PHP is a widely-used, open-source scripting language especially suited for web development. Here's a breakdown of key aspects:
1. Core Concepts:
Server-Side Scripting:
PHP code is executed on the server, generating HTML (or other output) that is then sent to the user's browser. This distinguishes it from client-side languages like JavaScript, which run in the browser.
Embedding in HTML:
PHP code can be directly embedded within HTML, making it easy to create dynamic web pages.
Dynamic Content:
PHP allows you to generate content that changes based on user input, database information, or other factors.
Database Interaction:
PHP readily connects to various databases (like MySQL, PostgreSQL), enabling you to store and retrieve data.
2. Key Features and Characteristics:
Open Source:
PHP is free to use and distribute.
Cross-Platform:
It runs on various operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS).
Large Community:
A vast community provides support, resources, and libraries.
Web Frameworks:
Frameworks like Laravel and Symfony simplify web application development.
3. Where PHP is Used:
Websites and Web Applications:
From simple websites to complex web applications, PHP is a popular choice.
Content Management Systems (CMS):
Popular CMS platforms like WordPress are built with PHP.
E-commerce:
PHP is used to create online stores and e-commerce solutions.
4. Learning Resources:
php.net:
The official PHP website is an excellent resource for documentation and information.
Online Tutorials:
Websites like TutorialsPoint, W3Schools, and various online platforms offer PHP tutorials.
Online Courses:
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Codecademy provide structured PHP courses.
GitHub:
GitHub is a great place to see open source PHP projects, and the PHP source code itself.
5. Important Considerations:
Security:
Like any programming language, PHP requires careful attention to security to prevent vulnerabilities. Staying up to date on current versions is very important.
Version Updates:
It is very important to use current PHP versions. Using outdated versions creates security risks.
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is the standard technology to keep an internet connection secure, safeguarding any sensitive data that is being sent between two systems, can be server to server or a server and a client, preventing criminals from reading and modifying any information transferred. SSL uses encryption algorithms to scramble data in transit, makes sure that any data transferred between users and sites, or between two systems remain impossible to read, preventing hackers from reading it as it is sent over the connection. TLS (Transport Layer Security) is an updated, more secure, version of SSL. Not only is TLS more secure and performant, most modern web browsers no longer support SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0. While SSL is still the dominant term on the Internet, most people really mean TLS when they say SSL. HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) appears in the URL when a website is secured by an SSL certificate. The details of the certificate, including the issuing aut...