PHP is a scripting language that is commonly used by web developers everywhere. It creates dynamic pages for general purpose scripting and is especially suited for web development that can be embedded into HTML. Originally, PHP was developed by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1995. It's rate of development has been rapid and continuous ever since. Today, PHP is released under the GNU General Public License and is a free software for anyone to use.
PHP can be used on many operating systems, most web servers, and multiple relationship database management systems. Programmers who use PHP can build, customize or extend source codes for their own purposes. It is thought by many that PHP is one of the easier languages to learn if you have any programming experience. Although PHP has always received recognition for being able to create dynamic web pages, its primary function that makes it unique is its ability to operate as a server side scripting tool. This is a technology in which the programmer is able to run a script directly on a web server, making it easier to produce interactive web pages. The main advantage of server side scripting through PHP is that it allows the user to highly customize multiple aspects of the site.
PHP is a large scripting source, able to accomplish hundreds of base functions. In addition, there are thousands of extensions producing effects that give PHP the ability to produce almost anything. Upon visiting the PHP site, you can see a list of the possible functions of PHP that are well documented. However, sometimes there are multiple names for the same function.
Overall, if you are considering using PHP, there are a few things you should know. It works great with HTML. Learning to use PHP is easier than you might think, with useful online tutorials that are almost always free. Plus, PHP provides the opportunity to interact with your visitors in a way that you may not be able to with HTML alone. Messaging, social forums, email, shopping carts, and more can all be made dynamic and powerful with PHP coding.
