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PHP (PHP Hypertext Preprocessor) is a scripting language used to create dynamic web pages. Its syntax is derived from C, Java, and Perl. PHP code can be embedded directly into an HTML page, which is then executed on the server every time the page is visited. PHP is normally used to extract data from a database, and to present that data in a web page. It is supported by NT/2000 and Unix Web servers, and is often used in conjunction with a MySQL database. It was originally called Personal Home Page.
PHP was conceived in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf. Its popularity has grown over the years. To see the number of domains on which it is currently installed, go to www.php.net/usage.php.
PHP is an Open Source product, which means you have access to the source code. You can alter and redistribute it without charge.
When compared to its main competitors (JavaServer Pages (JSP), Active Server Pages (ASP), Perl, and ColdFusion), PHP's main strengths are:
- interfaces to many database systems
- high performance
- easy to learn and use
- portable - it works on many different operating systems
- free
- supports object oriented programming techniques
- loads of libraries for many common tasks
Resources
History of Programming Languages
Programming Timeline
Rasmus Lerdorf
www.php.net
www.zend.com
www.phpcommunity.org
www.phpmag.net
www.phpbuilder.com
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