What is special about PHP compared to java.

Greetings of Peace!
I do have a site under construction and I am hesitant to use php programming compared to java programming.I was more introduced to java but what else can a php do to my site?
My website is an exlcusive knowleged base forum to students and teacher in our school, they will interact in that site, one can send private message, upload pictures and share it to different users.
Here is the question:
The website has a profile page, what can a php do to let the profile picture be croped in accordance to the desire of the user, can you give me the code for it? and what kind of php programming editor can I use?
I am hoping for a good respones to this matter.
Thank you,
Xurwin
