15-19 minutes
PHP is a general-purpose programming languages that can be used to create dynamic websites. It is a flexible programming language that is easy to use, and it ranks alongside JavaScript and CSS. It is easy to use and secure. There are many frameworks available and a community of developers that can help you.
This article will provide a detailed look at PHP programming language and explain why beginners should learn it.
PHP is the most popular programming language used by developers to create websites online. PHP is a server-side programming language that runs scripts on the website’s servers instead of clients’ web browsers. PHP is open-source which means that anyone can modify, distribute, and use it for their own purposes.
“PHP” stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. It was originally called “Personal Home Page” as it was used to create home pages for individuals. The programming language evolved over time, adding new capabilities and features with every upgrade. The language’s name was changed by the developers to better reflect its purpose.
It is important to note that PHP is used primarily for programming and not coding. It is a programming language that can be used to create executable programs, not just converting code between languages as with coding.
PHP can be used for creating many web applications. These include standard web pages, e-commerce platforms, and GUI applications. According to reports, PHP is used by more than 80 percent of all websites around the world. WordPress, Yahoo!, Facebook, Flickr and MailChimp are just a few of the websites that use PHP programming.
7 Reasons Why You Should Learn PHP Programming Language even if you are a beginner
Online communities seem to be focusing all their attention on JavaScript, Python and C+. However, this doesn’t mean the PHP programming language will disappear. It is still highly relevant and widely used in a variety of applications. Consider these reasons to learn PHP before you decide to drop it off your list.
1. PHP is a great foundation for programming
PHP is a great place to start for beginners and people just starting out in WordPress development. You only need two things to get started in PHP: a development environment (e.g. WAMP, XAMPP) and a code editor (e.g. Atom, Notepad ++). You can begin writing your PHP script once you have all the tools you need. A framework would make the task even quicker and more manageable.
We assume that you have attended or read classes about PHP code. There are many resources online that can be accessed, including tutorials, e-books and PDFs. After you have learned PHP, you can learn HTML and CSS.
2. It’s easy to learn
PHP scripting is simple to learn and has syntax that is very similar to Java C++ Java C++ and Perl. It is easy for someone who has experience with these languages to learn PHP. PHP, like Java, is an interpreted language. It can be run straight away and does not require compilation into machine instructions. It gives instructions to servers at runtime so it is simpler than other programming languages.
PHP is a stable programming language that most experienced programmers consider. Stable languages are those whose fundamentals stay the same for a long time. This allows programmers to continue using their skills and knowledge over time, without worrying about it becoming outdated. JavaScript, on the other hand is unstable and subject to a constant stream of extensions and updates, making it difficult for programmers.
Although PHP is easier than other languages to learn, there are still some learning curves. It is not easy to learn a programming language. Experienced programmers will tell you that PHP requires a lot practice and experience.
3. PHP is accessible to all
PHP is open-source software, meaning it can be downloaded and used at no cost. It can also be modified and distributed without permission. Language development can be done by both beginners and experts, and anyone can create web pages using the language.
PHP supports many mature frameworks, which is another factor that contributes to its accessibility. Frameworks are simply programs or code libraries that write most of the code for you and leave only key decision points for your code. Frameworks can be thought of as custom versions of PHP. These frameworks are created by developers for other developers. They are free to use. Symfony and Laravel are two examples of popular PHP frameworks.
4. Learn PHP to Become a well-rounded programmer
PHP is a general-purpose programming language that can be used for a variety of purposes. PHP can be used to perform mathematical calculations, collect user information, interact with MySQL databases, create graphics, and many other tasks. You can also use PHP to create many different types of websites including content management systems and GUI-based apps, information-based websites, as well as content management systems. It is also frequently mentioned in programming tutorials and online forums.
PHP developers also use a standard called PHP standard recommendation (PSR). PSR ensures that all developers working on PHP projects are on the same page. It lists the basic requirements and programming elements required to use PHP. PSR consists four standards: PSR-0 to PSR-1, PSR-2 and PSR-4. PSR-1, PSR-2 and PSR-3 are the basic programming standards. PSR-0 is for PHP’s autoloaders. PSR-4 is programming standard for PHP’s PHP 4.
PHP also allows you to use many tools. You have the option to choose which text editor you want (e.g. jEdit, Notebook++, Emacs) and what operating system. Programmers want to be able handle any project with as much flexibility as possible.
5. The Language is Secure
PHP is a server side language that processes the code on the server and not the client’s browser. The servers also store all data associated with the website. As you probably know, security is layered upon security.
It was designed by the original PHP developers to work with HTML, the standard format used for all internet pages. The server receives a request from a client or end-user for a copy HTML pages. The PHP code is then run first by the server and the HTML output is sent back to the requester. PHP is the precursor to the final HTML file we see on websites.
Server-side scripting has one key aspect. The client-side does not see the script. Only the output sent by the server is visible to the client. You can protect server-side scripts with passwords. To protect scripts from clients browsers, you can configure your website so that all HTML files are run with PHP. Your website is more secure if your script runs on the server than it is the other way around.
