Unit-1 Introduction to PHP

Php Definition:
● The term PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor.
● PHP is a server-side scripting language designed specifically for web
development.
● It is open-source which means it is free to download and use. It is very simple
to learn and use.
● The files have the extension “.php”.
● It is an interpreted language and it does not require a compiler.
What is a PHP File?
● PHP files can contain text, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP code
● PHP code is executed on the server, and the result is returned to the browser
as plain HTML
● PHP files have extension ".php"
What Can PHP Do?
● PHP can generate dynamic page content
● PHP can create, open, read, write, delete, and close files on the server
● PHP can collect form data
● PHP can send and receive cookies
● PHP can add, delete, modify data in your database
● PHP can be used to control user-access
● PHP can encrypt data
Why PHP?
● PHP runs on various platforms (Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS X, etc.)
● PHP is compatible with almost all servers used today (Apache, IIS, etc.)
● PHP supports a wide range of databases
● PHP is free. Download it from the official PHP resource.
● PHP is easy to learn and runs efficiently on the server side
 The History of PHP
1.Conception (1994)
● PHP began as a set of Common Gateway Interface (CGI) binaries written
in the C programming language by Rasmus Lerdorf.
● These were used to track visits to his online resume.
2. PHP/FI (Personal Home Page/Forms Interpreter) (1995)
● Lerdorf extended his work and released the first version of PHP/FI, which
was capable of building simple, dynamic web applications.
● PHP/FI allowed for the embedding of PHP code directly into HTML files,
making it easier to generate dynamic content.
3. PHP/FI 2.0 (1997):
● Andi Gutmans and Zeev Suraski rewrote the PHP/FI parser and formed the
base for PHP 3.
4. PHP 3 (1998):
● PHP 3 introduced the Zend Engine, which greatly improved performance
and allowed for better extensibility.
● PHP 3 was the first version to resemble modern PHP syntax and structure.
● With PHP 3, PHP officially stood for "PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor"
recursively defining its purpose.
5. PHP 4 (2000):
● PHP 4 brought significant improvements, including enhanced performance,
a more stable language core, and better support for object-oriented
programming (OOP).
● It became increasingly popular for building dynamic websites and web
applications.
6.PHP 5 (2004):
● PHP 5 introduced many features, including a more powerful object model
with support for interfaces and exceptions, improved XML support, and
better performance.
 ● It solidified PHP's place as a mature and robust server-side scripting
language.
7. PHP 6 (Development Abandoned):
● The development of PHP 6 aimed to include native Unicode support.
8. PHP 7 (2015):
● PHP 7 provided a substantial boost to the language's speed and efficiency,
making it more competitive with other modern languages.
9.PHP 8 (2020):
● PHP 8 brought numerous improvements, including the JIT (Just-In-Time)
compiler for further performance enhancements, union types, named
arguments, attributes, and more.
● It continued PHP's evolution as a modern and feature-rich programming
language.

Features of PHP
Here are some of its key features:
1. Easy to Learn:
● PHP syntax is relatively easy to learn, especially for those with a
background in programming languages like C or Perl. Its syntax is similar
to other C-style languages.
2. Open Source:
● PHP is open source, meaning it's free to use and distribute. Its open nature
has led to a large community of developers contributing to its development
and maintenance.
3. Platform Independence:
● PHP runs on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS
X, etc.
 ● This makes it highly versatile and compatible with different server
environments.
4.Database Integration:
● PHP provides built-in support for many popular databases, including
MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle, and others.
● This makes it easy to develop dynamic web applications that interact with
databases.
5. Server-Side Scripting:
● PHP is primarily used for server-side scripting, meaning the code is
executed on the server before being sent to the client's browser.
● This allows for dynamic content generation and interaction with databases
and other server-side resources.
6. Wide Adoption:
● PHP is one of the most widely used server-side scripting languages,
powering a significant portion of the web.
● Many popular content management systems (CMS) like WordPress,
Drupal, and Joomla are built using PHP.
7. Extensive Library Support:
● PHP has a vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks that extend its
functionality and simplify common tasks.
● Frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter provide structured
methodologies for building web applications.
8. Flexibility:
● PHP is highly flexible and can be used for various tasks, including
generating dynamic web pages, command-line scripting, and developing
web APIs.

