[xpe]

> [PHP] is general purpose programming language.

To be charitable, yes — PHP has access to low-level system details like the file system, sockets, and processes.

> I know a person who wrote Linux X Desktop Environment using PHP. Worked for them.

However: (a) "Worked for them" is an anecdote, not evidence of comparative suitability; (b) Don't confuse possibility with empirical fitness for purpose. Virtually all decisions are relative to alternatives [1]; (c) Even PHP describes itself as only a "general purpose scripting programming language" [2].

Note that "scripting language" itself can hide important differences. PHP 8 introduced JIT compilation [3] which helps.

[1] In negotiation terms, your BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). When evaluating technologies, don't forget the human cost, so consider your BATSHIT: Best Alternative To Shackling Humans In Tedium (or whatever expansion you prefer).

[2] https://www.php.net/

[3] https://upsun.com/blog/php-just-in-time-compiler/