On this site, we've previously discussed numerous web languages, such as HTML and CSS layout, as well as several JavaScript samples. Today, I'd want to introduce you to a fourth case that has surfaced previously but has not been thoroughly examined. It's all about PHP. This language serves more distinct functions than the others, and it differs in that it cannot be processed directly in the browser without external resources. We need the system in question to comprehend it, which we shall do by installing the software package described below.
What does PHP have to offer, and why should we utilize it?
PHP is a programming language used to handle data on servers and display it mainly on the screen. Whenever we need to access data from a database, we'll see it in action, such as managing users or showing product listings. Form registrations (made in HTML) or online businesses where gender is shown in tables are examples. But how exactly does it work? To address that question, we must first remember that we require a system that can run said code, which needs the following to be installed:
MySQL serves as database management and is powered by Apache, a web server software. Works with the SQL protocol, which is a standard for organising data on a server. PHP is the desired target language.
To have these three software, we need a WAMP programme in Windows (also MAMP or LAMP depending on whether you use Mac or Linux) that creates the entire environment for us to work in. At this point, we can see that PHP programming is growing more complex in terms of infrastructure than in earlier instances. Still, the most intriguing aspect is that HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP can all be integrated, and the fact is that they are inextricably intertwined. I'll give you an example to help you understand: we want to create a new user registration for our system. Need:
We'll create a form in HTML.
We'll use CSS to add some styles to make it look more appealing.
A piece of programming code that will logically log into a database. This is when PHP comes into play.
Finally, and optionally, we may utilise JavaScript to send "Registered User" style messages to the user, which will display on the screen.
What role does PHP play now that we know what we require and how they interact with one other? To query the server, we must first realise that we need a basic understanding of SQL (instructions that allow us to know the amount of data we have or even make filters under some parameters). Assume we want to see only the glasses at an online store that sells home supplies for the kitchen. Whenever we didn't have PHP, we'd have to do all the tables manually, product by product, so if a new glass enters into stock, we'd have to go back to HTML and input it ourselves. Internally, the server is "asked" for the number of cups. Using a loop (similar to the one used in JavaScript), the table is produced automatically or dynamically known in programming. This saves us a lot of time because we don't have to manually update the table as long as there are new goods in the database. In the opposite situation, the same thing occurs: PHP will update it for us if a data point is destroyed.
Also Learn This
How to Learn PHP Programming
Now that we know how it works and what it can do let's look at how we can learn PHP.
To begin, and as previously said, we will require WAMP (or the version for our operating system). Once installed, we may start creating files in the ".php" format. I propose that you visit the W3Schools online academy, where you can get step-by-step instruction on basic principles as well as examples that you can test in real-time. To indicate that we will be writing PHP code, we shall use:
?php>
code
?>
It's worth noting that it's very similar to when we start JavaScript code and type:
<script>
It would help if you believed that everything you learned in JavaScript, such as loops, variable assignments, and so on, is present here. For example, in JS, defining a variable is done as follows:
var = variable's value
In PHP, we'd say:
variable Equals variable's value
This reminds us of what I said earlier: if we study a programming language thoroughly, the others are simply the same notions in another language. This means that, while the code is different, the concepts of defining variables, creating loops, producing conditions, and so on remain the same.
As a result of a brief overview, we have:
1. PHP is used to create dynamic websites, mainly when dealing with data that changes over time.
2. Used in conjunction with HTML, CSS, and, if desired, JavaScript.
3. It is a programming language that necessitates the installation of WAMP (MAMP or LAMP according to Mac or Linux)
4. It can save us time by displaying info to consumers.
5. Because it is a web language, we do not require a large machine to learn it.
6. We have a large online community to learn from, particularly W3Schools.
I strongly advise you to learn this language, and you may do so by enrolling in our Programming course with HTML5 and CSS, which includes the PHP module. There you will find all of the keys to carrying out this plan without difficulty and with the assistance of an instructor.
We live in an era where the network is critical. More and more businesses want developers who understand this language for all of its benefits to online stores, sites with varied data that they want to present to their consumers, and so on.
Also Learn This