When it comes to web development, PHP frameworks play a vital role in enhancing productivity and streamlining the development process. Here are the Top 10 PHP Frameworks Every Developer Should Know:

1. Laravel - Known for its elegant syntax, Laravel offers a wide range of features that make it a favorite among developers.
2. Symfony - A robust framework that is highly flexible, Symfony is ideal for large-scale applications.
3. CodeIgniter - Known for its lightweight nature, CodeIgniter is perfect for developers who want a straightforward toolkit.
4. Yii - Ideal for building web applications faster, Yii is a high-performance framework that is well-suited for developing large-scale projects.
5. CakePHP - With a focus on rapid development, CakePHP simplifies the process of building applications.
6. Zend Framework - This enterprise-ready framework offers a comprehensive package for building robust applications.
7. FuelPHP - A flexible and modular framework, FuelPHP allows developers to build applications using the HMVC pattern.
8. Phalcon - As a C-extension, Phalcon is known for its speed and low resource consumption, making it a great option for performance-oriented developers.
9. Slim - This micro-framework is perfect for constructing simple APIs and single-page applications quickly.
10. Laravel Lumen - A lightweight version of Laravel, Lumen is tailored for building fast microservices.

To achieve better performance in your PHP applications, it is essential to adopt best practices that can streamline your code. Start by optimizing your algorithms; inefficient algorithms can significantly slow down execution time. Utilize built-in functions and libraries whenever possible, as they are often more efficient than custom-coded solutions. Additionally, consider enabling opcache, which can cache your scripts in memory, reducing the overhead of loading and parsing them on every request. Finally, always keep your PHP version updated, as newer versions tend to have performance improvements and optimizations.

Another critical aspect of PHP code optimization is minimizing the usage of memory. This can be accomplished by following practices such as avoiding unnecessary variables and using references where applicable. It is also advisable to limit the usage of complex data structures and instead utilize simpler alternatives when possible. Implementing caching strategies for commonly accessed data can greatly enhance your application's performance. For instance, using memcached or Redis can help decrease database load and improve response times for users significantly.

When choosing between PHP and JavaScript as your first programming language, it’s important to consider the primary use cases of each. PHP is predominantly used for server-side scripting, making it ideal for developing dynamic web applications. If you aim to create content management systems or back-end services, starting with PHP can provide a solid foundation. On the other hand, JavaScript is essential for front-end development, allowing you to create interactive and engaging user interfaces. As web technologies continue to evolve, learning JavaScript first may give you a broader understanding of both client and server-side programming, especially with frameworks like Node.js gaining popularity.

Another factor to consider is the learning curve associated with each language. Many beginners find JavaScript more intuitive due to its immediate visual feedback when combined with HTML and CSS. This can be motivating for newcomers, as they can quickly see the results of their coding efforts. In contrast, PHP, while relatively easy to learn, might require a deeper understanding of web server environments and databases. Ultimately, the choice depends on your goals: if you aspire to be a full-stack developer, consider learning JavaScript first to complement your skills in front-end and back-end frameworks, while PHP may be your go-to for backend server development.