What Makes PHP Different From a Programming Language?

There are many software languages like C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Pearl, and Ruby etc amongst these PHP is perhaps the most powerful and easy to grasp language. The computer was introduced to solve complex mathematical calculations. PHP Programming Language is probably the most important scripting language amongst other programming languages.

It is mainly used to enhance web pages, create usernames and passwords, login details, check details in a form, picture galleries, forums and a whole lot of other creations. It is also a server-side language as it does not get executed on the computer. It transforms the input or the command that is given to it and it gives the final output through this language. A PHP works only when the PHP code is entered in the HTML page and then the output is obtained from the web browser. PHP in general can perform various functions that can make an individual justify for pursuing the course.

What is PHP?

The full of PHP is PHP Hypertext Preprocessor. The P in PHP is the acronym that is used to identify the whole thing. It is called the Preprocessor because the PHP codes are processed before sending them to the browser. PHP is a scripting language/ programming language and very C like. Scripting languages are more useful for creating websites that web developers create rather than programming languages. Programming language requires an advanced set of features built into the language.

PHP Programming Language allows web developers to create dynamic websites that interact with databases. So, it is very important to have a centre that conducts PHP courses especially for the students and candidates who are residents to have professional training. Prior to PHP, the web world was stuck to the usage of the very slow CGI technology which means Common Gateway Interface.

As PHP has both the features of scripting language and programming language, the users can get the best of both worlds and can do so many things with it. PHP offers a web developer more freedom and choices with a higher level of detail. It is open-source and free which means that users can download from any kind of PHP downloading websites with the required licenses or permits and get going. Moreover, no kind of renewal charges is taken after downloading the PHP application. The application is fast, stable and most importantly very cross plat-formed. It is compatible with any kind of servers and all kinds of operating systems.

PHP Programming Language

PHP is a server-side scripting language, especially suited for the creation of dynamic web pages. This programming language offers web developers a large selection of instruments. PHP, which has become the basis for many web applications, allows easy insertion in HTML code and connection to MySQL and PgSQL Databases.

The beginning of PHP and PHP 3

PHP was created in 1995 by Rasmus Lerdorf and means Personal Home Page language. Ever since its beginning, it has been one of the most intuitive programming languages used for the creation of dynamic web pages. Later, when the PHP team was formed, the parser was rewritten and PHP version 3.0 saw the light of day. The PHP 3 version was the first serious improvement of the PHP language, which fixed a lot of bugs and completely redesigned the PHP core.

Let's see, for example, a sample PHP code, which relays on the Echo command to display "Hello World!":

The "Hello World!" script:

<?php
echo 'Hello World!';
?>

One of the most notable advantages of the PHP language is its ability to easily interact with databases. Below you can see several examples of how PHP manipulates with a MySQL database:

Examples of PHP manipulations with MySQL

<?php
// Connecting, selecting database
$link = mysql_connect('dbhost', 'dbuser', 'dbpassword')
    or die('Could not connect: ' . mysql_error());
mysql_select_db('my_database');

// Performing SQL query
$query = 'SELECT name, qty, price FROM products';
$result = mysql_query($query)
    or die('Query failed: ' . mysql_error());

// Printing result
while ($row = mysql_fetch_assoc($result)) {
    echo "Product:".$row['name']
        .", Quantity:".$row['qty']
        .", Price:".$row['price']."
";
}

// Free resultset
mysql_free_result($result);

// Closing connection
mysql_close($link);
?>

PHP 4

The launch of PHP4 marked serious progress in the usage of the programming language. This is the first version powered by the Zend Engine, which allows working with encoded files through the Zend Optimizer. PHP 4 also saw the introduction of the superglobals - $_GET, $_POST, $_SESSION.

PHP 5

The latest, so far, version 5 introduced a completely reworked, advanced object-oriented programming support, as well as many improvements towards better productivity and security. PHP 5 is an attempt to break from the PHP 3 era, while still offering almost complete backwards compatibility. Unfortunately, this PHP version still does not offer native support for Unicode or multibyte strings.

PHP with NTC Hosting

NTC Hosting offers its clients an ultimate PHP hosting solution with the possibility to choose the older, but proven PHP4, or to easily upgrade to the newer PHP5. To change the PHP version, simply go to the PHP Settings menu in our Web Hosting Control Panel and select your preferred PHP revision.



Another special bonus for our clients is the opportunity to easily configure PHP according to their specific needs by means of a custom php.ini file, which we offer to them in our PHP web hosting plans. This will provide web developers with the much-needed freedom of configuring PHP to their liking, without having to go for a more expensive dedicated solution.

Given the above-mentioned features: secure and fast servers, PHP4, and PHP5 web hosting support, the customizable php.ini file, and the integrated system for the installation of more than 30 popular PHP scripts, NTC Hosting is the right choice for your website.

Is PHP Programming Language The Right Choice?

PHP is a great option for many reasons. Here are some reasons why the language may be right for you or your project:

Fast Load Time

PHP results in faster site loading speeds. PHP codes run much faster than ASP because it runs in its own memory space while ASP uses an overhead server and a COM-based architecture.

Less Expensive Software

In working with PHP, most tools associated with the program are open source software, such as WordPress, so you need not pay for them. As for ASP, you might need to buy additional tools to work with its programs.

Less Expensive Hosting

ASP programs need to run on Windows servers with IIS installed. Hosting companies need to purchase both of these components in order for ASP to work, this often results in a more expensive cost for monthly hosting services. On the other hand, a PHP would only require running on a Linux server, which is available through a hosting provider at no additional cost.

Database Flexibility

PHP is flexible for database connectivity. It can connect to several databases the most commonly used is the MySQL. MySQL can be used for free. If ASP is used, MS-SQL, a Microsoft product must be purchased.

Increased Available Programming Talent

PHP is used more often creating a larger pool of talent to choose from for modifications and building and lowering the cost per hour for those services. And making it easier to find someone to update your site in the future if you choose to hire a staff member for the task or work with an alternate provider than the one who built your site.