What is PHP?

PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor and is a server-side scripting language. This means that the script will run on your web server, not on the user’s browser, so you do not need to worry about compatibility issues. PHP is relatively new but is quickly becoming one of the most popular scripting languages on the internet and among the programmers.

Why PHP?

You may be wondering why you should choose PHP over other languages such as asp or .net or even why you should learn a scripting language at all. Learning a scripting language, can open up many new possibilities for your website.

Using scripts on your website allows you to add many new ‘interactive’ features like feedback forms, guest books, message boards, counters and even more advanced features like portal systems, shopping systems, content management, advertising managers , customer care system etc. With these sort of things you can provide up to date information to visitors of your website.

And one of the most important reasons for selecting PHP is that , its free!!!.

What Do I Need?

As I have mentioned earlier, PHP is a server-side scripting language. This means that, although your users will not need to install new software, you web host will need to have PHP set up on their server.

You should have PHP installed on your server. You can download PHP software from www.php.net. I would suggest to download installer for windows user, so one can easily setup the PHP.

If you are using Windows OS then do check version should be Windows 2000 or Windows XP which has IIS (Internet Information Services). Which will act as a local server to check the script as PHP is server side scripting language.