PHP Fundamentals

PHP is an open-source programming language that integrates easily with web servers to create web pages dynamically and store data in a database such as MySQL or MS Access.

How to work in PHP

1. Install the PHP programming language and integrate it with Apache or IIS web servers
2. Configure the php.ini file to specify error-reporting levels, mail servers, and more
3. Implement common programming constructs in PHP: variables, conditionals, loops, input, and output
4. Implement advanced programming constructs in PHP: arrays, associative arrays, escape special characters, and define functions
5. Programmatically retrieve and process HTML form tag input data
6. Send emails programmatically from PHP scripts (e.g., registration confirmations)
7. Store and retrieve data in a MySQL database
8. Connect to, and manipulate data in any ODBC-compatible database, such as MS Access, SQL Server, or Oracle
9. Manage session data, such as with logins and shopcart data
10. Read from, and write to, text files on the server
11. Implement common web techniques such as data drill-downs, database updates, and login/logout systems