What is PHP?
PHP is a server-side scripting language used to build dynamic websites. It powers WordPress, Facebook (originally), and millions of websites worldwide. This is a foundational concept in server-side web development that professional developers rely on daily. The explanations below are written to be beginner-friendly while covering the depth and nuance that comes from real-world PHP experience. Take your time with each section and practice the examples
What is PHP?
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language designed for web development. Created by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1994, PHP runs on the server and generates HTML that is sent to the browser. Unlike HTML/CSS/JavaScript which run in the browser, PHP runs on the web server. WordPress (43% of all websites), Wikipedia, and Facebook were originally built with PHP.
Why Learn PHP?
- Powers 77% of all websites with server-side languages
- WordPress, Drupal, Joomla — all built with PHP
- Easy to learn — beginner-friendly syntax
- Works with MySQL for database-driven websites — a critical concept in server-side web development that you will use frequently in real projects
- Large hosting support — almost every web host supports PHP
- Good job market — PHP developers are in demand
Your First PHP Program
<?php
// This is a PHP comment
echo "Hello, World!";
echo "<br>";
echo "Welcome to PHP!";
echo "<br>";
echo "I am learning PHP!";
?>