The recent trend of Slashdot PHP articles is no definitive indicator, but if one is familar with typical patterns, it is slightly unusual to see an OpenSource solution questioned so highly.

Of course, why take other’s criticisms to boot. Look at the Php braintrust being too critical of other OpenSource software. A real database that offers better features for data integrity is unfairly attacked. Hate to say, but MySQL and merely having support for some transactional backends (InnoDB) isn’t the end of the story. There are other nuances which relegates MySQL to being immature in some areas.

PHP, while quick and dirty, is a language made by and used by lesser hacks. While it’s possible to do a decent job in any language, certain ones make it difficult and encourage bad practices. No computer language or platform is perfect, but probablistically PHP has a nice large target on its back comparitive to it’s brethren.

You can take this advice from someone, who has used PHP and many other languages. In addition, I have at least one CERT security advisory underneath my belt. I also know the dichotomy of where security fits in the overall scheme of satisify the features and being unable to consider all the consequences. It’s all economics, no matter what the price.

I will give kudos; at least your response headers indicate that you have recent security patched versions of your software, but that credit goes to the Dallas Texas based hosting provider you are utilizing.

Good luck in your line of business, especially as you move out from web-design to programming. There’s a big enough niche, that you need not be concerned.