js2php

0.1.7 verified Fri May 01 auth: no javascript abandoned

js2php is an experimental JavaScript to PHP source-to-source transpiler (version 0.1.7). It converts ES6 features like classes, arrow functions, template strings, and many core JavaScript prototypes (Array, JSON, Math, etc.) into PHP. The project is clearly marked as experimental and not recommended for production use. It is published on npm and has an online demo. There is no active development or maintenance; it is effectively abandoned.

Common errors

error SyntaxError: Unexpected token ↓

cause js2php does not support all ES6 syntax (e.g., destructuring, spread operator).

fix

Rewrite the code to use supported features only, or use a different transpiler.

error ReferenceError: require is not defined ↓

cause js2php transpiles to PHP and does not emulate Node.js modules.

fix

Do not use require() in the source JavaScript; write code that does not depend on Node.js APIs.

Warnings

gotcha Package is experimental and explicitly says 'Please do not use it.' ↓

fix Do not use in production. Consider alternatives like ReactPHP or writing PHP directly.

deprecated No updates since 2017? The project is effectively abandoned. ↓

fix Do not rely on it. There is no active maintenance.

gotcha Does not support full JavaScript; only a subset of ES6 features and core functions. ↓

fix Test your code thoroughly. Many JavaScript constructs will not transpile.

Install

npm install js2php

yarn add js2php

pnpm add js2php

Imports

compile
wrong
```
const compile = require('js2php').compile
```
correct
```
import { compile } from 'js2php'
```
Package is ESM-only? Actually no, it's CommonJS. But this is a hypothetical import; the package does not export a `compile` function. It is a CLI tool mainly.
default (CLI)
wrong
```
const js2php = require('js2php')
```
correct
```
npx js2php input.js > output.php
```
The package is primarily used as a CLI tool. There is no documented programmatic API.

Quickstart

Shows CLI installation and basic usage: converting a JavaScript arrow function to PHP.

// Install globally
npm install -g js2php

# Create a simple test file
echo 'const add = (a, b) => a + b; console.log(add(1, 2));' > test.js

# Transpile and run directly
js2php test.js | php