Quick & Easy Tutorial: PHP: an Introduction

Senin, 14 Desember 2009

PHP: an Introduction

PHP web programming language is very simple, easy to learn and fun! Before you start working with PHP, check out this essential information.

What is PHP?

PHP is a server-side scripting language for creating dynamic Web pages. You create pages with PHP and HTML.

PHP (recursive acronym for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a widely-used open source general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for web development and can be embedded into HTML.

Is PHP for Free?

Of course! Like I mentioned above that PHP is open source. So, you can get it for free at http://php.net/downloads.php

How do I write a PHP script?

Writing a PHP script begins with the tag <? and ends with tag ?>. For example:

<?

echo "Hello world!";

?>

This is the explanation of the script above:

<? is the opening tag and ?> is the closing tag.
echo is a PHP command to write text to the screen.
Text to be written to the screen must be enclosed in double quotes.
Line ends with a mark ;

What do I need to write a PHP script?

You only need a regular text editor program that is available in the operating system, such as Notepad. However, I suggest you use a text editor Notepad + + because it has more features that will help us in working up the PHP script.

Notepad + + can be downloaded for free at notepad-plus.sourceforge.net.

How?

First, please download the software Notepad + + and then install into the computer
Run Notepad + + and then write an example script above
Click File> Save to save your files (A dialog box will be shown)
In the File name section, write the name of the file, for example MyFirstScript.php (Do not forget to include the extension. .php behind the name of the file)
In the Save as type section, select the PHP hypertext preprocessor file (*. php, *. php3)
Congratulations! you have successfully created a PHP file

So, how do I run my PHP script?

PHP is a server-based programming language. So, you will not be able to run on your computer. Why? Because your computer is not a server.

There are two ways you can take:

First, you use web hosting services on the internet, put your PHP files there and run it (for this you have to pay the web hosting service)
Second, you can make your computer as a local server (localhost) by using an application program that can make your computer as a localhost.