PHP Introduction

What PHP is and how it works.

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PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language. PHP code runs on the server, and the browser only receives the resulting HTML.

What PHP can do

Generate dynamic page content.
Read and save data in databases such as MySQL.
Handle forms, logins, sessions and cookies.
Create, read and upload files.
Power frameworks and CMSs like Laravel, Symfony and WordPress.

PHP files end in .php and can mix HTML with PHP code.

Key Takeaways: PHP Introduction

Mastering PHP Introduction helps you write clean and reliable PHP code. Follow standard conventions, test edge cases, and keep logic simple. Try running the code example below and complete the exercises to build confidence.

PHP Introduction Code Example

PHP

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>
  <h1><?php echo "Hello from PHP!"; ?></h1>
  <p>Today is <?php echo date("l"); ?>.</p>
</body>
</html>

Output

Hello from PHP!
Today is Thursday.

Run this example on your own computer. The "Get Started" lesson shows how to set it up.

PHP Introduction Practice Exercises

Check what you learned in “PHP Introduction”.

/ 2 solved

Fill in the blank

Open a block of PHP code.

 echo "Hello"; ?>

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

Multiple choice

Where does PHP code run?

On the server In the browser In the database In CSS

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

to save your exercise progress.

Finished this lesson?

Mark it complete to track your progress.

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PHP Install

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PHP Introduction

What PHP can do

💡 Key Takeaways: PHP Introduction

PHP Introduction Code Example

PHP Introduction Practice Exercises

Key Takeaways: PHP Introduction