9. Integration Capabilities:
● PHP can be easily integrated with other technologies like HTML, CSS,
JavaScript, XML, JSON, and more, allowing developers to create rich and
interactive web applications.
10. Security Features:
● PHP has various security features built into the language itself, as well as
best practices for securing web applications, such as data validation, input
sanitization, and protection against common security vulnerabilities like
SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
PHP xampp Installation steps
What is XAMPP?
● XAMPP is an open-source web server solution package. It is mainly
used for web application testing on a localhost web server.
● XAMPP stands for:
○ X = Cross-platform
○ A = Apache Server
○ M = MariaDB
○ P = PHP
○ P = Perl

● Now that you have a better understanding of the XAMPP software, let
us move on to its installation.

Why Do You Need XAMPP?

● To run any PHP program, you will need Apache or MYSQL databases,
both supported by XAMPP.
● XAMPP helps you to run your program smoothly.
How to Install XAMPP?
● Apache friends developed XAMPP, and it is available for everyone free
of cost.
● You can download XAMPP through the official website,
https://www.apachefriends.org/download.html.
● On completing the download of the setup file, begin the installation
process and, in the “Select Components” section, select all the required
components.
 ● Next, select the directory where you want the software to be installed.
● It is recommended that you keep the default directory “C:\xampp” and
click on “next” to complete the installation

● Now that the installation is complete, let’s move ahead to see how to
run a PHP script using the same.

How to Start a New PHP Project in XAMPP?

● Before you run or start writing any program in PHP, you should start
Apache and MYSQL.
 ● After starting both servers, you have to write a program in Notepad.
● After writing it, save that file as "program.php".
● Then copy that file program.php to C:/Program
Files/XAMPP/htdocs.
● Open the browser and type http://localhost.
● Now run your code in that browser.

How to Run a PHP Code Using XAMPP?

● Before running a PHP script, you must know where to write it.
● In the XAMPP directory, there exists a folder called “htdocs”.
● This is where all the programs for the web pages will be stored.
● Now, to run a PHP script:
1. Go to “C:\xampp\htdocs” and inside it, create a
folder. Let’s call it “demo”. It’s considered good
practice to create a new folder for every project you
work on.

//

2. Inside the demo folder, create a new text file and name it “index.php” and
write the following script.
3. Now, to see the script output, open the XAMPP control panel and start
Apache to host the local webserver, where our script will be running.
4. Now navigate to your browser and type in “localhost/demo/” in the
address bar to view the output.

Embedding PHP code in Your Web Pages

● The most important fact about PHP is that the programming code can
be embedded directly within an HTML file.
● PHP code is separated from embedded HTML with delimiters. The
delimiters are the <?php and the ?>.
● All PHP is written between these delimiters. An open delimiter <?php
must have a closing delimiter ?>.
● A PHP file will usually have the extension .php
● programming code must be contained within an opening <?php tag
and a matching closing ?> tag in order to differentiate it from the
HTML.
● The programming code within the <?php and the ?> tags is interpreted
and executed, while any code outside the tags is echoed directly out to
the client (browser).
 ● All statements in PHP must end with a semicolon (;).

UNDERSTANDING PHP, HTML AND WHITE SPACE

● Understanding the relationship between PHP, HTML, and white space
is crucial for developing dynamic and visually appealing web pages.
1. PHP and HTML Integration:
● Embedding PHP in HTML: PHP code is typically embedded within
HTML files.
● The PHP code is enclosed between <?php and ?> tags, and it can be
placed anywhere within the HTML document.
● Example:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
 <title>PHP and HTML</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1><?php echo "Hello, World!"; ?></h1>
<p>Embedding PHP in HTML </p>
</body>
</html>

Output:

● Mixing PHP and HTML: You can mix PHP and HTML within a
single file.
● PHP code is executed on the server, and its output is integrated into the
HTML structure before being sent to the client's browser.
2. Whitespace in HTML and PHP:
● Whitespace in HTML: In HTML, white space (spaces, tabs, line
breaks) is generally insignificant.
● Multiple consecutive spaces are treated as a single space, and line
breaks are usually ignored.
 <p>This is a paragraph with multiple spaces and a line break.</p>

Output
This is a paragraph with multiple spaces and a line break.

