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INTRODUCTION ABOUT PHP

PHP started out as a small open source project that evolved as more and more people found out how useful it was. Rasmus Lerdorf unleashed the first version of PHP way back in 1994.

  • PHP is a recursive acronym for “PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor”.
  • PHP is a server side scripting language that is embedded in HTML. It is used to manage dynamic content, databases, session tracking, even build entire e-commerce sites.
  • It is integrated with a number of popular databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Sybase, Informix, and Microsoft SQL Server.
  • PHP is pleasingly zippy in its execution, especially when compiled as an Apache module on the Unix side. The MySQL server, once started, executes even very complex queries with huge result sets in record-setting time.
  • PHP supports a large number of major protocols such as POP3, IMAP, and LDAP. PHP4 added support for Java and distributed object architectures (COM and CORBA), making n-tier development a possibility for the first time.
  • PHP is forgiving: PHP language tries to be as forgiving as possible.
  • PHP Syntax is C-Like.

Common uses of PHP

  • PHP performs system functions, i.e. from files on a system it can create, open, read, write, and close them.
  • PHP can handle forms, i.e. gather data from files, save data to a file, through email you can send data, return data to the user.
  • You add, delete, modify elements within your database through PHP.
  • Access cookies variables and set cookies.
  • Using PHP, you can restrict users to access some pages of your website.
  • It can encrypt data.

Characteristics of PHP

Five important characteristics make PHP’s practical nature possible −

  • Simplicity
  • Efficiency
  • Security
  • Flexibility
  • Familiarity

“Hello World” Script in PHP

To get a feel for PHP, first start with simple PHP scripts. Since “Hello, World!” is an essential example, first we will create a friendly little “Hello, World!” script.

What is Dynamic and Static Web Site

A dynamic Web page is a page whose contents can change automatically each time the page is viewed. Contrast this with a static Web page, such as a simple HTML file, which looks the same each time it’s displayed.

What is Interactive Web Site

An interactive Web site is a site that responds to input from its visitors.

  • A Web forum is a good example — users can post new messages to the forum, which are then displayed on the site for all to see.
  • Another simple example is a “contact us” form, where visitors interact with the page by filling out and sending a form, which is then emailed to the
    Webmaster.

PHP – Server-Side Scripting Language

PHP is a server-side scripting language, which means that PHP scripts, or programs, usually run on a Web server. The process of running a PHP script on a Web server looks like this:

  1. A visitor requests a Web page by clicking a link, or typing the page’s URL into the browser’s address bar. The visitor might also send data to the Web server at the same time, either using a form embedded in a Web page, or via AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript And XML).
  2. The Web server recognizes that the requested URL is a PHP script, and instructs the PHP engine to process and run the script.
  3. The script runs, and when it’s finished it usually sends an HTML page to the Web browser, which the visitor then sees on their screen.

PHP – A Powerful Web Scripting Language

The interesting stuff happens when a PHP script runs. Because PHP is so flexible, a PHP script can carry out any number of interesting tasks, such as:

  • Reading and processing the contents of a Web form sent by the visitor
  • Reading, writing, and creating files on the Web server
  • Working with data in a database stored on the Web server
  • Grabbing and processing data from other Web sites and feeds
  • Generating dynamic graphics, such as charts and manipulated photos

PHP – A Great Choice for Web Applications

  • Web forums that allow visitors to post messages and discuss topics
  • Search engines that let people search the contents of a Web site or database
  • Straw poll scripts that enable visitors to vote in polls and surveys
  • Content management systems and blogs, which enable Webmasters to create sites easily with minimal technical knowledge
  • Webmail applications, allowing people to send and receive email using their Web browser
  • Online stores, allowing shoppers to purchase products and services over the Internet.

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