There are some things that you will want to look into when you are searching for PHP hosting. To start with you want to make sure that you have the ability to create a php.ini file. This file is what allows for the webmaster to custom change the site and the data on the site. You also want to make sure that there are limits place on the size of your postings, memory and uploading. If there are limits placed in these areas it can become a tedious and complicated task.
Another useful feature should be support for Ruby, Python (1.52 and 2.x), FrontPage, as well as the rest of the new, fancy technologies of today. While one may start off a project with the more basic HTML, one day one may wish to advance to technology such as Ruby on rails.
Money is also an important factor. Find a host that does not crack a hole in the bank account and also comes with that comforting money back guarantee sticker of approval. There is no sense in paying an arm and a leg, especially for a host that does not give any money back, for a host that performs poorly. Likewise, make sure the host not only has excellent customer support for those dreaded times of need, but also has well rounded experience in hosting PHP in the past. Signs of this include unrestricted access to applications such as phpMyAdmin.
Some other things that you will want to look into include: (1) The ability to password protect your directories (2) The inclusion of Server Side Includes (SSI) and (3) You are being offered 99.9% uptime, this should not just be offered but included as a guarantee, why have a site if the server is going to be down for long periods at a time.
To help one in exercising comprehensive control, as well as helping one save both effort and time, find a host that will offer PHP options within the apache .htaccess file. It is beneficial for this to be available outside of the file by way of programming logic, as well.
Lastly, consider a host that offers installations, whether by default or by request, of the lesser standard PEAR modules. Some of these may wind up being required in the end. Make sure that the host is willing to have these installed upon request in the event that this does not come standard on its own, and make sure to have this agreed upon prior to sending them a penny.
When searching for a php host you will want to educate yourself on what it is you should look for in a web host. For instance, you never want to deal with a host that does not offer a money back guarantee. To learn more about php hosting go to www.phphosts.org.
