Bang Up Basics Into PHP Programming

Are you a complete beginner in the world of web development? It's quite common to feel overwhelmed when starting out, especially since the range of resources available (free or paid) appear endless. It's a journey to learn the ropes of code and develop your skills both as a full-stack web developer and a freelancer. To get started you'll need to figure out which tech stack you'd like to develop your skills around, as there are a number of popular options such as JavaScript, React, Python, and PHP. In this blog, we'll focus on the basics of getting started with PHP programming!

What is PHP?

PHP is a widely used server-side programming language used in web development. A server-side language means that code is executed on the server, and the resulting HTML is sent to the browser. PHP also provides a lot of additional functionality, like storing data in databases, sending emails, and interacting with other web systems.

Advantages of using PHP

• It is open source software, so it is free to use and modify.
• It is easy to learn and use.
• It runs on all major operating systems such as Linux, Macintosh, and Windows.
• It is extremely powerful, yet flexible.
• It is widely supported by developers and web hosting providers.

What do you need to Start with PHP Programming

• A code editor such as Atom, Sublime Text, or Visual Studio Code
• A web server such as Apache or Nginx
• PHP packaged with the web server, or a separate install
• A database such as MySQL or MariaDB
• VPS Server such as Digital Ocean, Linode, etc
• An operating system such as Linux (Ubuntu, Debian etc.)

Some of these items can be installed on your local machine, but for web development, it’s best to use a VPS server. A virtual private server (VPS) provides an environment with more security, flexibility and control than shared hosting.

Best Resources to Learn PHP Programming

• W3 Schools - The W3 Schools website offers endless resources and tutorials for learning PHP, from beginners to advanced.
• Tutorials Point – Tutorials Point is the perfect resource for PHP programming beginners, It provides comprehensive tutorials with examples.
• PHP Manuals - The official PHP Manuals provide complete documentation of all PHP functions, classes, and methods, as well as extensive sample code.
• Codecademy – Codecademy offers an interactive and detailed course to get started with PHP. It also provides access to resources for building projects and creating code challenges.
• Udemy – Udemy has a number of courses on PHP, both free and paid. It also offers very detailed courses and is home to some of the best resources on the web.

Best Youtube Channels for Learning PHP

• PHP Academy - PHP Academy is one of the best channels to learn PHP from.
• Source Code Monkey – Source Code Monkey is a great resource for systems administrators and web developers looking to learn PHP.
• The Tech Guy - The Tech Guy offers comprehensive and easy-to-understand video tutorials for learning PHP and other web technologies.
• The New Boston – The New Boston is a great channel for beginners learning about web development, with a focus on PHP.
• CodeForWin – CodeForWin provides tutorials on a wide range of topics ranging from HTML to JavaScript to PHP.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to get started with web development, learning the basics of PHP programming is the perfect way to begin. With the right resources and guidance, you can quickly become a proficient programmer and go on to become a freelancer or a full-stack web developer. The resources mentioned in this blog are excellent starting points. So, get started today, and enjoy the journey of learning PHP programming!