Zephir is an open source language that makes it easier to create PHP extensions by adding features like type safety and memory management. The document discusses setting up Zephir using Vagrant and Laravel Homestead, and demonstrates creating a "hello world" PHP extension. Alternative extension languages like PHP-CPP and Rust are also mentioned. Additional resources for learning more about Zephir and PHP extension development are provided.

1. Zephir Ze(nd Engine) Ph(p) I(nt)r(mediate)
A better way to create PHP Extension
Thanh Huynh – PHP Developer SaiGon Developer Group Meetup 9/2015

2. PHP extension

3. Zephir
• An open source, high-level/domain specific language designed to
ease the creation and maintainability of extensions for PHP with a
focus on type and memory safety. (http://zephir-
lang.com/welcome.html)
• Type system
• Memory safety
• Compilation model
• …

4. Setup environment
• Vagrant + Laravel Homestead box
• http://www.sitepoint.com/quick-tip-install-zephir-phalcon-2-vagrant
• Editor SublimeText 3
• https://github.com/phalcon/zephir-sublime

5. Demo
• Create hello world extension.

6. Alternative:
• PHP-CPP
• http://www.sitepoint.com/developing-php-extensions-c-php-cpp-advanced
• Rust
• http://jaredonline.svbtle.com/creating-a-php-extension-in-rust
• C
• http://devzone.zend.com/303/extension-writing-part-i-introduction-to-php-
and-zend

7. More resources
• https://github.com/ovr/awesome-zephir
• http://www.phpinternalsbook.com
• http://www.slideshare.net/patrick.allaert/create-your-own-php-
extension-step-by-step-phpday-2012-verona
• http://www.sitepoint.com/getting-started-php-extension-
development-via-zephir/
• Apress - Pro PHP Application Performance