IIS (Internet Information Services)
Jobs that list IIS (Internet Information Services) require PHP developers to work within a Microsoft Windows Server environment. While the LEMP (Linux, Nginx, MySQL, PHP) and LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stacks are more common, many organizations, particularly in the enterprise space, rely on Windows Server and IIS to host their web applications. As a developer in this environment, you must be comfortable deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting PHP applications on IIS.
Running PHP on Windows with IIS
Unlike Apache's mod_php, PHP runs on IIS using the FastCGI interface, which offers improved performance and stability. Your responsibilities will include configuring the php.ini file, setting up application pools in IIS to isolate websites, and managing URL rewriting rules within the web.config file, which is the IIS equivalent of Apache's .htaccess file.
Key Skills and Responsibilities
A PHP developer working with IIS needs a unique blend of skills that crosses traditional platform boundaries. You must be proficient in PHP development while also understanding the fundamentals of Windows Server administration. Troubleshooting often involves checking IIS logs, Windows Event Viewer, and ensuring correct file permissions are set on the Windows file system.
- Configuring PHP and FastCGI within the IIS Manager.
- Managing application pools and site bindings.
- Writing and debugging URL rewrite rules in
web.config. - Troubleshooting performance and configuration issues specific to a Windows environment.
- Experience with other Microsoft technologies, such as SQL Server or Active Directory, is often beneficial.
