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Explore PHP performance optimization through an in-depth interview with Volker Dusch, PHP 8.5 Release Manager and performance expert at Tideways, as he previews his session for the PHP UK Conference 2026. Discover why understanding PHP's virtual machine and OPCodes is crucial for writing better code and learn to move beyond simple performance measurements to truly understand what makes PHP fast or slow. Examine how PHP compares against Python, Ruby, and JavaScript in benchmarking scenarios while understanding why switching languages often falls into the "rewrite trap" rather than solving performance issues. Master the use of low-level C-based tooling and profilers to identify bottlenecks in production environments without modifying your existing codebase. Gain insights into both open-source and commercial profiling tools, including considerations for data privacy and sanitization in performance monitoring. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the life of a PHP Release Manager and understand the community-driven nature of PHP development, including the RFC process and how to contribute through the PHP Foundation. Learn about the strategic decisions behind PHP version releases, including the considerations between PHP 8.6 and PHP 9.0, and discover why PHP's independent ecosystem without corporate overlords is one of its greatest strengths. Understand how major frameworks like Symfony and Laravel provide feedback to PHP core development and explore the ongoing language evolution process, including the removal of legacy features and outdated syntax to ensure painless upgrade paths for the millions of websites running on PHP.
