Chapter 1. AN INTRODUCTION TO PHP

Topics in This Chapter

  • The Origins of PHP

  • What Makes PHP Better than Its Alternatives

  • Interfaces to External Systems

  • How PHP Works with the Web Server

  • Hardware and Software Requirements

  • Installation on Apache for UNIX

  • Installation on IIS for Windows NT

  • Editing Scripts

  • Algorithms

  • What a PHP Script Looks Like

  • Saving Data for Later

  • Receiving User Input

  • Choosing between Alternatives

  • Repeating Code

  • Conclusion

This chapter will introduce you to PHP. You will learn how it came about, what it looks like, and why it is the best server-side technology. You will also be exposed to the most important features of the language.

PHP began as a simple macro replacement tool. Like a nice pair of shoes, it got you where you needed to go, but ...

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