As one of the most popular scripting language for designing web pages, finding the right hosting solution for professional PHP purposes can be a tricky proposition. To develop websites in PHP you need a hosting server that is equipped with a PHP module, but many developers prefer the freedom of being able to install a range of modules as they require them. Of course, to be able to do this you need a hosting solution that supports numerous scripting languages. When it comes to finding a hosting solution for PHP, Python and Scala apps, there are a number of available options you can choose from, so let’s take a look at some of these options.
Virtual Private Server (VPS)
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting solution is ideal for developers who utilise a variety of modules, but don’t necessarily need to move to a dedicated server. A VPS is an economical and flexible hosting solution that provides the user with more freedom than a shared hosting plan. Virtual Private Servers function in a similar way to dedicated servers, with hosted sites getting their own disk space and RAM. However, sites hosted on a VPS utilise a shared CPU with other websites and that does have an impact on performance. A VPS hosting solution is a perfect option for professional sites that generate large amounts of traffic but don’t need the resources of a dedicated server.
Dedicated Servers
Dedicated Server hosting is a high-capacity option for websites that generate a large amount of traffic and utilise a lot of resources. Rending a dedicated server allows you to fully customise the server settings to suit your website’s requirements. Companies like Hostgator offer a range of dedicated server plans that provide you with powerful servers that are equipped with additional resources that shared hosting plans don’t offer. Hostgator coupons are available in abundance online so if you are after a bargain, check out their dedicated plans. A dedicated server hosting solution is perfect for websites that require the extra resources provided by hosting servers and that generate enough traffic to justify the cost of renting a dedicated server.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a method of renting hosting space in the cloud. Through the virtualised servers offered by PaaS, developers can utilise a range of services to work with scripting languages such as PHP and Python. PaaS allows developers from different locations to work together on projects and also allows the utilisation of international software services. While it is a relatively expensive option, it is ideal for developers that work with multiple scripting languages and require frequently updated software tools. It is a perfect hosting solution for low traffic PHP or python deployments.
Depending on your needs and the volume of traffic generated by your site, any one of the above listed hosting solutions will work well for your deployment. The key is to select a solution that best fits your needs, so you don’t end up paying extra for resources that you don’t utilise. Virtual Private Server hosting is advisable for developers that have outgrown their web hosting plan, but don’t need the additional resources provided by a dedicated server. A dedicated server hosting solution is ideal for large scale websites that require a reliable service with minimal downtime and the ability to customise the server to their website needs. Lastly, Platform as a Service is another viable option for PHP and python hosting, as it provides a high level of flexibility and covers the needs of most developers. It is a little on the expensive side, but costs can be reduced by utilising services from one vendor, rather than using multiple sources.
By author Zuhair Siddiqui, on behalf of Sitepoint. Sitepoint provides the best reviews on hosting services, including justhost reviews and many more!
