Before the internet was created, rules and conditions could be used on a computer to generate a specific script, known as an algorithm. In the realm of computers, algorithms must be written in a programming language to be executed.
A programming language is similar to a spoken language, with various options available to convey the same algorithm, and a computer can understand multiple programming languages if the necessary software is installed.
This article discusses one of the most popular programming languages used online today. Discover what PHP is by reading further.
Discover the top hosting choices for PHP in this comparison.
PHP Programming Language
PHP is a widely-used open source programming language for creating web-based websites and systems. Initially known as Personal Home Page, PHP now stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, emphasizing its role in processing scripts on the server before sending static content to users’ browsers.
PHP is considered a back-end language as it can only be viewed by developers and individuals with server access, not by end users as it operates exclusively on the hosting server.
PHP’s popularity stems from its ability to integrate with HTML, the static markup language used on web pages, enabling the creation of dynamic content through scripts and server-side processes.
PHP has compatibility with numerous databases, enhancing its capabilities. Currently, PHP is utilized in over 80% of websites online, as reported by W3 Techs.
What can be achieved using PHP
PHP’s ability to be combined with HTML makes it user-friendly for programming novices, in contrast to languages like C or Java that demand intricate processes to produce an HTML page. Consequently, PHP provides a wide range of options, spanning from basic websites to intricate systems like e-commerce sites and online management portals.
Some of the web applications that can be developed using PHP include various systems we use daily.
Dynamic websites
A dynamic website is one where an application on the server controls the pages, determining how they are put together before being sent to the user’s browser. PHP allows for the creation of different kinds of dynamic websites, which can be integrated with databases as needed.
Several widely used content management systems, such as WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, have been developed using PHP. Similarly, PHP has been used to create various e-commerce platforms like Magento, Open Cart, and PrestaShop. It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many more PHP-based systems in existence.
Web systems that operate over the internet
PHP is capable of creating a wide range of systems, such as intranet systems for company employees, help desk systems for customer support, and distance learning systems like Moodle.
Numerous system types can be created using this language, and they do not have to be shared online. PHP can be operated on a local server, restricted to users on an internal network.
Desktop computers
It is feasible to utilize PHP to develop programs for personal computers using a library called PHP-GTK, despite PHP not being originally intended for this purpose. If you are proficient in PHP and at ease with the language, PHP-GTK can serve as an excellent option for creating installed programs.
Further details can be found on the project’s website, which is accessible at gtk.php.net.
PHP scripts executed via the command line
Programmers who specialize in planting can execute PHP scripts from the terminal without the need for a web server like Apache or Microsoft IIS. Only the PHP interpreter is necessary to run shell scripts in this manner.
More details regarding PHP CLI can be found on the project’s website at php-cli.com.
Sites made with PHP that are excellent
Many successful websites were created using programming languages. Although PHP is not as commonly used for backend development now, Facebook and YouTube are notable examples of platforms originally built with PHP.
Wikipedia, one of the world’s biggest sources of information, was built and is still being maintained using PHP. The platform’s source code is open and can be accessed on the MediaWiki project website.
Many websites were created using this programming language, but it’s difficult to determine if a site uses PHP code just by visiting it. It’s important to inform the website authors about the language being used in such cases.
PHP releases
PHP requires an interpreter to function properly, which must be installed on the server where the script will be executed. The interpreter converts PHP code into its end format, such as HTML, to create a website. The PHP interpreter is continuously progressing, with new versions being periodically released. When discussing a “PHP version,” we are essentially discussing the interpreter’s version.
PHP has undergone different versions since it was introduced in 1995, with versions 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6 being the most notable and popular among users. Despite attempts to introduce version 6 with Unicode support, the project was ultimately abandoned due to a lack of agreement within the community.
In 2015, version 7 was launched, 11 years after version 5, with significant enhancements and notable performance improvements. It was swiftly embraced by developers globally and is now the preferred version for any new application created in the language.
Web hosting services and PHP
PHP can be installed on various operating systems such as Linux, Mac, and Windows, making it widely supported by hosting providers for PHP-based websites and applications.
When looking for web hosting services, you will encounter a wide range of Linux and Windows server options. Despite Apple having its own web server service, it is not as widely used as the other two mentioned.
It is viable to host a PHP website with most service providers, but Linux is recommended for optimal performance due to PHP being a native language of this operating system. Consider a Windows server only if hosting a native application like ASP.NET alongside the website.
Where can I acquire knowledge of PHP without cost?
There is a wealth of free resources available online for individuals interested in learning a new language. Here are some recommended links for beginners and those familiar with other languages looking to explore PHP and programming.
- PHP Manual is the official source for PHP documentation available in multiple languages.
- W3 Schools is the most extensive web development site globally, offering courses in multiple languages for free. The website is primarily in English but includes an automatic translation option.
- Professor Gustavo Guanabara offers a video course consisting of 20 classes that is free of charge and provides a certificate after completing all the classes.
Summary
You have gained an understanding of PHP, a flexible and widely used programming language, and its applications in various types of websites and systems. You also learned about factors to consider when hosting PHP websites and systems.
We provide three recommendations for free online courses for those interested in learning more about programming.
Leave a comment and join in if you have any queries or additional inputs!
Published on 06/07/2017, with updates made on 26/08/2023.
Tags: Keywords, PHP