Another factor that influences how secure PHP is is the level of PHP support. Security is an important part of the job that developers have to do when working on the program. They include security patches in regular updates. To ensure your program’s security and up-to-date, always use the stable version.
6. A Huge Community of Developers Exists
PHP has been around more than 25 years and has remained open-source throughout. It has built a strong community of developers over the years who have worked to improve the language’s capabilities, pushing its boundaries.
This works by developers having access to the source code. They aim to modify the code to add new features and capabilities to the program. They fix language errors. Developers aim to release one minor update per month and one major upgrade every year. However, this is not a realistic schedule.
It is important to remember that PHP developers are not paid for their work. They do it because they can use the additional features and capabilities. Anyone can contribute to programming, provided they have some programming knowledge.
There are many resources and information available online regarding PHP. Many forums, blogs, tutorials and e-books provide assistance with PHP programming.
7. PHP Is a Well-Established Programming Language
PHP is a legacy programming languages, meaning it has been around for a while. Rasmus Lerdorf, a Danish-Canadian programmer, created the first PHP code in 1994. Only 1% of all websites on the internet were built with PHP at the time. PHP has become a popular language used by developers to build web servers. We also see PHP being used to backup popular websites. There are many frameworks available to choose from.
What is PHP Programming?
We’ve covered the benefits and features of PHP programming language. Now it’s time for us to compare it to other programming languages or frameworks.
PHP vs. JavaScript
Both PHP and JavaScript can be used to program, but they are specifically interpreted languages. A programming language that can be interpreted easily and does not require compilation into machine instructions is an interpreted programming language. These two languages operate in a completely different way. JavaScript works on the client side while PHP is on the server side. PHP runs its scripts on a server, while JavaScript runs its scripts via a web browser.
Consider also the fact that JavaScript has completely different goals than PHP. JavaScript is more concerned about the website’s visual elements such as layouts and effects. PHP, on the other hand is more concerned with actual content on a website. It can interact with databases, retrieve information from servers and evaluate data. JavaScript converts static HTML pages into interactive web pages.
Another important difference is how they handle user input. JavaScript is used by most developers to collect user data. Specifically, online forms are created for users to fill out. Although PHP cannot collect input, it can process JavaScript’s input. PHP is used by developers to connect to databases and JavaScript to enter the data.
These differences make it clear that JavaScript and PHP complement one another. To create stunning, functional websites that are both beautiful and useful, you can use PHP as well as JavaScript. JavaScript is the ink, while PHP is the pen on paper.
PHP vs. Python
Both Python and PHP are general-purpose languages with simple syntax. This makes them great for beginners.
These languages are however different in their intended purpose. Python is a general-purpose programming languages. It can be used to create programs for web, desktop, and command-line use. PHP is at the other end of the spectrum, and focuses almost exclusively in creating web programs.
While both PHP and Python have their own frameworks, PHP has more options. PHP is a more mature language than Python. This means that PHP took a longer time to create frameworks. PHP is considered a mature language by many experienced developers, due to its ability to grow in functionality and tools over the years.
There are also differences in speed and performance. PHP’s early versions were slow and took a long time to execute code, so Python was the clear winner. PHP 7x changed all that with faster loading times than Python. PHP is highly recommended for websites that need extremely fast loading speeds and high traffic volumes.
Python appears to be the best in terms of adaptability and scalability. Its machine learning and artificial Intelligence capabilities have made it useful in many industries. PHP, despite its many recent improvements, is not as flexible in adapting to changing trends or growing demand.
Also, read Top 10 VR Programming Languages
PHP vs. Ruby on Rails
What does PHP do in comparison to Ruby on Rails? Ruby on Rails (ROR), a framework that is built on top Ruby, is called Ruby on Rails. Ruby is a general purpose programming language. Ruby on Rails, like PHP, also works on the server-side and is open-source.
The former is a framework, while the latter is an programming language. ROR, as a framework, aims to make programming easier by automating repetitive tasks and allowing for critical decisions. PHP is at the opposite end, and allows for complete control over all problems-solving tasks.
It doesn’t make sense to compare them in terms of speed or performance. They work differently. They are both slow, but PHP’s actual performance will depend on which framework is used. ROR is slower than PHP, but it does not sacrifice functionality or ease of use. It consumes more system resources than PHP.
Which one is the easiest to learn? PHP’s generic syntax and structure allows for a quick learning curve. If they choose not to learn C programming, many programmers prefer PHP. ROR, on the other hand, is more difficult because you need to understand a whole web of concepts independently.
PHP is the leader in terms of the support level. PHP should have five-times the dedicated resources of ROR if outsider information is to be believed. You are more likely to find PHP-specializing developers than ROR.
Last Thoughts
The list of reasons PHP programming language should be studied by beginners is complete. While there are many reasons beyond our list, the goal of this guide is not to include all the reasons.
However, anyone could also come up with reasons why PHP is not for them. These reasons are only valid for people who don’t intend to code. It’s also not a good idea to compare your progress with others, as these experiences are subjective.
This being said, it is important to take into account the complexity of the problems and your experience as a programmer. Your ability to learn and willingness to learn are the most important factors.