Updated March 17, 2023
Difference Between PHPStorm and WebStorm
PHPStorm: It is an IDE that is developed for PHP and Web Developers that contains several modern tools. It also offers features such as functionality, Code navigation, smart code editor for PHP, Testing and Debugging facilities. Apart from these, the presence of Database technologies is an interesting aspect of PHPStorm.
WebStorm: WebStorm is known to be the smartest and intelligent IDE for JavaScript due to its features such as coding assistance, project templates, code editor, a lightweight, in-built debugger for client-side JavaScript, etc
As we all know, the Integrated Development Environment is a software application that provides a plethora of facilities to software programmers for developing the software. There are several Integrated Development Environment (IDEs) available for different programming languages. For example, Eclipse is an IDE for Java. Similarly, PHPStorm and WebStorm are the two IDEs for PHP and JavaScript, respectively. Key differences, Pros, and cons and important features will be discussed in the following sections in detail.
Head to Head Comparison Between PHPStorm and WebStorm (Infographics)
Below are the top 14 differences between PHPStorm vs WebStorm
Key Differences Between PHPStorm and WebStorm
Let us discuss some of the major key differences between PHPStrom vs WebStorm.
As already discussed, PHPStorm and WebStorm are two different IDEs ( Integrated Development Environments) for programming languages such as PHP and Javascript, respectively.
Let us see the key difference of both in terms of several aspects such as clients, speed; Languages supported, Pricing, servers, and Applications, etc.
1. Clients
There are several reasons why a developer chooses a particular IDE for developing their software. One of the main reason is the advanced features an IDE offer.
PHPStorm is an IDE that supports almost all the popular frameworks of PHP. It offers several features, such as:
- PHPStorm = PHP + WebStorm + DB/SQL
- Robust Plugin Architecture
- Includes front-end technologies
- Supports frameworks such as Drupal, Yii, and WordPress.
- Advanced code analysis
- Works well with Mac and several other operating systems.
- Presence of modern tools that enhance web development to the next level.
- Cross-platform IDE
WebStorm is one of the most well-known IDE for JavaScript. The features of WebStorm not limited to:
- Smart environment
- Easy Debugging
- Highly Intelligent
- The spellcheck tool is integrated.
- Supports several web technologies
- Cross-platform IDE
2. Languages Supported
WebStorm supports different languages for different purposes.
They are as follows :
- For Web development: VueJS, AngularJS, and ReactJS
- For Mobile development: Cordova, React Native, and Ionic
- For Server side development: NodeJS and Meteor
- For desktop development: Electron
PhpStorm also supports a wide collection of programming languages.
That is,
- Server-end and Front-end technologies such as: JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS, CoffeeScript, HTML, and Stylus.
- Database Technologies such as DB and SQL
3. Speed
WebStorm is found to be the fastest performing IDE compared to PhpStorm, which is the slowest. The main reason for the slowness of PHPStorm is the high memory usage. If free memory is not available, there can be a significant decrease in performance.
4. Pricing
Regarding pricing, it depends on the term the user subscribes to the IDE. For PhpStorm, the initial amount costs $89 for the 1st year but reduces as years progress.
In the case of WebStorm, it costs $59 for the 1st year and reduces from the 3rd year onwards to $35. Pricing also depends on the technologies the user opts for. For example, if the user is working on every technology, there is an option as all products pack, it costs $249 for the 1st year and reduces from the 3rd year onwards as $149.
A trial version is also provided in order to try out the different features before purchasing. In addition, there are several pay packages available for organizations and business purposes.
5. Client-Side or Server-Side
In the case of PHPStorm, Software developers can develop server-side and client-side as well. For WebStorm, even though server-side development is also permissible, it is more applicable for client-side development.
6. Application
Due to the vast features these IDEs provide, WebStorm and PHPStorm are used by several companies.
Some of the well-known companies that use PhpStorm are 9GAG, GrooveShark, Lyft, Appit Ventures, Webedia, etc., whereas WebStorm is well-known among BMW, PedidosYa, SalesForce, Wix, Soundcloud and much more.
Notes:
In addition to these, WebStorm and PHPStorm have certain other interesting facts. They are addressed below:
- Since PHPStorm contains database technologies that help in development, it is known as the amalgamation or mixture of PHP, DB/SQL, and WebStorm.
- Both PHPStorm and WebStorm IDEs are developed by the same company JetBrain.
Comparison Table between PHPStorm vs WebStorm
Let’s discuss the top comparison between PHPStorm vs WebStorm using the below table.
| Parameters | PHPStorm | WebStorm |
| IDE | PHP | JavaScript |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Availability of JavaScript oriented plugins | No | Yes |
| Is it possible to install PHP oriented plugins? | Yes | No |
| Support for Queries using tickets | No | Yes |
| Tools that integrate with this IDE | WakaTime, Google App Engine, Composer, Vagrant | React, AngularJS, Node.JS, TypeScript |
| Pricing | High; $89 for the 1st year and less in subsequent years | Low; $59 for the 1st year and less in subsequent years |
| Companies that use this IDE | 9GAG, Lyft, Webedia, GrooveShark | Edify, HelloReceipts, Lyft, Wix, SoundCloud |
| Availability of DB/SQL | Yes | No |
| Unit Testing | It can be done with the help of context menu options inside the IDE. | To test the code in client-side javascript, Karma or Jest can be used. Also, Mocha can be used for testing Node.js |
| No. of Company Stacks and Developer Stacks | 646 company stacks ;
502 developers stacks |
469 company stacks; 449 developer stacks |
| Is it possible to use this IDE by freelancers? | No | Yes |
| Rating | High | Less in a small variation compared to PHPStorm. |
| No. of Projects that can be opened at a time. | One | One; In order to open multiple projects, run a new instance which is not ideal. |
Conclusion
PHPStorm and WebStorm are two IDEs that are developed for PHP and JavaScript, respectively. Depending on the features each provides and the performance during the trial version can help the user determine the IDE they can choose. Key features, differences, and similarities are addressed in the above sections in detail.
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