● Whitespace in PHP: In PHP, white space can affect the readability of

the code but is generally ignored during execution.
● Example:
<?php
$greeting = "Hello, World!";
echo $greeting;
?>

Output:

3. HTML Output from PHP:

● Generating HTML with PHP: PHP code often generates HTML
output that is then rendered by the browser.
<?php
$name = "John";
echo "<p>Welcome, $name!</p>";
?>
Output:

PHP Comments:
● PHP comments can be used to describe any line of code so that other
developers can understand the code easily.
● It can also be used to hide any code.
● PHP supports single line and multi line comments.
● These comments are similar to C/C++ and Perl style (Unix shell style)
comments.
● PHP comments can be used to temporarily deactivate particular sections of
code for debugging purposes.
● Say you discover an error originating somewhere in your PHP file — you can
“comment out” a part of the code, rerun the program, and see if the error still
occurs.
● This is much easier (and safer) than deleting lines of code when debugging.
PHP Comment Syntax
● In php, you can add comments to your code to provide explanations, or
temporarily disable certain sections.
● Comments are ignored during the execution of the code.
 ● PHP has two built-in ways of commenting: single-line comments and
multiline comments. These are written slightly differently.

1. PHP Single Line Comments

There are two ways to use single line comments in PHP.
● // Single line comments start with // and extend to the end of the line.
● Example:

<?php

// this is single line comment

echo "Welcome to PHP single line comments";
?>

2. PHP Multi Line Comments

● In PHP, we can comment on multiple lines also.
● To do so, we need to enclose all lines within /* */.
● Let's see a simple example of PHP multiple line comment.

<?php
/*
Anything placed
within comment
will not be displayed
on the browser;
*/
echo "Welcome to PHP multi line comment";
?>


SENDING DATA TO THE WEB BROWSER
● In PHP, you can send data to the web browser for display using various
techniques.
● The primary function for sending data to the browser is echo.
● Ways to Send Data
1. Using echo Statement:
● The echo statement is one of the most common ways to send data to the
browser.
● It can output one or more strings.
● Example:
<?php
$message = "Hello, World!";
echo $message;
?>
Output:

2. Using print Statement:

● The print statement is similar to echo but can only output one
string, and it always returns 1.
<?php
$message = "Hello, World!";
print($message);
?>
Output:
 3. HTML Integration:
● Since PHP is often embedded within HTML, you can send HTML
code directly to the browser.
● Example:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<body>
<?php
$dynamicContent="<p> This is dynamic content generated by php.</p>";
echo "$dynamicContent";
?>
</body>
</html>

Output:

4. Using printf Formatted output:

 ● The printf functions allow you to format output similar to the C
Language’s printf.
● Example:
<?php
$age = 9;
$name = "john";
printf("The age = %d",$age);
echo "<br>";
printf("the name = %s",$name);
?>
Output:

PHP Data Types

● Variables can store data of different types, and different data types can do
different things.
● PHP supports the following data types:
1. String
2. Integer
3. Float (floating point numbers - also called double)
4. Boolean
5. Array
6. Object
7. NULL
Getting the Data Type
● You can get the data type of any object by using the var_dump() function.
● Example
● The var_dump() function returns the data type and the value:
<?php
$x = 5;
var_dump($x);
?>

1. PHP String
● A string is a sequence of characters, like "Hello world!".
● A string can be any text inside quotes. You can use single or double quotes:
● Example:
<?php
$x = "Hello world!";
$y = 'Hello world!';
var_dump($x);
echo "<br>";
var_dump($y);
?>
2. PHP Integer
● An integer data type is a non-decimal number between -2,147,483,648 and
2,147,483,647.
Rules for integers:
1. An integer must have at least one digit
2. An integer must not have a decimal point
3. An integer can be either positive or negative
4. Integers can be specified in: decimal (base 10), hexadecimal (base 16), octal
(base 8), or binary (base 2) notation
● In the following example $x is an integer. The PHP var_dump() function
returns the data type and value:
● Example

