Introduction to PHP

PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is a server-side scripting language that is embedded within HTML. Commands are executed on the server, and the results are transmitted to the user’s Web browser. PHP allows programmers to create dynamic features on their Web pages including login pages, picture galleries and surveys. PHP also creates features like check boxes on a form and allows programmers to create forums for user interaction.

A major advantage of PHP is its ability to run on a variety of browsers and operating systems. The language works with Apache servers that run on UNIX and IIS running on Windows NT, and PHP can function in Linux, UNIX, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X environments. Additionally, PHP is open source, meaning that files are free to download and use. Advanced users can also use PHP to create dynamic graphics or to edit existing graphics.

PHP’s most important function is its ability to interact with a variety of databases including MySQL, Oracle and Informix to retrieve information. For example, a retailer can generate product and inventory pages with features customized for the user such as recommendations based on past purchases by pulling information from the company’s CRM database. Social media is largely possible thanks to PHP, which stores data from one person and makes it visible to others. PHP is also the programming force behind major search engines like Google and Bing and can also be used to build custom search engines on individual Web sites.

PHP Overviews
These tutorials provide series of lessons that will enable you to develop a working knowledge of PHP.

What is PHP?
PHP Tutorial from W3schools
PHP Tutorial from HTML.net
An introduction to PHP

Creating Your First PHP Page
If your server is not PHP-enabled, then you will need to install PHP. After installation, view any of these tutorials to create your first PHP Web page.

PHP installation
Your first PHP page
Your first PHP-enabled page
How to create a PHP website template from scratch

Programming Elements of PHP
These links provide individual in-depth lessons on the fundamental elements of PHP programming.

Time and dates
Loops
Conditional statements
Script comments
Arrays
Functions
Variables
Sessions
Cookies

PHP and Databases
One of PHP’s most important uses is its ability to interact with a variety of databases. These lessons will teach you to create and utilize database information by using PHP scripts.

Creating databases and tables
Connecting and retrieving data
Deleting data
Updating data
Building a custom search engine

Resources

Origins of PHP. In this interview with PC World, Rasmus Lerdorf, the creator of PHP, discusses the development of his scripting language.

5 Interactive and Creative Uses for PHP. This tutorial will teach you to create graphical user interfaces, build Facebook apps, create mailing lists, build online communities and develop e-commerce sites.

PHP 5.4.5 Complete Source Code. These downloads will provide you with the complete source code for PHP.

Building Your First PHP-Based Mobile Application. This resource will teach you how to implement PHP programming for applications used on tablets and smartphones.

Image Source: Drupal.org