PHP with FastCGI
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Overview: FastCGI is an enhanced version of CGI (Common Gateway Interface) that provides better performance by keeping the PHP interpreter in memory for multiple requests.
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Advantages: Faster execution compared to CGI because it avoids the overhead of starting a new process for each request. More efficient resource usage.
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Disadvantages: Slightly more complex to configure and manage compared to CGI.
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Use Case: Suitable for high-traffic websites needing improved performance over standard CGI.
PHP with CGI
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Overview: CGI is the traditional method for executing external programs from a web server. Each request starts a new process for the PHP interpreter.
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Advantages: Simple to set up. Each request is handled by a new process, providing strong isolation between requests.
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Disadvantages: High overhead due to starting a new process for each request. Slower performance compared to FastCGI and FPM.
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Use Case: Suitable for low-traffic websites or development environments where simplicity is preferred over performance.
PHP-FPM (PHP-FastCGI Process Manager)
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Overview: PHP-FPM is an advanced version of FastCGI with additional features for process management and improved performance.
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Advantages: Better performance and scalability. Advanced process management features, such as adaptive process spawning, slow log, and emergency restarts. Lower memory usage compared to FastCGI.
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Disadvantages: More complex configuration compared to CGI and FastCGI.
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Use Case: Ideal for high-traffic websites requiring efficient resource management and high performance.
Dedicated PHP-FPM
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Overview: Dedicated PHP-FPM runs a separate pool of PHP-FPM processes for each domain, providing complete isolation between domains.
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Advantages: Improved security and isolation, as each domain has its own pool of PHP-FPM processes. Prevents one domain from affecting the performance or stability of others. Customizable settings for each domain, allowing for tailored optimization.
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Disadvantages: Higher memory usage due to separate pools for each domain. More complex to configure and manage.
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Use Case: Suitable for hosting multiple high-traffic websites where isolation and custom optimization for each domain are required.
Comparison Table
|
Feature |
FastCGI |
CGI |
FPM |
Dedicated FPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Performance |
High |
Low |
Very High |
Very High |
|
Resource Usage |
Efficient |
High |
Very Efficient |
High |
|
Process Management |
Basic |
None |
Advanced |
Advanced |
|
Isolation |
Moderate |
High |
Moderate |
High |
|
Configuration |
Moderate Complexity |
Simple |
Complex |
Complex |
|
Use Case |
High-traffic sites |
Low-traffic sites |
High-traffic, scalable |
High-traffic, isolated |
Additional Notes
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FastCGI vs. CGI: FastCGI is preferable over CGI for better performance and efficiency, particularly for websites with moderate to high traffic.
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FPM vs. FastCGI: PHP-FPM offers advanced features and better performance management than FastCGI, making it suitable for high-traffic websites.
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Dedicated FPM vs. FPM: Dedicated FPM provides the benefits of PHP-FPM with the added advantage of isolation and custom settings per domain, which is ideal for hosting environments with multiple high-traffic domains.
Choosing the right PHP handler depends on your specific needs regarding performance, resource management, and the level of isolation required for your domains.