<?php
$x = 5985;
var_dump($x);
?>
3. PHP Float
● A float (floating point number) is a number with a decimal point or a number
in exponential form.
● In the following example $x is a float. The PHP var_dump() function returns
the data type and value:
● Example

<?php
$x = 10.365;
var_dump($x);
?>

4. PHP Boolean
● A Boolean represents two possible states: TRUE or FALSE.
● Booleans are often used in conditional testing.
● Example for string values:
<?php
$gender="Male";
echo ($gender=="Male");
?>
 ● Example for integer value:
<?php
$var=10;
var_dump($var!=10);
echo "<br>";
var_dump($var==10);
?>

5. PHP Array
● An array stores multiple values in one single variable.
● In the following example $cars is an array. The PHP var_dump() function
returns the data type and value:
● Example
<?php
$cars = array("Volvo","BMW","Toyota");
 var_dump($cars);
?>

6. PHP Object
● Classes and objects are the two main aspects of object-oriented programming.
● A class is a template for objects, and an object is an instance of a class.
● When the individual objects are created, they inherit all the properties and
behaviors from the class, but each object will have different values for the
properties.

● Let's assume we have a class named Car that can have properties like model,
color, etc.
● We can define variables like $model, $color, and so on, to hold the values of
these properties.
● When the individual objects (Volvo, BMW, Toyota, etc.) are created, they
inherit all the properties and behaviors from the class, but each object will
have different values for the properties.
● If you create a __construct() function, PHP will automatically call this
function when you create an object from a class.
● Example
<?php
class Car
{
public $color;
 public $model;

}
$myCar = new Car;
var_dump($myCar);
?>

7. PHP NULL Value

● Null is a special data type which can have only one value: NULL.
● A variable of data type NULL is a variable that has no value assigned to it.
● Tip: If a variable is created without a value, it is automatically assigned a
value of NULL.
● Variables can also be emptied by setting the value to NULL:
● Example
<?php
$x = "Hello world!";
$x = null;
var_dump($x);
?>
8. Change Data Type
● If you assign an integer value to a variable, the type will automatically be an
integer.
● If you assign a string to the same variable, the type will change to a string:
● Example
$x = 5;
var_dump($x);

$x = "Hello";
var_dump($x);
● If you want to change the data type of an existing variable, but not by
changing the value, you can use casting.
● Casting allows you to change data type on variables:
● Example
$x = 5;
$x = (string) $x;
var_dump($x);

What are PHP Keywords?

● PHP keywords are predefined, reserved words in PHP that are used to
perform specific functions.
● These keywords are reserved by PHP and cannot be used as variable names,
function names, or class names.
● PHP keywords are case-insensitive, meaning that they can be written in either
upper or lower case letters.

List of PHP Keywords

● Here is a list of PHP keywords:

Keyword Description
abstract Declare a class as abstract
and A logical operator
as Used in the foreach loop
break Break out of loops and switch statements
callable A data type which can be executed as a function
case Used in the switch conditional
catch Used in the try..catch statement
class Declare a class
const Define a class constant
continue Jump to the next iteration of a loop
declare Set directives for a block of code
default Used in the switch statement
do Create a do...while loop
echo Output text
else Used in conditional statements
elseif Used in conditional statements
empty Check if an expression is empty
endfor End a for block
endforeach End a foreach block
endif End an if or elseif block
endswitch End a switch block
endwhile End a while block
extends Extends a class or interface
final Declare a class, property or method as final
finally Used in the try...catch statement
for Create a for loop
foreach Create a foreach loop
function Create a function
global Import variables from the global scope
if Create a conditional statement
include Embed code from another file
include_once Embed code from another file
interface Declare an interface
isset Check if a variable exists and is not null
list Assigns array elements into variables
namespace Declares a namespace
new Creates an object
or A logical operator
print Output text
private Declare a property, method or constant as private
protected Declare a property, method or constant as protect
public Declare a property, method or constant as public
require Embed code from another file
require_once Embed code from another file
return Exit a function and return a value
static Declare a property or method as static
switch Create a switch block
throw Throw an exception
try Create a try...catch structure
use Use a namespace
var Declare a variable
while Create a while loop or end a do...while loop
xor A logical operator
yield Used in generator functions

