Java Changed the World

Before java, automatic memory management, JITing, and even more advanced runtime code optimization were theories. Only some niche languages, like Lisp, even considered them. However, Java took the theory to new levels.

Hotspot showed the world that there were ways to make non statically compiled languages perform. In fact, Java’s performance these days rivals c++ on a number of metrics for a number of purposes. As a result, we have seen languages like Perl, Javascript, VB, etc all embrace virtual machine execution environments. Now, there is another to add to the list. Little ole PHP is now joining the JIT world.

According to our sources, Facebook has been working on a PHP compiler that will increase speed by around 80% and offer a just-in-time (JIT) compilation engine that will offer a number of advantages. The project is very similar to Google’s Unladen Swallow project, which rebuilt the Python compiler, boosting the speed fivefold and opening the door for multi-language integration.

link: CONFIRMED: Facebook Gets Faster, Debuts Homegrown PHP Compiler

Good for PHP. Many of these language execution environments have a long way to go to catch up to where the JVM is these days, but they are headed in the right direction. Good ideas spread. It is great to see these concepts catching on everywhere. Java has set a new bar and it is good to see so many language communities embracing it.

I never thought I would say this, but Java made PHP better.