PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor and is a programming language which is used for writing web applications - from ordinary web page to full blog or forum. Being a server-side scripting language PHP runs on the web server, unlike the client-side languages which run on the web browser, and gives you a lot of possibilities other programming languages cannot.

Besides, the server-side code appears to be more protected than client-side one as it stays on the web browser and the visitors are not able to view and edit it. When the web page opens, PHP sends only the output (not the very code) to the visitor’s browser so you may be sure no one will pilfer your script. However, PHP code that is kept within a server and runs scripts is an open source which means that it is easily accessible. PHP is available for free and is well supported being provided with source code so the users can easily build and customize it according to their own preferences.

PHP language maintains a variety of useful features for the web, such as:

- options for working with HTML code, e.g. inserting PHP chunks in the HTML page

- facilities for creating graphics

- function of addressing to databases, e.g. MySQL

- ease at handling web forms and setting cookies

- the possibility to check email by POP3 or IMAP

PHP can be used also for command-line scripting and perfectly connects with most web servers, platforms and operating systems as well as database systems of relational types. It is made for quick creating of dynamic web pages and like other server-side programming languages provide dynamic content from server to clients. Using PHP you will develop your projects faster as it grants you with possibility of separating HTML code from scripted elements. You can work with your project coding separately from its building which will add to the effectiveness of the design.

If you are going to start writing PHP script you need to run PHP on your computer (installing a full package, e.g. XAMPP) and run your PHP scripts on the web host by uploading them via FTP if you already have a web hosting account.