Introduction to PHP – Learn PHP from Scratch with Practical Examples

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Welcome to your complete beginner’s Introduction to PHP. Whether you are starting your journey into web development or planning to become a backend developer, this tutorial will help you understand the foundation of PHP — one of the most widely used programming languages for dynamic websites.

At PHPOnline.in, we aim to make PHP simple, engaging, and job-ready for learners across all levels.

1. What is PHP?

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language designed for web development. It can be embedded within HTML and is used to manage dynamic content, databases, session tracking, and even build entire e-commerce sites.

✅ PHP is open-source and powers over 75% of websites, including WordPress, Wikipedia, and Facebook components.

2. History of PHP

PHP was created in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf. Initially named “Personal Home Page”, it evolved into PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor and became a full-fledged programming language by PHP 3 in 1998.

Today, with versions like PHP 8.3, it offers powerful features like:

  • Just-in-Time Compilation (JIT)
  • Attributes (Annotations)
  • Match expressions

🔗 Related: PHP Version Guide

3. Why Learn PHP in 2025?

Many wonder — is PHP still worth learning?
Absolutely! Here’s why:

  • Widely Used: Over 3 billion websites use PHP
  • Job Opportunities: Thousands of companies need PHP developers
  • CMS Platforms: WordPress, Drupal, Joomla are PHP-based
  • Simplicity: Easy to get started
  • Strong Community: Millions of active users

🔗 Read: Is PHP Still Relevant?

4. Key Features of PHP

  • Open Source
  • Platform Independent
  • Fast Execution
  • Database Integration (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
  • Supports OOP
  • Secure and Flexible
  • Rich Framework Support (Laravel, Symfony)

5. Installing PHP on Your Computer

Tools Required

  • XAMPP / WAMP / MAMP (for local development)
  • Text Editor (VS Code, Notepad++, Sublime)
  • Browser (Chrome, Firefox)

Steps to Install XAMPP:

  1. Download from apachefriends.org
  2. Install XAMPP
  3. Start Apache server
  4. Place your .php files in the htdocs folder

🔗 Step-by-step: Install PHP with XAMPP

6. Running Your First PHP Script

phpCopyEdit<?php
echo "Hello, PHP World!";
?>

Explanation:

  • <?php opens PHP mode
  • echo prints output
  • Statements end with ;

Run this file in your browser using:
http://localhost/hello.php

7. PHP Syntax Explained

  • PHP scripts start with <?php and end with ?>
  • Statements end with a semicolon
  • PHP is case-insensitive for keywords (like echo, if)
  • Case-sensitive for variables ($Var1 ≠ $var1)
phpCopyEdit<?php
$number = 10;
echo $number;
?>

8. PHP Variables and Data Types

Syntax

phpCopyEdit$variableName = value;

Data Types

  • String: $name = "PHP";
  • Integer: $age = 20;
  • Float: $price = 10.5;
  • Boolean: $isOpen = true;
  • Array: $fruits = ["Apple", "Banana"];
  • Object: Created from classes
  • NULL: Represents no value

🔗 Explore more: PHP Variables and Constants

9. PHP Comments

phpCopyEdit// Single line comment
# Also a single line
/* Multi-line
comment */

Comments are ignored by the PHP interpreter and used to explain code logic.

10. PHP Constants

Constants cannot be changed once defined.

phpCopyEditdefine("SITE_NAME", "PHPOnline");
echo SITE_NAME;
  • Defined using define()
  • Global scope
  • Case-sensitive by default

11. PHP Operators

Types:

  • Arithmetic: +, -, *, /, %
  • Assignment: =, +=, -=
  • Comparison: ==, !=, >, <
  • Logical: &&, ||, !

12. Control Structures

Used to make decisions and loops.

phpCopyEditif ($age > 18) {
  echo "Adult";
} else {
  echo "Minor";
}

Loops:

  • for, while, do-while, foreach

13. Introduction to Functions

Functions allow code reusability:

phpCopyEditfunction greet($name) {
  return "Hello, $name!";
}
echo greet("PHP");

14. PHP and HTML Integration

PHP integrates directly with HTML to build dynamic websites.

phpCopyEdit<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>
  <h1><?php echo "Welcome to PHP"; ?></h1>
</body>
</html>

15. Real-World Use Cases

PHP is used for:

  • Contact Forms
  • User Authentication
  • E-commerce Backends
  • CMS Development
  • API Integration

16. PHP in CMS and Frameworks

CMS Platforms:

  • WordPress
  • Drupal
  • Magento

Frameworks:

  • Laravel
  • CodeIgniter
  • Symfony

🔗 Related: PHP Frameworks Compared

17. PHP vs Other Languages

FeaturePHPPythonNode.js
Server-Side✅✅✅
SyntaxEasyBeginnerModerate
PerformanceModerateHighVery High
Hosting CostLowMediumHigh

18. Tips for Beginners

  • Practice every day
  • Build small projects
  • Read PHP documentation
  • Join PHP communities (Reddit, Stack Overflow)
  • Use version control (Git)

19. What’s Next?

After learning the basics, explore:

  • PHP with MySQL
  • Object-Oriented PHP
  • PHP Security
  • Laravel or WordPress Development
  • Build a CRUD Project

🔗 Start here: PHP with MySQL Course

20. FAQ – Introduction to PHP

Q1. What is PHP?

PHP is a server-side scripting language used to build dynamic web pages and web applications.

Q2. Is PHP hard to learn?

No. PHP has a simple and readable syntax that is beginner-friendly.

Q3. Can PHP run on Windows?

Yes. PHP works on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Q4. Is PHP free to use?

Yes, PHP is completely free and open-source.

Q5. Can PHP connect to databases?

Absolutely. PHP supports multiple databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.

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