PHP 7: Getting Started from Pluralsight

Get started with the world's most used server web development language, PHP. This course will get you started in no time, covering installation, forms management, working with databases, state management, and more!

PHP is the most widely used server language on the web. This course, PHP: Getting Started, will help you get started with the language in no time by covering topics such as, installing a web server, PHP, and the MySQL database server. First, you will learn how to process form data and later store everything in a MySQL database. Next, you will discover how to take special care when dealing with common security-related pitfalls and how to avoid common attacks. Finally, you will gain an understanding of how to develop a small sample application, which also features authentication and authorization. By the end of this course, you will know your way around PHP, however, you will not be provided a complete introduction into the language syntax, so knowledge of any programming language is beneficial.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

What Is PHP?

PHP Form Basics

Advanced PHP Forms

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches PHP, which is the world's most used server web development language

Covers topics such as forms management, database management, and state management

Provides hands-on practice with MySQL database

Addresses common security pitfalls

Suitable for beginners with some programming knowledge

Reviews summary

Concise php 7 web development start

According to students, "PHP 7: Getting Started" is a highly effective introductory course for those with some prior programming experience. Learners consistently praise the clear and concise instruction provided by the instructor, the practical, hands-on examples, and the solid coverage of essential web development topics like form handling, MySQL database integration, and valuable security considerations. However, a notable point is that some learners with limited programming background found the pace challenging, indicating it assumes foundational knowledge and may necessitate supplementary resources for a more in-depth grasp of basic PHP syntax. Despite these considerations, it is widely regarded as a course that successfully delivers on its promise to jumpstart PHP development skills.

Delivers key information without unnecessary fluff.

"It's clear, concise, and straight to the point."

"The videos are concise, but sometimes too concise."

"I found it a solid course for a quick start."

Strong coverage of forms, databases, and security.

"I particularly liked the sections on MySQL integration and form handling."

"The security considerations module was particularly valuable."

"I learned a lot about handling forms and interacting with databases."

Instructor explains topics with clarity and expertise.

"The instructor is clear and covers the essentials well."

"The instructor's teaching style is excellent."

"I found the instructor knowledgeable and the pace generally good."

Emphasizes real-world application with examples.

"The practical examples helped me grasp the concepts fast."

"I really appreciated the practical, hands-on approach."

"The hands-on examples were invaluable for learning by doing. I feel confident now..."

May need external resources for deeper understanding.

"It's a decent overview, but I had to supplement with other resources for deeper understanding."

"If you're new, be prepared to do a lot of self-study alongside it."

"I felt some explanations sometimes lacked depth."

Not ideal for absolute programming beginners.

"My main critique would be that some parts feel a bit fast-paced if you're a complete beginner to programming concepts..."

"This course was okay, but definitely not for true beginners. As someone with very little programming experience, I struggled with the rapid pace..."

"I found some of the explanations for specific PHP syntax a bit lacking. It assumes you already know a fair bit of programming..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PHP 7: Getting Started with these activities:

Brush up on HTML & CSS

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Strengthen your foundation by reviewing HTML and CSS, which are essential for understanding PHP web development.

Browse courses on HTML

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Review your notes or online tutorials on HTML
Practice writing basic HTML tags and structures
Repeat the same steps for CSS

Seek PHP Mentorship

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Accelerate your learning by finding a mentor who can provide personalized guidance, support, and feedback on your PHP journey.

Browse courses on PHP

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Identify potential mentors within your network or online
Reach out and introduce yourself
Establish regular meetings or communication channels

W3Schools PHP Tutorials

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Refine your PHP skills early on by following beginner tutorials that cover the core concepts presented in this course.

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Head over to W3Schools
Start with the PHP Tutorial
Explore specific topics relevant to this course

Five other activities

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PHP Study Group

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Enhance your learning by participating in a study group with other students to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and work on projects together.

Browse courses on PHP

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Find or start a PHP study group
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and work on assignments
Collaborate on projects and provide feedback to each other

Head First PHP & MySQL

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Supplement your understanding of PHP and MySQL by reviewing a comprehensive book that covers both technologies.

View Head First JavaScript Programming on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read through the chapters in order
Complete the exercises and examples provided

PHP Coding Challenges

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Sharpen your PHP skills by practicing coding problems that cover the core topics introduced in this course.

Browse courses on PHP

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Find PHP coding challenges online
Attempt to solve the problems on your own
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement

Contribute to PHP Open Source Projects

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Immerse yourself in the PHP community by contributing to open source projects, gaining real-world experience and expanding your knowledge.

Browse courses on PHP

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Explore open source PHP projects on platforms like GitHub
Identify areas where you can contribute based on your skills
Make pull requests and collaborate with other contributors

PHP Personal Website

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Apply your PHP knowledge to create a functional website that showcases your skills and portfolio.

Browse courses on PHP

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Plan the structure and design of your website
Write the PHP code for the website
Set up a web hosting account and deploy your website

Career center

Learners who complete PHP 7: Getting Started will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course can help you enter or advance your career as a Web Developer by teaching you the basics of PHP and how to use it to develop websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course can help you enter or advance your career as a Software Developer by teaching you the basics of PHP and how to use it to develop software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Full-Stack Developer

Full Stack Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and software applications. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course can help you enter or advance your career as a Full Stack Developer by teaching you the basics of PHP and how to use it to develop websites and software applications.

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Back-End Developer

Back End Developers design, develop, and maintain the back end of websites and software applications. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course can help you enter or advance your career as a Back End Developer by teaching you the basics of PHP and how to use it to develop the back end of websites and software applications.

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Front-End Developer

Front End Developers design, develop, and maintain the front end of websites and software applications. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Front End Developer, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to develop the front end of websites and software applications.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, develop, and maintain databases. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Database Administrator, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to develop and maintain databases.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Data Scientist, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to collect, analyze, and interpret data.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of an organization's IT department. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming an IT Manager, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to manage IT systems.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming an Information Security Analyst, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to protect information systems.

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Web Designer

Web Designers design and develop websites. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Web Designer, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to develop websites.

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UX Designer

UX Designers design and develop the user experience for websites and software applications. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a UX Designer, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to design and develop the user experience for websites and software applications.

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Product Manager

Product Managers plan and develop products. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Product Manager, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to plan and develop products.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Project Manager, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to plan and execute projects.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Business Analyst, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to analyze business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers write technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. They work with many programming languages, depending on what their tasks are, and PHP is one of those languages. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Technical Writer, as it can teach you the basics of PHP and how to use it to write technical documentation.

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