Optimize PHP to be as fast as Node.js with tools like RoadRunner, Swoole, and Fibers.

PHP has long been known for its synchronous execution model and request-response lifecycle, which makes it slower than Node.js in handling concurrent requests. However, modern tools like RoadRunner, Swoole, and Fibers allow PHP to reach performance levels comparable to Node.js. Additionally, Laravel, typically considered a full-featured framework, can be structured in a lightweight, microservice-like manner for high-performance applications.

1. Why PHP is Slower than Node.js?

Node.js is inherently faster due to:

• Event-driven, non-blocking architecture using the libuv library.

• Single-threaded with an asynchronous I/O model, efficiently handling thousands of concurrent connections.

• Persistent process execution, avoiding bootstrapping on every request.

PHP, on the other hand:

• Follows a request-response cycle, reloading the application on each request.

• Is synchronous by default, meaning slow operations block execution.

• Requires external solutions like worker queues for handling asynchronous tasks.

To address these limitations, we can leverage RoadRunner, Swoole, and Fibers.

2. Using RoadRunner for PHP Performance Optimization

RoadRunner is a high-performance application server written in Go that replaces PHP-FPM, reducing execution time by eliminating the need to reload the framework on every request.

Installation of RoadRunner in Laravel

Install RoadRunner:

Publish the configuration:

Download the RoadRunner binary:

Start RoadRunner:

Why RoadRunner?

• Eliminates PHP startup overhead.

• Uses Go's concurrency model for better request handling.

• Improves request throughput significantly.

3. Enhancing Laravel Performance with Swoole

Swoole is an asynchronous, coroutine-based PHP extension that brings event-driven programming to PHP.

Installing Swoole in Laravel

Install the Swoole package:

Publish configuration:

Start the server:

How Swoole Optimizes Performance

• Uses coroutines to handle thousands of requests concurrently.

• Implements WebSockets, HTTP2, and task workers.

• Eliminates the need for an external web server (Apache or Nginx)

4. Using PHP Fibers for Async Execution

PHP 8.1 introduced Fibers, which enable cooperative multitasking and non-blocking execution.

Example: Running Parallel Tasks with Fibers

Why Use Fibers?

• Allows executing tasks asynchronously within PHP.

• Improves performance in API-heavy applications.

• Can be used to build event-driven Laravel services.

5. Making Laravel Lightweight Like a Microservice

Although Laravel is feature-rich, it can be stripped down for microservice-oriented architecture.

Key Strategies to Optimize Laravel

1. Disable Unused Service Providers

Edit and remove unnecessary providers:

2. Use Octane with RoadRunner or Swoole

Laravel Octane improves performance by bootstrapping the framework only once.

Performance Boost: Laravel Octane with RoadRunner can handle 10x more requests per second.

3. Convert Monolithic Laravel Apps into Microservices

• Use Laravel Lumen for lightweight services.

• Deploy independent services for authentication, payments, etc.

• Communicate using gRPC or API Gateway.

Example: Creating a Lumen Microservice

Final Thoughts: PHP as Fast as Node.js

With RoadRunner, Swoole, and Fibers, PHP can compete with Node.js in speed and concurrency. Laravel, typically monolithic, can be transformed into a lightweight, microservice-oriented framework for high-performance applications.

By adopting these strategies, PHP can handle real-time, high-load applications without sacrificing development simplicity.

What’s Next?

• Experiment with WebSockets and event-driven PHP.

• Benchmark Laravel microservices with gRPC.

• Implement serverless PHP with AWS Lambda.

Would you implement these optimizations in your next Laravel project? Let’s discuss in the comments.