Want to create interactive web pages that load swiftly and you can use them as a Microsoft ASP alternative? Well, there are many server scripting languages like PHP that are powerful and efficient enough to design great social networks. Now you must be thinking what is PHP? Well, this guide will help you understand all about PHP programming language and how you can use it to create amazing blogs and websites. So, let’s get started!
What is PHP?
PHP is a simple acronym for Hypertext Preprocessor. This is commonly used as an open-source scripting language by embedding in your HTML code. Since it is widely used for web development, you will find PHP scripts to be executed on your server side. You can freely download it for generating dynamic webpage content. Having an extension as ‘.php‘, you will find all its results returned as plain HTML.
What is a PHP File?
A PHP file is mainly created on the server side and you may need an interpreter installed in your server to have a look at different PHP files. On the contrary, the client side only requires a stable internet connection and a web browser. As shared before, PHP file extension is .php and its syntax may be something like:
<?php
…
?>
You can even create your first project by setting up the right environment by installing XAMPP software and a code editor of your choice. After creating a folder in C:\xampp\htdocs\ you need to initiate Apache server in XAMPP control panel and open the code editor to write the code below:
<html>
<body>
<?php
echo “My First PHP Project!”;
?>
</body>
</html>
You need to save this file as ‘firstphpproject.php‘ and you can open it by typing ‘localhost/folder-name’ in the web browser.
Why use PHP?
You will be astounded to note that there are many benefits of using PHP. You can have a sneak peek at some of them below:
- PHP coding language is the oldest language and thus, has the largest developers’ community. This means you have unlimited PHP resources to help you in your programming endeavors with PHP. PHP is considered so easy to learn and comprehend that it becomes every coding beginner’s best friend instantly. That’s why it is topping the market share with 79.8% population relying on it.
- Next, since it is an open-source language, you can access its source code and modify, use and distribute it as you like.
- Being a highly flexible and stable language, you will find it used in the making of many high-end online applications such as Facebook, WordPress and Yahoo.
- The best part is its high compatibility as you can integrate its code with a myriad of programming languages like Javascript, HTML etc. with excellent support of databases such as Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL etc.
- If you feel, PHP lacks scalability. You still have robust PHP frameworks such as Yii, Laravel, CodeIgniter, Symfony, CakePHP etc. to come to your rescue.
- PHP coding language is platform independent, making its applications more accessible to everyone regardless of their environment.
- With its regular updates release, you will find it working efficiently with all latest technologies.
PHP is counted among the most significant and popular programming languages of all times. The fame of this programming language is quite considerable. It is an open-source programming language and allows unrestricted use. PHP is among the “easy to learn” programming languages and has always been highly used by programmers all over the globe. Even big tech banners, such as Facebook and Wikipedia use PHP. Although it is tougher than C or C++, it’s advantages are very helpful in the Information Technology industry.
If you are looking for an opportunity to learn this programming language, an established PHP development company would be great for you. Besides being an extensively popular programming language, PHP can also be used to do some incredible stuff! Keep reading to learn more about it.
What You can do with PHP?
There are a lot of marvelous things you can do with PHP. Here is the list of top five incredible things, handpicked for you. Bet you didn’t know all of this until now! Go through the points mentioned below quickly and see for yourself.
Make Your Website Cyber-Secured
PHP can help you create the perfect cyber security for your website. With technological advancements, the internet is being subjected to frequent cyber attacks, hacking and data theft. Naturally, concern for cyber security is at its peak. PHP is great for this purpose due to its robust technology.
You can hire an efficient PHP development company to make your website integrated with cyber-security. PHP development tools and the cyber security mechanism can also help you prevent any cyber attack that harms you frequently.
Create Great Image Filters
PHP can be used creatively given its outstanding editing features. Imagemagick API, which is also called Imagick, is a rich wrapper. You can modify and produce amazing images, with great filters using this PHP extension. The use of a great image processing feature is well-known, thanks to the humongous growth of social media platforms such as Instagram.
With over 200 million users, Instagram has created its own empire. One of the most significant reasons for that is it’s feature to create incredible image filters. You can create your own image processing website with the help of the best PHP development company.
Integrate Your Website with Cloud Technology
The latest major innovation in the IT sector is Cloud Technology. This phenomenon has helped to make the workflow easier than ever. The professional advantages of cloud technology are numerous and most suitable for 2021.
You can integrate Cloud Technology in your website with the help of PHP. It facilitates the process. You can access data from anywhere across the globe without having to carry your office laptop everywhere. A survey shows that around 80% application development companies and websites use PHP and cloud framework. Combine PHP and Cloud in your web application for ease of use.
Image Processing and Generation
You can export images in various formats such as png, gif, jpeg using PHP. It is possible because of the access to the GD library of PHP. GD library refers to the library function which allows users to generate the output of images in the intended format in the browser, crop and resize images and even manage multiple files. Due to this feature, you can process and create images very easily using PHP programming language.
E-commerce Website Development Made Easy
Designing an e-commerce website from scratch can be a time-consuming, tedious task. However, with PHP you would not need to start from scratch. You can use a PHP framework such as Symphony, Laravel, Cake PHP and you can develop your e-commerce website with ease.
Hire a good PHP development company today for more such incredible uses of this excellent programming language.
Related: What is Python, The Most Popular Language Today, used for?
