title: Preferred method of accessing MS SQL with PHP 5.3+ on Linux
body: <p>What is the preferred method of accessing a Microsoft SQL Server database with PHP 5.3+ on Linux?</p>
  
  <p>Given the different extension options now available I'm unsure which method is preferred based on reliability and performance. Right now I am using the mssql extension with FreeTDS, but I'd like to know if this isn't the best way.</p>
  
  <p>I've heard some recommend using php-odbc/EasySoft because the mssql extension has been abandoned - yet others have said going the ODBC route isn't worth the performance hit.</p>
  
  <p>The response to this stackoverflow <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/5409027/can-php-work-with-a-ms-sql-database/5409120#5409120">question</a> seems to touch on what I'm asking, however it's Windows centric.</p>
  
  <p>Thank you!</p>