PHP is one of the most popular scripting language on the web used to further improve the quality of webpages. With the help of PHP, one can do various things like creating usernames, password logins, pages, create forums, picture galleries and surveys and many more creative things.
PHP stands for hypertext preprocessor. Many people question that its name should be HPP, but in reality PHP initially came from the earliest version of program which was named as “personal homepage”.
PHP is popularly known as a server language designed basically for web development, but can also be used for general purpose programming. It was originally created by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1994.
PHP can be embedded within HTML code to perform certain functions, for example PHP can be added to html in order to perform calculations. It also allows user to perform functions on a website such as posting on a forum or adding information.
PHP is also capable of editing simple graphics and also new graphics can be created when used in conjunction with G.D library. PHP technology is used to create captchas on a site that seeks to verify that a human is accessing information as opposed to an automated system.
PHP is quite similar to Java, but Java is run on the client side, PHP is always run and stored on the server. This keeps data and information more secure so that the other people or client cannot view code.
WHY PHP IS SO POPULAR
For the most dynamic and interactive computer language, the first impression that comes to mind is PHP. It is gaining popularity day by day as most web developers feel that it is too convenient to create unique and intuitive websites. PHP is an adaptable server side scripting language and free of cost.
PHP is easy to learn and understand which makes it one of the most popular languages. Any person coming from any background can also learn and understand it.
Programmers can influence the website as per the needs of clients. Most of the content management systems like Joomla, Drupal are prepared using PHP only.
It is most economical and cost effective as the customized version can be downloaded free of charge from the internet. Anyone can always download the latest version of PHP that too free of cost.
PHP is a flexible language and also very simple to widen this language as per the requirement of client. PHP is not an OS specific language, it can run on Linux, Windows, UNIX.
Most of the industries like bank, hospitals, govt., and big corporation use it which makes it a popular language.
ADVANTAGES OF CHOOSING PHP
PHP is one of the most popular and professional web development server side scripting language today. Its popularity can be assessed by the fact that 800 million websites are based on it. Though it is not the only web development language too like .NET, Python, Java, but still it is more preferred due to its various advantages.
It is a fully open source language means does not cost any money to use it. Anyone can download the latest version from internet that is cost efficient.
The worldwide community of developers maintain and update it regularly means it is easy to use.
Implementation of PHP is easy as it is a logical language based on code. It can be used to create all types of websites like Facebook and Wikipedia.
Its compatibility with all major operating systems being used these days like Windows, UNIX, Linux. It is so popular as a developer does not have to use separate codes for different platforms.
All the dominant web servers and databases like Netscape, Apache, MySQL, etc. support PHP.
PHP is a very secure language as it has a multilayered coding and it is a server based language so any person can see the codes.
