Final answer:
The programming language PHP is based on C and not Perl. PHP was designed primarily for web development but can also be used for other types of programming, and its syntax incorporates elements from various languages.
Step-by-step explanation:
PHP is based on the C programming language. The correct answer to the question 'PHP is based on C rather than ______' is c. PERL.
PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, has a syntax that has borrowed elements from C, Perl, and other languages, but its foundational base is predominantly from C. The language was created to facilitate web development and is widely used for server-side scripting, command-line scripting, and writing desktop applications.
PHP offers web developers a great deal of flexibility and powerful features, making it an enduring and popular choice for creating dynamic web pages and applications.