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In this article, we’ll see PHP Introduction.

It is one of the most widely used server-side scripting languages on the web today. Originally developed in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf, it stands for Hypertext Preprocessor (it’s a recursive acronym). It is primarily used to develop dynamic and interactive web pages. It’s open-source, easy to learn, and integrates seamlessly with HTML, databases, and various web technologies — making it a go-to choice for developers worldwide.

Whether you’re building a simple contact form, a content management system like WordPress, or a large-scale eCommerce website, It provides the foundation for robust web applications. In this article, you’ll learn what PHP is, how it works, its features, advantages, and basic syntax to help you get started.

What is PHP?

It is a server-side scripting language designed for web development but also used as a general-purpose programming language. It runs on the server, and the output (typically HTML) is sent to the browser. This means users never see the PHP code — they only see the generated web page.

Here’s how it works:

1. The client (browser) requests a PHP page from the server.

2. The server processes the PHP code.

3. The server sends the resulting HTML output to the browser.

This server-side processing allows developers to create dynamic, data-driven web pages that respond to user inputs, interact with databases, and perform calculations behind the scenes.

The PHP Group now produces the PHP reference implementation. It was originally an abbreviation of Personal Home Page, but it now stands for the recursive initialism PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor.

• PHP stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor
• It is a server-side scripting language, like ASP
• PHP scripts are executed on the server
• It supports many databases (MySQL, Informix, Oracle, Sybase, Solid, PostgreSQL,
  Generic ODBC, etc.)
• It is open-source software (OSS)
• It is free to download and use

Why Use It?

It remains a top choice for web development due to its simplicity, scalability, and strong community support. Here are some reasons why you should learn it:

• Easy to Learn:
  It has a syntax similar to C and Java, making it accessible to beginners with prior programming experience. Even if you’re new to coding, PHP’s straightforward syntax makes it a great starting point.

• Open Source:
  It is completely free. Developers can use, modify, and distribute it without any licensing cost, making it ideal for small businesses and startups.

• Database Integration:
  It works seamlessly with databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. This makes it perfect for developing applications that store and retrieve data efficiently.

• Cross-Platform Support:
  It runs on major operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS, and is supported by all leading web servers, including Apache and Nginx.

• Large Community & Frameworks:
  It has a huge global community, with frameworks such as Laravel, CodeIgniter, Symfony, and CakePHP that simplify development and enforce best practices.

How It Works

When you access a PHP web page, the server handles all code before sending the final output (HTML) to the browser. Here’s a quick overview:

1. The browser requests a .php file.
2. The server identifies and executes PHP code embedded within the file.
3. The PHP script interacts with the database or performs other operations.
4. The final result (HTML, JSON, etc.) is sent back to the browser.

This approach ensures that sensitive operations (like authentication and database handling) remain secure on the server.

Basic PHP Syntax

A PHP file can contain HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP code. The code is enclosed within special tags:

<?php
echo "Hello, World!";
?>

Explanation:

• <?php starts the PHP code.
• echo outputs text to the web page.
• ?> ends the PHP code.

When you open this file in a browser (via a server like Apache or XAMPP), you’ll see Hello, World! as output.