Using the PHP scripting language, a PHP programmer creates scripts and codes for various websites and applications. PHP is used to create dynamic web applications that rely on user input to display information correctly. PHP scripts send commands to the database to retrieve and display the appropriate information, which is stored in a MySQL database. Many web applications rely on it as their foundation.
Because PHP can be embedded in HTML, it can be used to keep track of visitors to a website, update displays of new content published to specific areas of a website, and control the overall display of content on a user-by-user basis. PHP is an open source scripting language, which means it is free to use and is maintained a community of volunteer programmers. A simple text editor will suffice for coding practice, but unless PHP is downloaded and installed on the computer used to create the code, a live testing server with PHP support will be required to test the code.
Because the two languages share syntax rules, it’s a good idea to have a foundation in HTML before learning any PHP code. Though no formal education is required, PHP is likely to be covered in web design or web development courses. Time, dedication, and practice with the coding language are all required to learn PHP. Many books on the subject are available, as well as free tutorials and online resources. Before learning how to implement PHP, a programmer should expect to spend a significant amount of time studying the language’s structure.
PHP programmers can work for web development firms or for themselves as freelance PHP programmers. PHP programmers are frequently employed web design and development firms to assist with a variety of projects, and projects may be outsourced to freelancers to fill in gaps during periods of high demand. A number of freelance job websites offer PHP programmers the opportunity to bid on projects, giving them access to work from a variety of sources.
A PHP programmer may have the luxury of working on multiple projects at the same time. He or she may be responsible for testing and debugging code in addition to writing it so that it works flawlessly when it reaches the client. Freelance PHP programmers can market their skills creating a portfolio that highlights their education and experience, as well as links to completed projects. Programmers looking for projects for their portfolio might want to create and host mock websites to show off their work in action.