PHP: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get Started

If you’ve ever browsed a site that feels fast, dynamic, and cheap to host, chances are PHP is behind the scenes. It’s the language that runs WordPress, Drupal, and countless custom apps. Even with newer stacks popping up, PHP still powers over 75% of the web, so learning it isn’t a hobby—it’s a solid career move.

Why Choose PHP?

First off, PHP is easy to set up. A single LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack can be installed on any desktop, letting you build and test locally without a cloud account. The language’s syntax mirrors plain English, so beginners stop scratching their heads after a few lines.

Second, the ecosystem is massive. From the tiny Slim micro‑framework to the full‑featured Laravel, you can pick the right tool for any project size. Documentation is plentiful, and forums like Stack Overflow have answers for almost any error you’ll hit.

Third, job boards still list PHP as a top skill for backend roles, especially in agencies that manage WordPress sites. Companies love PHP because it’s cheap to host and proven for high‑traffic sites. In short, you get a low barrier to entry, a ton of real‑world use, and decent pay.

Getting Started with PHP Today

1. Install a local server. Grab XAMPP (Windows/macOS) or MAMP (macOS) and fire it up. It bundles Apache, MySQL, and PHP so you can start coding instantly.

2. Write your first script. Create a file called hello.php and add:

<?php
    echo "Hello, PHP!";
?>

Place it in the htdocs folder and visit http://localhost/hello.php. If you see the text, you’re in business.

3. Learn the basics. Focus on variables, arrays, loops, and functions. Sites like PHP.net have clear examples, and the “PHP for Beginners” tag on our blog offers bite‑size posts that walk you through each concept.

4. Pick a framework. If you want to build larger apps, Laravel is the go‑to choice. Its routing, Eloquent ORM, and Blade templating make everyday tasks painless. Follow the official “Laravel 10” starter guide, and you’ll have a CRUD app up in a day.

5. Connect to a database. PHP’s PDO extension lets you talk to MySQL safely. A quick PDO snippet looks like this:

$pdo = new PDO('mysql:host=localhost;dbname=test', 'user', 'pass');
$stmt = $pdo->query('SELECT * FROM users');
while ($row = $stmt->fetch()) {
    echo $row['email'];
}

Understanding how to fetch and display data is the heart of most web apps.

6. Secure your code. Never trust input. Use filter_input() for sanitizing, and always prepare statements to avoid SQL injection.

7. Deploy. When you’re ready, move your code to a cheap shared host that supports PHP, or spin up a VPS with Docker. A simple git push and a few composer install steps are all you need.

Lastly, stay updated. PHP releases a new major version roughly every year—PHP 8.3 added enums and improved JIT performance. Subscribing to the “PHP News” tag on our site keeps you in the loop without the noise.

Whether you’re after a freelance gig, a full‑time job, or just want to tweak a WordPress theme, PHP gives you the tools to turn ideas into live sites. Grab a local environment, write your first script, and watch the web come alive under your fingertips.