What is PHP?
PHP is an open-source general-purpose scripting language, widely used for website development. It is developed by Rasmus Lerdorf. PHP stands for a recursive acronym PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor.
PHP is the world’s most popular server-side programming language. Its latest version PHP 8.3.8, was released on September 27, 2024.
PHP is a server-side scripting language embedded in HTML. It is a cross-platform language capable of running on all major operating system platforms and with most web server programs, such as Apache, IIS, Lighttpd, and Nginx.
A large number of reusable classes and libraries are available on PEAR and Composer. PEAR (PHP Extension and Application Repository) is a distribution system for reusable PHP libraries or classes. Composer is a dependency management tool in PHP.
Why Learn PHP?
PHP is one of the most preferred languages for creating interactive websites and web applications. PHP scripts can be easily embedded into HTML. With PHP, you can build
- Web Pages and Web-Based Applications
- Content Management Systems, and
- Ecommerce Applications etc.
Several PHP-based web frameworks have been developed to speed up web application development. Examples are WordPress, Laravel, etc.
Requirements
- Basic HTML/CSS/JavaScript knowledge.
- Understanding of basic programming concepts (variables, loops, functions).
- Local development environment (XAMPP, WAMP, MAMP).
- Text editor or IDE (Visual Studio Code, PhpStorm).
- Basic understanding of HTTP and web servers.
- Optional: SQL and database knowledge.
- Time and patience to practice and build skills.
Features
- PHP is a multi-paradigm language that supports imperative, functional, object-oriented, and procedural programming methodologies.
- PHP is a server-side scripting language that is embedded in HTML. It is used to manage dynamic content, databases, session tracking, and even build entire e-commerce sites.
- PHP is integrated with several popular databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Sybase, Informix, and Microsoft SQL Server.
- PHP is pleasingly zippy in its execution, especially when compiled as an Apache module on the Unix side. The MySQL server, once started, executes even very complex queries with huge result sets in record-setting time.
- PHP supports a number of protocols such as POP3, IMAP, and LDAP. PHP supports distributed object architectures (COM and CORBA), which makes n-tier development possible.
- PHP is forgiving: PHP language tries to be as forgiving as possible.
- PHP has a familiar C-like syntax.
Target audiences
- Individuals new to web development or programming who want to build dynamic websites and applications.
- Web developers who have experience with front-end languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and want to expand their skills to back-end development.
- Computer science students or recent graduates looking to add PHP to their skill set, often for academic projects or to enhance their employability.
- Individuals who want to build and maintain their own websites or web applications without hiring developers.
- Developers or IT professionals already familiar with other programming languages (JavaScript, Python, etc.) who want to add PHP to their toolset.
- Business owners or marketing professionals who need to understand PHP to collaborate effectively with development teams.