Introduction to PHP
PHP is one of the most popular server-side scripting languages used for web development. Whether you’re just starting your journey into backend development or exploring powerful ways to build dynamic websites, PHP is a great choice.
What You Should Already Know
Before diving into PHP, it’s helpful to have a foundational understanding of:
HTML - the structure of web pages
CSS - for styling content
JavaScript - for client-side interactivity
This prior knowledge will make it easier to grasp how PHP integrates with front-end technologies to deliver fully functional web applications.
What is PHP?
PHP stands for "PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor", a recursive acronym. It is a widely-used, open-source scripting language designed specifically for web development. Unlike HTML or JavaScript, PHP code is executed on the server, and the resulting output is sent to the client's browser as plain HTML.
Here’s what makes PHP stand out:
- Open-source and free to use
- Server-side execution, meaning the code runs on your web server
- Platform-independent, works across all major operating systems
Why Choose PHP?
There are many reasons developers continue to use PHP:
Cross-platform compatibility – runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, and more
Works with major web servers – Apache, Nginx, IIS, etc.
Supports various databases – MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and many others
Efficient and fast performance - for handling server-side logic
Simple and intuitive syntax - makes it ideal for beginners
Completely free – download it from the official PHP website
What is a PHP File?
A PHP file can contain a mix of:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- PHP code
When a PHP file is requested, the server processes the PHP code and sends the final output (usually HTML) to the browser.
PHP File Characteristics:
Saved with a `.php` extension. Can seamlessly integrate with front-end code. Capable of executing backend operations without exposing code to the user.
PHP in Action
PHP powers many of the biggest platforms on the internet, including:
WordPress – the most widely used content management system (CMS)
Facebook (initial versions) – a massive social network built originally on PHP
Numerous eCommerce sites, forums, and custom applications
What’s New in PHP 7?
PHP 7 introduced significant improvements over PHP 5.6, making it a game-changer in performance and development capabilities.
Key Features of PHP 7:
Improved Speed – PHP 7 is up to twice as fast as PHP 5.6
Better Error Handling – with the introduction of `Throwable` and better `Exception` handling
Strict Type Declarations – functions can now enforce specific data types
New Operators – such as the spaceship operator (`<=>`) for combined comparisons
These enhancements not only improve performance but also promote better coding practices and easier debugging.
