Phalanger (compiler)

Phalanger is a source-to-source compiler that translates PHP code into Common Intermediate Language (CIL) code, targeting the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR). This allows PHP applications to run on the .NET framework, potentially benefiting from improved performance, integration with .NET libraries and services, and access to a different runtime environment.

The primary goal of Phalanger is to enable the execution of existing PHP applications on the .NET platform with minimal or no code modification. The compiler analyzes the PHP code, performs type inference and other optimizations, and then generates equivalent CIL code that can be executed by the CLR. This process allows PHP developers to leverage the .NET ecosystem without having to completely rewrite their applications in a .NET language like C# or VB.NET.

Key features of Phalanger include:

• PHP Compatibility: Strives for a high degree of compatibility with standard PHP syntax and semantics. While 100% compatibility is practically impossible, Phalanger aims to support a wide range of PHP features and constructs.
• .NET Integration: Allows PHP code to interact with .NET libraries and components. This includes accessing .NET classes, calling .NET methods, and using .NET data types within PHP code.
• Performance Enhancements: Compilation to CIL can potentially offer performance improvements compared to traditional PHP interpreters, especially for computationally intensive tasks. The .NET JIT compiler further optimizes the generated CIL code at runtime.
• Web Application Deployment: Phalanger can be used to deploy PHP web applications on IIS (Internet Information Services), the Microsoft web server, leveraging the features and infrastructure of the .NET platform.
• Debugging Support: Provides debugging tools that allow developers to debug PHP code running on the .NET runtime. This often involves integrating with .NET debugging tools and environments.

Phalanger has been used in various projects to port and run PHP applications on the .NET platform. However, it is important to note that Phalanger is a complex project, and the level of compatibility and performance may vary depending on the specific application and the PHP features used.