Each PHP file is an endpoint. As opposed to having routers in code or client side SPA routing. PHP files can be deployed independently, swapped out or updated live. No building/compiling of the php files needed. A single layer as opposed to 'modern architecture' where there's client side back/front end layers, api layer, logic, validator, data access, and ORM layers. Can extend itself as it runs. For example Wordpres…
> Intuitive, simple, powerful. Can be as easy as editing a php file in notepad and dropping it on a ftp server. Deployed.
This isn't really php specific, with cgi you can do that in any language, even compiled ones like c.
> Amazon lambda may have more in common with PHP in terms of discreet deployable units of functionality. What's old is new again.
Agreed. I must admit I'm guilty of this myself, there is a tendency to start with a framework when there are much simpler and quicker ways to get started, something the world seems to have largely forgotten.