Lec3

• PHP


  Hypertext Preprocessor, a widely used open-source scripting language primarily designed for web development and can be embedded into HTML
• PHP was created by Danish-Canadian programmer Rasmus Lerdorf


  1994
• PHP


  • Originally as a set of Common Gateway Interface (CGI) binaries written in C for tracking visits to his online resume
  • Evolved into a full-fledged programming language with a rich set of features and functionalities
• Installing PHP

  1. Use a package manager like Homebrew for macOS or apt-get for Linux

  2. Download PHP binaries directly from the official PHP website and configure them manually

  3. Use pre-packaged solutions like XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP that bundle PHP along with other components
• XAMPP


  Cross-Platform, Apache, MySQL, PHP and Perl
• Importance of PHP

  • Versatility - can handle various tasks from creating dynamic web pages to building complex web applications
  • Ease of Use - simple and intuitive syntax, accessible to both beginners and experienced developers
  • Large Community and Resources - vast and active community contributing to its ecosystem
  • Compatibility - compatible with different operating systems and web servers
  • Scalability - powers a significant portion of the web, suitable for projects of all sizes
• Setting Up a Development Environment

  1. Local Development - use solutions like XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP

  2. Remote Development - ensure server has PHP installed and configured
• Writing PHP Code

  1. Create PHP Files with .php extension

  2. Embed PHP code directly into HTML files using <?php ?> tags

  3. PHP statements end with a semicolon (;)

  4. Basic Syntax: PHP statements end with a semicolon (;). Variables in PHP start with a dollar sign ($), followed by the variable name.

  5. Comments: Use // for single-line comments and /* */ for multi-line comments.
• Running PHP Code

  1. Local Testing - save PHP file in appropriate directory and access through web browser

  2. Remote Deployment - upload PHP files to web server using FTP or SSH and access through server's URL
• FTP


  File Transfer Protocol - computer software that facilitates the secure exchange of files over a TCP/IP
• TCP/IP

  Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol - a communications standard that enables application programs and devices to exchange messages over a network
• SSH

  Secure Shell - a network communication protocol that enables two computers to communicate and share data
• PHP Features

  • Variables
  • Operators
  • Control Structures
  • Functions
  • Arrays
  • Forms Handling
• Integrating with Web Applications

  1. Server-Side Processing - dynamically generate web content, handle user authentication, interact with databases

  2. Database Interaction - connect to databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite to perform CRUD operations

  3. Session Management - manage user sessions and cookies to maintain state across multiple requests

  4. File Handling - manipulate files and directories on the server
• User Sessions


  • A series of "user actions" performed by an individual on your website or web application within a specific timeframe
  • The user stays on your website
  • The user session lasts only for a certain amount of time (the standard is 30 minutes)
• Cookies


  • Text files with small pieces of data (like username and password) that identify your computer as you use a network
  • Specific cookies are used to identify specific users and improve their web browsing experience
• Learning Resources

  • Documentation - official PHP documentation (php.net)
  • Tutorials and Courses - online tutorials, courses, and books
  • Community Support - forums, user groups, and Q&A platforms