Can PHP Code Be Compiled into Executable Binaries?

Can PHP Bytecode be Compiled into Binary Executables?

PHP is an interpreted language, meaning its code is executed by a bytecode interpreter on a server. However, the question arises: can PHP code be "compiled" to produce a binary file that can be directly executed without the interpreter?

Facebook's HipHop and HHVM

Initially, Facebook developed HipHop for PHP, an ambitious project to compile PHP to binary. However, they later discontinued it in favor of HHVM, a virtual machine that executes PHP code efficiently.

Third-Party PHP Compilers

Beyond HipHop, several third-party PHP compilers exist, offering varying features and capabilities:

• PeachPie: Compiles PHP to .NET and compiles to self-contained binary files.
• Phalanger: Compiles to .NET (CIL) but may not support newer PHP versions.
• phc: Compiles to native binaries but is currently inactive.
• Roadsend PHP Compiler: Compiles to native binaries but is discontinued.
• bcompiler: An experimental PECL extension that compiles to PHP bytecode and wraps it in a binary that loads the PHP interpreter.
• Project Zero: Compiles to Java bytecode but may be discontinued.
• Bambalam: Compiles to standalone Windows binaries that contain bytecode and a launcher.
• BinaryPHP: Compiles to C but may be discontinued.

Conclusion

While various PHP compilers exist, their availability and support may vary. Some compilers are actively developed, while others may be discontinued or outdated. The choice of compiler depends on specific requirements and the PHP environment used.

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