PHP has long been a staple in web development due to its flexibility and powerful features. Here are 10 essential PHP features that every web developer should know:

1. Cross-Platform Compatibility - PHP runs on various platforms such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it versatile for different server environments. Learn more about PHP basics.
2. Robust Community Support - With a vast and active community, developers can find numerous resources, libraries, and frameworks for enhancing their PHP applications. Resources can be explored on sites like PHP Builder.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) - PHP supports OOP, allowing developers to create reusable and maintainable code. Understanding OOP can significantly improve code quality, as outlined on Tutorial Republic.

3. Data Encryption - With built-in functions for encryption, PHP helps developers secure sensitive data effectively. Explore PHP's encryption capabilities on PHP.net.
4. Frameworks and CMS - PHP powers popular frameworks such as Laravel and CMS platforms like WordPress, making it essential for developers to stay updated with their features. More on this can be learned at Laravel Documentation.

PHP has emerged as one of the most popular scripting languages for web development due to its simplicity and versatility. With its ability to seamlessly integrate with various databases, such as MySQL, and support a variety of web servers, developers can create dynamic, data-driven websites with ease. The PHP Manual offers comprehensive documentation that outlines its functionality, allowing developers of all skill levels to harness its potential. Additionally, the vast community surrounding PHP ensures that countless libraries, frameworks, and resources are available, making development more efficient than ever.

One of the standout features of PHP is its easy learning curve. New developers can quickly grasp the fundamentals, enabling them to contribute to projects and build their own applications. As outlined in articles from Tutorials Point, PHP code can be embedded directly into HTML, allowing for simple and straightforward site management. Furthermore, popular frameworks like Laravel and Symfony provide structured environments that promote best practices, thus enhancing maintainability and scalability. Overall, PHP serves as a robust and flexible solution that simplifies web development, catering to the diverse needs of developers and businesses alike.

As of 2023, PHP remains a significant player in modern web development, primarily due to its proven robustness and extensive community support. Despite the emergence of newer programming languages and frameworks like Ruby and Node.js, PHP powers over 77% of all websites whose server-side programming language is known. This is largely because of its integration with popular content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, which alone accounts for more than 40% of all websites on the internet, thereby showcasing PHP's continuing relevance.

Furthermore, advancements in PHP through frameworks like Laravel and Symfony have enhanced its performance, security, and scalability. Developers appreciate the simplicity and ease of use that PHP offers, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals. The community continually updates the language to include modern programming practices, ensuring that PHP adapts to the evolving landscape of web development. In conclusion, PHP is not just surviving; it's thriving and adapting, securing its place as a relevant technology in the modern web development ecosystem.