Zephir

Zephir is an open-source high-level programming language designed to compile directly to PHP bytecode, enabling developers to write efficient and performant extensions for PHP. Created by the same team behind the Hack language (a PHP-compatible language), Zephir aims to bridge the gap between high-level abstraction and low-level performance, offering a more intuitive syntax than traditional PHP extensions written in C.

Developed with the goal of simplifying the creation of PHP extensions, Zephir allows developers to write code in a more readable and maintainable way while still achieving near-native performance. The compiled output is compatible with PHP’s Zend Engine, ensuring seamless integration with existing PHP applications. This makes Zephir particularly useful for building high-performance libraries, frameworks, or custom PHP extensions without the complexity of C-based development.

Zephir’s syntax is inspired by modern programming languages, featuring features like type hints, classes, and interfaces, which make it more approachable for developers familiar with object-oriented programming. The language also supports modern PHP features, ensuring compatibility with the latest versions of PHP.

The Zephir compiler translates source code into PHP extensions, which can then be loaded dynamically or statically into PHP applications. This approach reduces the overhead associated with traditional C-based extensions, as developers avoid manual memory management and complex compilation processes. Additionally, Zephir includes tools for debugging and profiling, helping developers identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.

Zephir is actively maintained and supported by the PHP community, with contributions from developers working on projects like Laravel and other high-performance PHP applications. Its design philosophy emphasizes ease of use, performance, and compatibility, making it a valuable tool for PHP developers seeking to extend the language’s capabilities without sacrificing efficiency.