PHP is a general-purpose, server-side scripting language used to create dynamic, data-driven websites by embedding code directly into HTML. It was one of the first languages to add functionality to webpages without requiring separate external files.
Although PHP is still widely used, some developers now opt for JavaScript-based alternatives like Node.js for server-side logic or front-end frameworks like Angular for client-side interactivity.
What Does PHP Stand For?
When PHP originated, it stood for personal home page tools, but now stands for “PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor,” a recursive acronym. PHP is open-source, general-purpose, easy to use and has a wide range of frameworks, making it a good choice to create dynamic web pages.
What Is PHP Used For?
PHP is a server-side language embedded in HTML to enable dynamic features. PHP code is enclosed in special tags, processed on the server and converted into HTML output that is sent to the user’s browser, enabling interactive and data-driven web pages.
Despite its age, PHP is still widely used due to its relative ease and open-source code, which provides developers with a range of PHP frameworks you can use to boost performance and facilitate functionality.
PHP vs. HTML: What’s the Difference?
HTML and PHP serve different roles: HTML is a client-side language that defines a webpage’s structure, while PHP is a server-side language that makes those pages dynamic by adding logic and interactivity.
Here’s an in-depth look at their differences:
- HTML is responsible for building the structure of a web page and includes text, images and the general layout of how the page will be displayed.
- PHP is strictly responsible for bringing web elements to life, and enables user interactions like form submissions or data processing.
- While PHP can be embedded within HTML, HTML is typically outputted by PHP rather than embedded within it.
- There are alternative languages that may be used instead of PHP, but in order for PHP to function, HTML is necessary.
How to Start Programming in PHP
Due to its simple syntax and easy-to-learn command functions, PHP is a beginner-friendly programming language with low barriers to entry. In order to start using PHP, it’s important to be familiar with HTML as well as server-side and client-side programming languages.
PHP is accessible and easy to learn due to its open-source nature, its extensive database support, and its ability to run on nearly any server alongside operating systems like Windows, Unix, Linux or macOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PHP still relevant in modern web development?
Yes. While newer technologies exist, PHP remains widely used, especially in content management systems like WordPress and in back-end APIs for web applications.
What are common PHP frameworks?
Popular PHP frameworks include Laravel, Symfony and CodeIgniter, which help structure large applications and speed up development.
Can PHP work with databases?
Yes. PHP can connect to many databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL and SQLite, making it ideal for data-driven applications.
