PHP is the most widely used web scripting language. It enables even relatively inexperienced programmers to develop dynamic web sites for virtually any web application under the Sun (this is an inside joke which will be explained below.) This article introduces PHP and its companions. First we will discuss a bit of its history.
PHP originally meant Personal Home Page when first created in 1994 right around the time that graphical web browsers started to bloom. It is a good thing that the name was changed. This programming language does a lot besides prepare personal home pages, which it happens to do very well. PHP now stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. You may think that the letters are in the wrong order, but this is an inside joke. Many of its fans have a weird sense of humor.
PHP is part of the LAMP suite of open-source (free) software. The L stands for Linux, a Unix-based operating system that is a direct competitor to Microsoft Windows. To run LAMP on Windows computers you will perform two separate downloads, one for Linux and one for Easy PHP which brings in the remaining LAMP components. You can run these three components on almost any Windows computer, even one that seemed ready for the garbage heap. To test your web programs you need a browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox but you don't need a live Internet connection.
The A in LAMP stands for Apache, the most widely used web server. You can run Apache alongside PHP, testing your programs in a live environment.
The M in LAMP stands for MySQL, the most widely used database management system. Sun Microsystems recently purchased MySQL for more than one billion dollars. But don't worry; this product remains free of cost for small and medium-sized systems. When your system gets big enough, you won't mind paying the relatively small cost of the professional version of MySQL.
PHP runs on the server, the computer managed by Apache. Let me remind you that you only need a single computer to run the program and develop and test your website. When the time comes for other people to access your website you will have to host the site on the Web. This means naming your site and dealing with a web-hosting company. You must pay for your site name and in most cases you also pay for hosting your domain. The web hosting company may charge extra for Linux and MySQL services and support. Many webmasters believe that Linux offers a more professional environment. Others prefer the more familiar Microsoft Windows. It will be your choice.
The recent boom in field of Information Technology has seen a steep rise in the demand of trained professionals in PHP and MySQL. Software companies specializing in php mysql web development are always searching for skilled professionals for recruitment in several important projects. The current supply of PHP experts is much below par, in terms of potential growth in the industry.
To train the educated work force in this regard various MySQL and PHP training courses have been developed. These courses provide elaborate training to the professionals for developing website with the usage of these languages.
PHP Training Objectives
Two main objectives of php and mysql web development program are:
•To develop skills to create interactive and data-driven sites
•Skill development for database creation in MySQL programming
Prerequisites For Training
The most important criteria for acquiring PHP training is thorough knowledge of HTML. The course should focus on any level in programming for teaching database creation.
On the other hand there are courses for fresher in the field of php and mysql web development. Some institutes like Indus Net Academy, has launched ACE Web Developer course with the aim of teaching real applications in PHP and MySQL. These courses are beneficial for creating awareness among candidates about programming language.
Course Details
Once you get enrolled into these training courses you can acquire knowledge in areas like PHP Programming Fundamentals, Strings Functions, Arrays Functions, HTML/CSS and Forms, File Handling and Email Handling in PHP, Object Oriented PHP and Session Handling etc. On the other hand, the ACE Web Developer course emphasizes on other programming languages such as MySQL Basics, Extended PHP, OOPS in PHP 5, Exception handling in PHP 5, XML / SOAP etc.
Another vital aspect of these php mysql development courses are; 70% hands-on and 30% lecture ratio, as far as the training part of the course are concerned. By engaging the students in live projects the courses ensure that the students have a thorough understanding of the actual application of such programming languages.
So if you have some knowledge about HTML, then you can get online training as well as work as a freelancer for php mysql web development. Some of the requirements essential for learning this programming language are:
•A personal computer at home •Linux, Windows, MacOS X, or Solaris operating system •Web server (either Apache httpd or Microsoft IIS) •PHP 5 or later with the PEAR extensions enabled •MySQL 4.1 or later (5 or later recommended) •Internet Explorer 6 or Firefox 2
PHP programmers can now get quality work through the Internet from the freelancing websites. It is an open source language and is free to install and use. This is the main reason for the increase in the popularity of this language.
Both Levi Reiss & Markus Fernandez are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Levi Reiss has sinced written about articles on various topics from Touring Italy, Travel and Leisure and Food and Drink. Once upon a time Levi Reiss wrote ten computer and Internet books either alone or with a co-author. Now he has moved on to building websites, including global wine (