Usage of PHP Keywords

● Keywords are used in PHP to define certain statements, constructs, and
functions.
● For example, the if keyword is used to define a conditional statement, the
while keyword is used to define a loop, and the function keyword is used to
define a function.
● Here is an example of using some of the PHP keywords:
<?php
$x = 7;
$y=8;
// Define a conditional statement
if ($x == 7)
{
echo "x is equal to 7<br>";
}

// Define a loop
for ($i = 0; $i < 10; $i++)
{
echo $i;
}
echo "<br>";
 // Define a function
function add($x, $y)
{
return $x + $y;
}
echo add($x,$y);
?>

● In this example, we use the if keyword to define a conditional statement that

checks whether the value of $x is equal to 7.
● We use the for keyword to define a loop that iterates from 0 to 9.
● Finally, we use the function keyword to define a function that takes two
parameters and returns their sum.

PHP Variables
● A variable can have a short name (like $x and $y) or a more descriptive name
($age, $carname, $total_volume).

Creating (Declaring) PHP Variables

● In PHP, a variable starts with the $ sign, followed by the name of the variable:
Note: When you assign a text value to a variable, put quotes around the
value.

Note: Unlike other programming languages, PHP has no command for

declaring a variable. It is created the moment you first assign a value to
it.

Rules for PHP variables:

● A variable starts with the $ sign, followed by the name of the variable
● A variable name must start with a letter or the underscore character
● A variable name cannot start with a number
● A variable name can only contain alpha-numeric characters and underscores
(A-z, 0-9, and _ )
● Variable names are case-sensitive ($age and $AGE are two different
variables)
The following example will output the sum of two variables:

PHP is a Loosely Typed Language

● In the example above, notice that we did not have to tell PHP which data type
the variable is.
● PHP automatically associates a data type to the variable, depending on its
value.
● Since the data types are not set in a strict sense, you can do things like adding
a string to an integer without causing an error.

PHP supports the following data types:

● String
● Integer
● Float (floating point numbers - also called double)
● Boolean
● Array
● Object
● NULL

Get the Type

● To get the data type of a variable, use the var_dump() function.
● Example
The var_dump() function returns the data type and the value:

Assign String to a Variable

● Assigning a string to a variable is done with the variable name followed by an
equal sign and the string:

Assign Multiple Values

● You can assign the same value to multiple variables in one line:

Example
All three variables get the value "Fruit":
PHP Constants
● A constant is an identifier (name) for a simple value. The value cannot be
changed during the script.
● A valid constant name starts with a letter or underscore (no $ sign before the
constant name).

Note: Unlike variables, constants are automatically global across the entire
script.

Create a PHP Constant

● To create a constant, use the define() function.

Syntax

define(name, value, case-insensitive);

Parameters:

● name: Specifies the name of the constant

● value: Specifies the value of the constant
● case-insensitive: Specifies whether the constant name should be
case-insensitive. Default is false.
Note: Defining case-insensitive constants was deprecated in PHP 7.3. PHP 8.0
accepts only false, the value true will produce a warning.

Example
Create a constant with a case-sensitive name:

Example
Create a constant with a case-insensitive name:
PHP const Keyword
● You can also create a constant by using the const keyword.

PHP Constant Arrays

From PHP7, you can create an Array constant using the define() function.
const vs. define()

● const are always case-sensitive

● define() has a case-insensitive option.
● const cannot be created inside another block scope, like inside a function or
inside an if statement.
● define can be created inside another block scope.

