PHP
The web's most popular server-side language
PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a popular general-purpose scripting language especially suited for web development. Created by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1995, PHP powers over 78% of all websites with server-side programming, including major platforms like Facebook and WordPress.
Why Choose PHP?
Server-Side Scripting
Designed specifically for web development and server-side scripting
Easy to Learn
Simple syntax with a gentle learning curve for beginners
Database Integration
Excellent built-in support for databases, especially MySQL
Large Ecosystem
Massive collection of frameworks, libraries, and CMS platforms
PHP Code Example
🚀 Basic PHP Web Application
<?php
// Hello World
echo "Hello, World!";
// Variables and Data Types
$name = "Alice";
$age = 25;
$hobbies = ["reading", "coding", "gaming"];
// HTML Integration
?>
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>PHP Example</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome, <?= $name ?>!</h1>
<p>You are <?= $age ?> years old.</p>
<h2>Your hobbies:</h2>
<ul>
<?php foreach ($hobbies as $hobby): ?>
<li><?= $hobby ?></li>
<?php endforeach; ?>
</ul>
</body>
</html>
<?php
// Database Example
$pdo = new PDO('mysql:host=localhost;dbname=myapp', $user, $pass);
$stmt = $pdo->prepare("SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > ?");
$stmt->execute([18]);
$users = $stmt->fetchAll();
foreach ($users as $user) {
echo $user['name'] . "\n";
}
?>🚀 Getting Started with PHP
Install PHP
Download from php.net or use XAMPP/WAMP for local development
Set Up Web Server
Use Apache, Nginx, or PHP's built-in server for development
Write Your First Script
Create a .php file with <?php echo "Hello, World!"; ?>
Learn the Basics
Master variables, arrays, functions, and database integration