PHP

Articles about PHP by Sebastian Bergmann

A hand presses the red emergency stop button of an industrial machine. A visual metaphor for a switch that halts the execution of code: exactly what zend.disable_eval does for eval().

July 29, 2026

When static analysis runs your code

A security vulnerability in PHPCSUtils revealed an eval() call in a static analysis tool. Why disable_functions cannot reach eval(), and what a switch in the PHP engine to disable it could look like.

The image shows several interlocking gears in white and yellow on a dark board surface. A hand is adding to or highlighting one of the yellow gears. This hand can be interpreted as a symbol of the developer, who deliberately inserts new, type-safe components into an existing system without disrupting the mechanism.

January 14, 2026

Type-Safe Collections

Does PHP really need generics? A controversial thesis with a practical solution.

The image depicts a symbolic scene that represents cooperation and team spirit. The focus is on several hands arranged in a circle from above, working together to bring wooden puzzle pieces together. The hands belong to different people wearing different clothes. Some light-coloured shirts and grey sleeves are visible. The scene takes place on a green meadow, conveying a sense of naturalness and openness. The light-coloured puzzle pieces represent the individual components that must be put together to form a larger whole.

January 7, 2026

How PHP and its ecosystem test each other

PHP tests Laravel, Symfony, PHPUnit, and more every night. PHPUnit tests PHP. This is Open Source collaboration at work.

This image shows a modern graphic collage depicting stylised hands holding or passing several light bulbs. The light bulbs symbolise ideas and innovations, with their yellow colour immediately catching the eye and conveying a positive, creative impression.

October 29, 2025

Modern PHP Development

Modern PHP development combines proven principles with the latest tools. It brings together documentation, quality, automation, and AI.

A person wearing a backpack stands on a rocky ledge overlooking a range of green mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky.

June 8, 2025

30 Years of PHP, 25 Years of PHPUnit

I look back on 30 years of open source innovations.

The image shows a yellow diamond-shaped traffic sign with the black inscription "DEAD END". It is located in an urban environment, in front of a building with large windows and metal bars. In the background, there are other buildings with typical metal external staircases, as are often found in some neighbourhoods. The sign indicates that the road ends at this point and that it is not possible to drive through.

November 28, 2022

PHP 7: Security Support Ends. Now what?

Security support for PHP 7 has ended. What does this mean for you?

The image shows two people starting on a running track. In the foreground, a person in a red sports outfit is seen in the starting position for a sprint, ready to run. In the background, another person is also in the starting position. The image conveys a sporty and competitive moment on an outdoor athletics track in daylight, surrounded by trees and buildings.

August 2, 2021

Ready Or Not, Here It Comes

Is your software ready for PHP 8.1? Now is the time to find out.

The image shows an analogue wall clock with a yellow frame hanging on a white wall. The time is approximately 6:50 p.m. The clock face has a simple design and the background of the clock and the wall are white, giving the image a very minimalist look. There is a lot of empty space on the left, while the clock is located on the right side of the image.

June 5, 2020

Who wound the clock?

I explain why PHPUnit no longer looks at the clock.

The image shows a wooden sign with the word "CLOSED" written on it. The sign is photographed at an angle and, thanks to its warm, brownish colouring, blurriness and strong grain, has a particularly atmospheric and nostalgic feel. It is reminiscent of a photograph taken in a small, cosy shop or café at closing time.

February 21, 2020

PHPUnit: A Security Risk?

The long story of a security problem that should not have been one.

The image shows a yellow, diamond-shaped traffic sign with the large black lettering "END" in the centre. In the background, several palm trees and a slightly cloudy sky can be seen during sunset or sunrise. The scene conveys a calm atmosphere and the sign stands out clearly in the foreground.

December 31, 2016

PHP 5: Active Support Ends. Now what?

Active support for PHP 5 has ended. What does this mean for you?

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