Introduction to PHP Programming for Beginners

Introduction to PHP Programming for Beginners

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The discussion that you’re about to encounter is all about the introduction to PHP programming for beginners.

PHP is a server-side scripting language executed on the server and open-source programming.

The first version of PHP was released by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1994 and is now considered one of the leading languages that are best for web development.

Furthermore, PHP programming was originally derived from Personal Home Page Tools but now stands for a recursive acronym for php “Hypertext Preprocessor“.

The PHP language can be used with popular databases such as:

  • MySQL / PostgreSQL
  • Oracle
  • Sybase
  • Informix
  • Microsoft SQL Server

PHP4 was also the first time that n-tier programming was made possible. It also supported Java and distributed object architectures (COM and CORBA).

Common uses of PHP

As an introduction to modern programming with PHP, here are some of the most common uses of PHP:

  • Data Encryption: PHP programming allows programmers to set encryption codes for their programs (system).
  • Perform System Functions: The language also supports system functions like CRUD (Create, Read, Update, and Delete).
  • Control Database (DBMS) – As for back-end programmers, PHP allows them to add, modify, or delete database tables through code or queries.
  • Handle Forms – Programmers can also develop a program where they can handle data from forms such as sending emails through PHP.
  • Cookies – PHP users were also able to access or set cookies for their applications or sites.
  • Restrictions – More importantly, programmers can impose restrictions on their programs, such as establishing boundaries between the system’s main users (admin) and its other users (customers). 

What can PHP do?

Aside from the uses of PHP programming, more features are supported within the coverage of the language.

Specifically, PHP can do the following:

  • The PHP program or PHP file “.php” can contain not only PHP code and PHP Scripts but also HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • It can execute PHP code to the web server but returns it into plain embedded in HTML code in browsers.
  • PHP can also collect data through forms.
  • It can be used for user-access controls and restrictions.
  • It can generate dynamic websites and page content.

PHP supports a wide range of important protocols, such as POP3, IMAP, and LDAP, and its execution speed is pleasingly quick, particularly when compiled as an Apache module on the Unix side.

Once the MySQL server is functioning, even the most difficult queries with large data sets can be executed in record time.

You may start trying the PHP programming with the Best PHP Projects With Source Code Free Download.

Characteristics of PHP

PHP stands out from other languages for these particular characteristics:

  • Easy to use
  • Simple
  • Efficient
  • Flexible
  • Secured
  • Powerful
  • Accessible
  • Connectivity

These characteristics make PHP the best language as an introduction to modern programming for beginners.

Disadvantages of PHP

Though PHP is a known and very useful language, it also has its downsides. Here are some of its disadvantages:

  • PHP is not an ideal language for developing desktop applications.
  • The language isn’t good for making big web apps because its code is hard to keep up with and isn’t very modular.
  • It does not allow a change in the core behavior of web applications.
  • It does not also guarantee the security of developed computer software.

Why PHP?

Knowing the general purpose and downsides of PHP programming, why should you still use the language? Here are some of the reasons:

  • PHP is a cross-platform language that makes it runnable on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS (Operating Systems).
  • This language is also compatible with most of the servers we use these days (like XAMPP, LAMP, LEMP, MAMP, WAMP, AMPPS, etc.).
  • It also supports a wide range of databases.
  • It is free to use and is downloadable at php.net.
  • Most of all, PHP programming is easy and runs efficiently on the server’s side.

What is new in PHP 7

The new version of PHP (PHP 7) is significantly faster than the previous stable version (PHP 5.6). This has enhanced error handling and enabled stricter type definitions for function arguments.

Consequently, PHP 7 enables new operators, such as the spaceship operator (<=>).

Summary

In summary, this topic about the Introduction to PHP Programming for Beginners introduced not only the language but also its uses and characteristics. This discussion has all the knowledge that a beginner needs to understand the PHP programming language.

Now, it is understood that PHP is very useful and helpful for developing websites, especially e-commerce websites. It also has a lot of advantages that overtake the disadvantages and prove that the language is worth learning.

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