The debate between PHP and Java is one that has been ongoing for years, with both having their own set of pros and cons. However, when it comes to web application development, PHP is often the favored choice due to its ease of use, speed, and flexibility.

PHP is a language that is simple to learn and has a user-friendly syntax. Even those without much programming experience can grasp the basics quickly and create a fully functional web application. Java, on the other hand, can be more challenging and requires more programming experience.

The speed and performance of a web application is something that cannot be taken lightly. PHP is known for its lightning-fast speed and performance, while Java may require more resources and be slower, especially when dealing with larger data sets.

Another factor that sets PHP apart is its flexibility. It can be used for various types of web applications, such as websites, content management systems, e-commerce platforms, and more. Java is also quite versatile, but it is more limited in scope, making it better suited for certain types of applications.

Overall, PHP is the go-to language for web application development. It is easier to learn, faster and more efficient, and provides more flexibility than Java. For those just beginning their programming journey, PHP is a great place to start.