PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a popular
open-source server-side scripting language designed for web
development. It's embedded in HTML and executed on the server,
generating dynamic web content before sending it to the user's
browser.
Key Features
- Server-Side Execution: Code runs on the server, not the client
- Database Integration: Excellent support for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more
- Cross-Platform: Runs on Windows, Linux, macOS
- Open Source: Free to use and modify
- Large Community: Extensive documentation and support
Basic PHP Syntax
<?php
// Basic PHP syntax
echo "Hello, World!";
// Variables
$name = "John";
$age = 25;
// Arrays
$fruits = array("apple", "banana", "orange");
// Functions
function greetUser($username) {
return "Welcome, " . $username . "!";
}
// Database connection example
$pdo = new PDO("mysql:host=localhost;dbname=mydb", $username, $password);
?>
Common Use Cases
- Web Applications: Dynamic websites and web apps
- Content Management: WordPress, Drupal, Joomla
- E-commerce: Online stores and shopping platforms
- APIs: RESTful web services and APIs
- Database Operations: CRUD operations and data management
Career Impact
$75K
Average Salary
78%
Of Websites Use PHP
500K+
Job Openings
Learning Path
- Learn basic PHP syntax and variables
- Understand control structures and functions
- Master object-oriented programming in PHP
- Learn database integration with PDO/MySQLi
- Explore frameworks like Laravel or Symfony
- Build real-world projects and applications