PHP development often requires a fine balance between functionality and maintainability. To achieve this, developers should adopt best practices that pave the way for elegant code. One essential practice is to consistently use meaningful variable names. Descriptive names not only improve readability but also help other developers (or your future self) understand the purpose of the code at a glance.

Another crucial aspect is to follow the DRY principle, which stands for 'Don't Repeat Yourself'. By avoiding code duplication, you enhance maintainability and reduce the chances of introducing bugs. Additionally, embracing modern PHP features, such as namespaces and traits, can facilitate better organization of your code. Adhering to these practices will not only make your PHP development smoother but will also contribute to a robust and scalable application.

PHP has established itself as the go-to language for modern web development, primarily due to its flexibility and ease of use. With its extensive suite of frameworks and libraries, PHP enables developers to build robust, scalable applications rapidly. Notably, platforms like WordPress, Laravel, and Symfony have harnessed its capabilities, making it a preferred choice for both startups and established businesses. The vast community support behind PHP further enhances its appeal, providing developers with a wealth of resources, documentation, and forums for troubleshooting.

Moreover, the performance of PHP has significantly improved in recent years, particularly with the introduction of PHP 7 and subsequent versions. Thanks to its ability to handle large amounts of traffic while maintaining speed, PHP remains relevant even as newer technologies emerge. Additionally, its compatibility with various databases, including MySQL and PostgreSQL, along with its capacity to integrate seamlessly with HTML and JavaScript, makes it an essential language for full-stack web development. In summary, PHP continues to be a cornerstone in the web development landscape, combining powerful features with ease of implementation.

Optimizing your PHP code for performance and elegance is crucial for delivering a fast and efficient user experience. Start by adhering to best practices in coding to enhance readability and maintainability. Use meaningful variable names and consistent indentation. Additionally, consider implementing caching strategies such as opcode caching with tools like APCu or OPcache, which can significantly reduce the execution time of your scripts. Structuring your code efficiently and avoiding unnecessary complexity allows for quicker debugging and smoother execution, ultimately resulting in a more optimized application.

Another effective way to boost your PHP code's performance is by minimizing the use of global variables and reducing database queries. Instead of fetching data multiple times, store the results in variables, making it easier to reuse them when needed. Implementing prepared statements not only enhances security but can also lead to better performance, especially with frequently executed queries. As a final touch, remember to use PHP’s built-in functions when possible, as they are optimized and can save you from reinventing the wheel, fostering both elegance and efficiency in your code.