This comment makes no sense. Well, it makes sense, but I don't believe it comes from someone who's really considered what they're saying.
First, it's PHP. Same situation with Ruby and Python. All generally slow as a glacier (obvious exclusions being different implementations of said languages).
Developers' focus on code speed is ridiculous (is that too strong a word?) due to relative inexpensiveness of "hardware" and the "fact" (yep, fact) that code is for building value.
In most cases, that value is provided via an automated service. Speed of that automation is typically not critical (obvious exclusions being something like medical equipment or stock trading, or making people wait ridiculous seconds after clicking a button. Please don't Well Actually™ me to death with pedantry).
First, it's PHP. Same situation with Ruby and Python. All generally slow as a glacier (obvious exclusions being different implementations of said languages).
Developers' focus on code speed is ridiculous (is that too strong a word?) due to relative inexpensiveness of "hardware" and the "fact" (yep, fact) that code is for building value.
In most cases, that value is provided via an automated service. Speed of that automation is typically not critical (obvious exclusions being something like medical equipment or stock trading, or making people wait ridiculous seconds after clicking a button. Please don't Well Actually™ me to death with pedantry).