Can PHP Code Be Compiled into a Standalone Binary Executable?

Can PHP Code be Compiled and Deployed as a Binary Executable?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not typically possible to compile PHP code into a binary-ish file that can be run directly by the byte code interpreter. After compiling to byte code, PHP scripts are typically interpreted, not executed.

However, a significant development occurred after this question was initially posed. Facebook introduced HipHop for PHP, a well-known and tested PHP compiler. Facebook eventually discontinued HipHop in favor of HHVM, a virtual machine, but it remained a popular choice for PHP compilation.

Beyond HipHop and HHVM, there are several third-party PHP compilers available:

• PeachPie: Compiles PHP to .NET and .NET Core, allowing for compilation into self-contained binary files.
• Phalanger: Compiles to .NET (CIL), but is not actively maintained and does not support PHP 7.
• phc: Compiles to native binaries, but is also no longer active.
• Roadsend PHP Compiler: A free and open-source compiler that generates native binaries, but is also discontinued.
• bcompiler: A PECL extension that compiles to PHP bytecode and can be wrapped in Windows binaries to load the PHP interpreter.
• Project Zero: Compiles to Java bytecode, but is now inactive.
• Bambalam: Compiles to standalone Windows binaries with bytecode and a launcher, but is no longer actively developed.
• BinaryPHP: Compiles to C but is also discontinued.

These compilers offer varying levels of functionality and compatibility, and choosing the appropriate one depends on the specific requirements of the project.

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