jack Franklin · October 1st, 2008, 11:55 AM

Woah Scott, CV was just trying to shed a bit more light to help you out. It's kind of true that security problems are updated ASAP, because obviously logic dictates that security must be one of the main proirities.

CloudedVision · October 1st, 2008, 08:17 PM

@scott: just trying to add my knowledge to the thread, which in this case is that the security fixes are fixed fast. im not trying to start an argument.