Introduction to PHP – The Backbone of Dynamic Web Development
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a powerful scripting language that powers millions of websites and applications. In this section, you’ll learn the basics of PHP, including syntax, variables, and how to set up a local development environment. Perfect for beginners who want to start building dynamic and interactive web applications!
1. PHP Basics
- Introduction to HTML
- Introduction to PHP
- Setting Up a Local Server (XAMPP, MAMP, WAMP)
- Writing Your First PHP Script
- PHP Syntax & Comments
- Variables & Data Types (String, Integer, Float, Boolean, Array)
- Constants in PHP
2. PHP Operators & Control Structures
- Arithmetic, Comparison & Logical Operators
- If-Else & Switch Statements
- Loops in PHP (for, while, do-while, foreach)
- Using Break & Continue
3. Working with Forms & User Input
- Handling GET & POST Requests
- Form Validation & Sanitization
- PHP Sessions & Cookies
- File Uploading in PHP
4. Functions & Arrays in PHP
- Defining & Calling Functions
- Function Parameters & Return Values
- Built-in PHP Functions
- Associative & Multidimensional Arrays
- Array Functions (sort, array_push, array_merge, etc.)
5. PHP & Databases (MySQL)
- Introduction to MySQL Database
- Connecting PHP with MySQL (PDO & MySQLi)
- CRUD Operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete)
- Prepared Statements & Security
- Handling User Authentication (Login & Registration)
6. PHP & Web Development
- Working with URLs & Query Strings
- PHP Sessions & Authentication
- Sending Emails in PHP (PHPMailer)
- File Handling (Reading & Writing Files)
7. PHP OOP (Object-Oriented Programming)
- Classes & Objects in PHP
- Constructor & Destructor Methods
- Inheritance, Interfaces & Traits
- Encapsulation & Polymorphism
8. PHP Security Best Practices
- Preventing SQL Injection & XSS
- Hashing Passwords in PHP (bcrypt)
- Using HTTPS & Secure Cookies
- Secure File Uploads & Input Validation
9. PHP Frameworks & Advanced Topics
- Introduction to Laravel & CodeIgniter
- REST API Development with PHP
- Using Composer for Dependency Management
- Working with cURL & APIs
10. PHP Best Practices & Performance Optimization
- Writing Clean & Maintainable PHP Code
- Caching & Performance Optimization
- Debugging & Error Handling in PHP
- Deploying PHP Applications
What is PHP?
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a popular server-side scripting language used for web development. It enables developers to create dynamic and interactive web pages that can process form data, interact with databases, and generate content dynamically. PHP is widely used in content management systems like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.
Why Learn PHP?
- Easy to Learn – PHP has a simple and beginner-friendly syntax.
- Highly Versatile – Works across various platforms and integrates seamlessly with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Database Connectivity – Easily connects with databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.
- Open Source & Community Support – Free to use with extensive community support.
- Powers Major Websites – Used by platforms like Facebook, Wikipedia, and WordPress.
How PHP Works
PHP code is executed on the server, and the output is sent to the user’s browser as HTML. Here’s a simple workflow:
- A user requests a PHP page by visiting a website.
- The server processes the PHP code and executes necessary operations (like database queries).
- The server sends the final HTML output to the user’s browser.
Example of a Basic PHP
<?php echo "Hello, PHP!"; ?>
