PHP is an open-source, free server-side scripting language widely used in web development. The PHP programming language is embedded in HTML. Developers typically use PHP to generate dynamic content, create databases, and track sessions. PHP can also be used to build entire applications.
PHP is used by some of the most popular websites and software options in the world. The popular WordPress CMS was created using PHP, which was used to create Facebook initially.
It’s one of the most popular programming languages in the world, and 78.9% of all websites use PHP to some extent. You can use PHP for WordPress development and troubleshooting, and it’s an invaluable language for web developers in general.
What is PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor)?
PHP (Hypertext Processor) is a general-purpose scripting language and interpreter that is free and widely used for web development. Server-side scripting is the primary use of the language, though command-line scripting and desktop apps are also possible. PHP stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, which is described in the PHP Group’s documentation as a “recursive acronym.”.
PHP is used as a server-side scripting language to generate dynamic content when a client browser accesses a webpage. The script is run by the web server before the page is sent to the browser. This process requires that PHP be installed on the web server, as well as a PHP parser, such as a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) parser or a server module.
When a user requests a webpage from the server, the parser interprets its PHP portion, executes its operations, and generates the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) that results. The HTML is then sent to the client browser, along with any other HTML on the page, to provide seamless rendering. PHP scripts are considered dynamic HTML pages since their content varies depending on the results of script interpretation.
What Is Server-Side Scripting?
A script is a series of instructions to be executed on another program or application. Scripting languages can be server-side or back-end languages or client-side or front-end languages.
PHP is a server-side scripting language, meaning that a server executes the instructions in a script. After that, the server provides data on request, channels the requests, and organizes the data.
Web servers process script requests and send HTML output to web browsers when they receive a script request. Data and source code are stored in a database on the web server so that other users cannot access them.
Users can use scripts to customize websites, make dynamic changes to website content, and access databases. It is also common for users to develop web applications with a scripting language. Languages such as Python, Ruby, ColdFusion, Java, and C++ can also be used for server-side scripting. Client-side scripting languages run scripts through web browsers.
A front-end is the part of a website that visitors see when they visit. Users can view a site’s client-side scripts by pressing CTRL + U on Windows or Option + CMD + U on Mac. Due to the fact that PHP runs on the server, it is possible to use PHP with HTML. Thus, PHP will be the source code, but HTML code will only be visible to other users.
Why Should You Learn PHP?
PHP has the following major benefits:
- Languages written in this language are open-source. PHP is free to use and implement.
- It is an easy language to learn. As it is very similar to HTML codes, it is easy to understand and use.
- It is highly compatible because it supports multiple programming languages such as HTML and Javascript, as well as different databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.
- PHP is platform-independent, meaning that applications developed with it can run on any platform.
- It has a large developer community. As programming is all about helping and being helped, a large community would mean more assistance.
- As it is regularly updated, it is compatible with the latest technologies.
History of the Language
It is believed that the letters originally stood for Personal Home Page. The first work was done by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1994. It was originally created by Lerdorf to track visitors to his personal website. Over time, many new features were added. However, it took some time for it to become more than just a set of tools.
It was released in the mid-1990s.Using PHP to run an eCommerce site, Israel’s Andi Gutmans and Zeev Suraski overhauled the site in 1997. PHP 3.0, referred to as the third version, had more features than we are used to seeing today. Later, the same duo created Version 4.0. In 2004, PHP 5.0 was released. Even though 6.0 isn’t yet available, there have been significant improvements since 5.0, including the removal of several things that caused instability.
What is the best way to start programming in PHP?
PHP’s simple syntax and easy-to-learn command functions make it a beginner-friendly programming language.You need to be familiar with HTML as well as server-side and client-side programming languages before you can use PHP. Its open-source nature, extensive database support, and ability to run on nearly any server alongside operating systems such as Windows, Unix, Linux, or Mac OS make PHP accessible and easy to learn.
How can PHP be used?
PHP is mainly used to create dynamic websites, but it can also be used for a variety of other projects. PHP is commonly used for:
Website creation
PHP provides users with an organized layout of webpages by working in conjunction with HTML. The scripting language can interact with database systems such as MySQL and Oracle thanks to its advanced programming features. It is typical for a webpage to require a user to retrieve data before displaying the displayed information. The necessary webpage uses PHP instead of changing and uploading webpages, accessing information, and retrieving it. Many websites use PHP scripts to call up random interactive advertisements in their ad banners.
You only need a text editor, a PHP server to upload files to, and an FTP program to upload data to your PHP server to build a PHP website.
Databases
PHP and database systems can also be combined to create digital forums and message boards. PHP and data systems make it possible to store messages and retrieve them when needed. It is necessary to authenticate in order to set up the database. You can become a database administrator by creating a database system using programs like PHPMyAdmin. You can create tables for storing website information using administrator tools.
Server-side back end
Using PHP scripts for server-side back-end coding is the ideal use of the language. The front end displays media and information from the back end. To perform a login task on a website or app (front end), you might use a PHP script to retrieve authentication data from the server (back end).
Real-time applications
A real-time application can include a web game, a chatbot, an automated bot, or a monitoring system. It is possible to create impressive real-time apps with AngularJS, Express, and NodeJS software. When developers want to perform database operations on real-time applications, they use PHP. It’s possible to use PHP by itself, but combining it with technologies like Node.JS produces better applications.
See More: What Is Programming Language?
Final Thoughts
PHP is a versatile and widely used server-side scripting language that enables developers to create dynamic and interactive websites. With its simplicity, platform independence, and extensive community support, it is a great choice for Web Development projects. PHP developers can leverage its full potential in their projects by understanding its features, syntax basics, frameworks, database integration, security best practices, and performance optimization techniques. It is my hope that this blog has answered the question “What is PHP” thoroughly for you!