PHP Expressions

Introduction
● Almost everything in a PHP script is an expression.
● Anything that has a value is an expression.
● In a typical assignment statement ($x=100), a literal value, a function or
operands processed by operators is an expression, anything that appears to the
right of assignment operator (=)
Syntax
● $x=100; //100 is an expression
● $a=$b+$c; //b+$c is an expression
● $c=add($a,$b); //add($a,$b) is an expression
● $val=sqrt(100); //sqrt(100) is an expression
● $var=$x!=$y; //$x!=$y is an expression

expression with ++ and -- operators

● These operators are called increment and decrement operators respectively.
● They are unary operators, needing just one operand and can be used in prefix
or postfix manner, although with different effect on value of expression.
● Both prefix and postfix ++ operators increment the value of operand by 1
(whereas -- operator decrements by 1).
● However, when used in assignment expression, prefix
makesincremnt/decrement first and then followed by assignment.
● In case of postfix, assignment is done before increment/decrement

Uses postfix ++ operator

Expression with Ternary conditional operator
● Ternary operator has three operands.
● First one is a logical expression.
● If it is TRU, second operand expression is evaluated otherwise third one is
evaluated

PHP Operators
● Operators are used to perform operations on variables and values.

PHP divides the operators in the following groups:

PHP Arithmetic Operators

● The PHP arithmetic operators are used with numeric values to perform
common arithmetical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication
etc.

OperatorName Example Result

+ Addition $x + $y Sum of $x and $y
- Subtraction $x - $y Difference of $x and $y
* Multiplication $x * $y product of $x and $y
/ Division $x / $y Quotient of $x and $y
% Modulus $x % $y Remainder of $x divided by $y
** Exponentiation $x ** $y Result of raising $x to the $y'th power

Examples:
PHP Assignment Operators
● The PHP assignment operators are used with numeric values to write a value
to a variable.
● The basic assignment operator in PHP is "=". It means that the left operand
gets set to the value of the assignment expression on the right.

Assignment Same as Description

x=y The left operand gets set to the
x=y value of the expression on
the right
x += y x=x+y Addition
x -= y x=x-y Subtraction
x *= y x=x*y Multiplication
x /= y x=x/y Division
x %= y x=x%y Modulus
PHP Comparison Operators
● The PHP comparison operators are used to compare two values (number or
string):

Operator Name Example Result

== Equal $x == $y Returns true if $x is equal to
$y
=== Identical $x === $y Returns true if $x is equal to
$y, and they are of the
same type
!= Not equal $x != $y Returns true if $x is not equ
to $y
<> Not equal $x <> $y Returns true if $x is not equ
to $y
 !== Not identical $x !== $y Returns true if $x is not equ
to $y, or they are not of th
same type
> Greater than $x > $y Returns true if $x is greater
than $y
< Less than $x < $y Returns true if $x is less tha
$y
>= Greater than or $x >= $y Returns true if $x is greater
equal to than or equal to $y
<= Less than or equ$x <= $y Returns true if $x is less tha
to or equal to $y

PHP Increment / Decrement Operators

● The PHP increment operators are used to increment a variable's value.
● The PHP decrement operators are used to decrement a variable's value.

Operator Same as... Description

++$x Pre-increment Increments $x by one, then returns $x
$x++ Post-increment Returns $x, then increments $x by one
--$x Pre-decrement Decrements $x by one, then returns $x
$x-- Post-decrement Returns $x, then decrements $x by one
PHP Logical Operators
● The PHP logical operators are used to combine conditional statements.

Operator Name Example Result

and And $x and $y True if both $x and $y are
true
or Or $x or $y True if either $x or $y is tru
xor Xor $x xor $y True if either $x or $y is tru
but not both
&& And $x && $y True if both $x and $y are
true
|| Or $x || $y True if either $x or $y is tru
! Not !$x True if $x is not true

PHP String Operators

● PHP has two operators that are specially designed for strings.
Operator Name Example Result
. Concatenation $txt1 . $txt2 Concatenation of $txt1 and
$txt2
.= Concatenation $txt1 .= $txt2 Appends $txt2 to $txt1
assignment

PHP Array Operators

● The PHP array operators are used to compare arrays.
Operator Name Example Result
+ Union $x + $y Union of $x and $y
== Equality $x == $y Returns true if $x and $y have the
same key/value pairs
=== Identity $x === $y Returns true if $x and $y have
the same key/value pairs in the
same order and of the same types
!= Inequality $x != $y Returns true if $x is not equal to $y
<> Inequality $x <> $y Returns true if $x is not equal to $y
!== Non-identity $x !== $y Returns true if $x is not identical
to $y