How php works

As we discussed in what is php lesson php require a server to excute. The different part is while normal html designed sites send uploaded pages directly, php has a engine to generate html pages inside the server. Below is the basic structure of the process.

What is php

PHP(PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server side scripting language and open source project to develop dynamic web applications. server side means php is designed to run in server computer not in the client browsing computer. This lead to many advantages like speed executing, browsing client can't view source code..etc. Scripting language means a programming language that allows control one or more applications. And you know what opensource means. The simple definition is the project is free to use. Php has special ability to embed with html. This means html codes put between php will work normally(There are ways to do this). Dynamic stands for opposite of static. Static means user get fixed web page. With dynamic web programming user can change, capable of do action with output.

As php require a server it won't work in normal environment like html do. There are tools to turn a computer to server to let us debug(check before moving to production environment) php applications. Unlike Html even after installing server in your computer you have to put your application in certain place to work.

When it comes to web programming php has a great place among other programming languages. Popular CMS(Content management systems) like wordpress built with php and there is huge market for php developer jobs.

What you need to know before learning php

Before trying to learn php language there are some things you need to know. Some knowledge in HTML(Hyper text markup language) is better. If you are a novice to programming world, php is a good language to learn first. Some senior programmers recommend python is the best choice to enter programming world. I personally admit as it is easy to learn python as a beginner and you will love to build python applications. But you are from web design field and need to expand your career with web development with learning cms platforms like wordpress, php with MySql is the best choise.

CSS(cascading style sheets) is one other field to know if you are worrying about user interface in you application. If you don't have basic knowledge in above fields (HTML and CSS) and like to learn them while learning php its also good.

Knowledge from other programming language like c,c++,c#,java will speedup the learning process but it is optional. You will learn that php also have same functional things like arrays, loops..etc. If you know when to use arrays, loops.. it is a advantage for learning php algorithms.

Having a logical mind is important to learn and use php successfully in your applications. I would say it may be little bit hard to learn php as a novice without logical thinking skills. But if you are a hard worker practicing some more excises and reading tutorials again and again will do the job. Also Remember that you should do more excises than reading tutorials with learning from your mistakes. Php has a good error reporting system which will ease the job. Stackoverflow is a good place to get help regarding your php problems. Stackoverflow has great community and your problem will be answered within minutes.