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PHP Introduction
What is PHP?
PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is a widely-used open-source scripting language that is especially suited for web development and can be embedded into HTML.
History of PHP
PHP was created by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1994 and has gone through several versions, with PHP 8 being the latest major release. It has evolved significantly to support modern web development practices.
PHP Syntax
PHP code is executed on the server, and the result is returned to the browser as plain HTML. PHP scripts are enclosed within special PHP tags.
Common Use Cases
PHP is used for server-side scripting, command line scripting, and writing desktop applications. It powers many content management systems like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.
Integration with Databases
PHP can easily connect to databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, making it a powerful tool for creating dynamic web pages and applications.
Community and Support
PHP has a large community and extensive documentation, making it easy for developers to find resources and support for their projects.
<?php
echo "Hello, World!";
?>
Hello World Example
The above code is a simple PHP script that outputs "Hello, World!" to the browser. This is often the first program written by those learning a new programming language.
Embedding PHP in HTML
PHP can be embedded directly into HTML, allowing for dynamic content generation based on server-side logic.
Variables and Data Types
PHP supports various data types, including integers, floats, strings, arrays, and objects, providing flexibility in handling different types of data.
Control Structures
PHP includes control structures like if-else, switch, and loops, which allow developers to execute code conditionally and repeatedly.
Functions
Functions in PHP allow for code reuse and organization, enabling developers to create modular and maintainable codebases.
PHP and Security
Security is a critical aspect of PHP development, with practices such as input validation, output escaping, and using prepared statements to prevent SQL injection.
Console Output:
Hello, World!
