Lesson 1: Introduction to PHP
Understanding PHP
In this lesson, we'll introduce PHP and explore its key features, applications, and basic syntax. PHP is a server-side scripting language used for creating dynamic webpages and web applications.
Key Features of PHP
1. Server-Side Scripting:
PHP runs on the server side, generating dynamic content that is then sent to the client's web browser.
2. Integration with HTML:
PHP code can be embedded directly into HTML, allowing for seamless integration of dynamic content with static webpages.
3. Database Connectivity:
PHP provides built-in support for connecting to databases such as MySQL, allowing for the creation of database-driven web applications.
4. Wide Adoption:
PHP is widely adopted and supported by most web hosting providers, making it an accessible choice for web development.
5. Rich Ecosystem:
PHP has a large ecosystem of frameworks, libraries, and extensions that enhance its functionality and simplify development tasks.
Setting Up PHP Environment
To start programming in PHP, you'll need a web server with PHP support installed. You can set up a local development environment using software packages like XAMPP, WampServer, or MAMP, which include Apache (or another web server), PHP, and MySQL.
Writing Your First PHP Script
Let's write a simple "Hello, World!" script in PHP to get started:
```php <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <title>Hello, PHP!</title> </head> <body> <?php echo "Hello, PHP!"; ?> </body> </html> ```
Explanation
- PHP code is enclosed within `<?php ?>` tags.
- `echo` is used to output text to the webpage.
Running PHP Scripts
You can run PHP scripts by accessing them through a web browser. Save the above code in a file with a `.php` extension (e.g., `hello.php`) and open it in a web browser.
Example: Running Hello World Script
Save the above code in a file named `hello.php` and access it through a web browser (e.g., `http://localhost/hello.php` if using XAMPP).
Exercise
Practice writing and running PHP scripts. Experiment with different code snippets and explore PHP's syntax, features, and capabilities.