PHP4 Uncovered

The long-awaited PHP4 version has been available since the end of May 2000. After having reached Beta-test and Release Candidate status, the final version is finally a reality.

The questions that come up systematically with each new version of a software program are, "What's new in this version?" and "Which of these new features are truly useful?" These are certainly legitimate questions, as the simple availability of a new version does not justify migration to it. Looming behind what seems to be a simple update is always a myriad of potential problems that must be zeroed in on before moving forward, especially because once updated, there's often no turning back.

Users currently questioning the availability date of PHP4 support by their favorite hosts, should note that such a task represents a considerable amount of work.

This article examines PHP4's new features, which will allow you to appreciate the tremendous work that has been carried out by Zeev Suraski and Andi Gutmans, as well as all of those of other PHP contributors.