We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Building Web Applications in PHP

In this course, you'll explore the basic structure of a web application, and how a web browser interacts with a web server. You'll be introduced to the request/response cycle, including GET/POST/Redirect. You'll also gain an introductory understanding of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), as well as the basic syntax and data structures of the PHP language, variables, logic, iteration, arrays, error handling, and superglobal variables, among other elements. An introduction to Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) will allow you to style markup for webpages. Lastly, you'll gain the skills and knowledge to install and use an integrated PHP/MySQL environment like XAMPP or MAMP.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until March 12, 2027

Save 40% Off 3 Months

Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Dynamic Web Content

We look at the basic structure of a web application and how a web browser interacts with a web server. We explore the Request-Response Cycle that is the basis of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops PHP, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), which are all industry-standard tools in web development

Builds a foundation in Dynamic Web Development and Programming for absolute beginners

Teaches PHP, which is the programming language used to create many popular websites, such as WordPress and Facebook

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials, which aids in skill development

Assumes no prior knowledge of web development, making it beginner-friendly

Recommended to take other courses in the series for a more comprehensive learning experience

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Solid introduction to web development with php

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for understanding web application basics and server-side scripting using PHP. Many found the lectures clear and the assignments helpful for solidifying understanding of core concepts. Guidance on setting up a local development environment (like XAMPP/MAMP) is also frequently praised. However, a significant number of reviewers note that the content feels dated, particularly regarding modern PHP practices and the lack of coverage for popular frameworks. While it covers fundamental PHP, the introduction to HTML and CSS is brief. Overall, it's seen as a largely positive starting point for beginners, though supplementation with more current resources is recommended for professional development.

Assumes prior knowledge of web basics.

"The HTML and CSS parts are very brief, assume you know the basics already."

"We briefly cover the basics of HyperText Markup Language (HTML)... We hope that you already have some expertise..."

Explanations are generally clear.

"The lectures were clear and the assignments..."

"The instructor explains concepts clearly."

Exercises help solidify learning.

"...the assignments really helped solidify my understanding."

"The assignments are challenging enough to make you think but not impossible."

Guidance for environment setup is useful.

"Setting up XAMPP was straightforward thanks to the guidance."

"The hands-on labs were useful."

"Setup instructions for MAMP worked fine for me."

Explains fundamental PHP topics well.

"It covers the basics well - ...core PHP like variables, arrays, forms."

"The explanation of the request/response cycle was particularly clear."

"Covered fundamental PHP concepts adequately."

"Really enjoyed learning how to handle forms."

Builds strong basics for beginners.

"This course was a fantastic introduction to web development using PHP."

"A solid foundation course. It covers the basics well..."

"Absolutely brilliant for a complete beginner like me. The step-by-step approach..."

"Provides a good base."

Some found the speed difficult.

"I found this course difficult to follow. The pace seemed too fast at times..."

"The PHP concepts weren't explained as clearly as I hoped."

Information and practices may be old.

"The information is generally accurate, but it feels a bit dated."

"Some practices shown are not current best practices in PHP development..."

"...there's no mention of Composer or any MVC framework."

"It doesn't dive into modern frameworks or more advanced techniques needed..."

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 Building Web Applications in PHP with these activities:

Review HTML Basics

Show steps

Review the basics of HyperText Markup Language, the essential building block for structuring webpage content.

Browse courses on HTML

Show steps

Visit W3Schools HTML Tutorial
Review examples of HTML code
Take an online HTML quiz

Read 'Head First PHP & MySQL'

Show steps

Supplement your learning by exploring an industry-recommended book that provides a comprehensive overview of PHP and MySQL.

View Head First JavaScript Programming on Amazon

Show steps

Acquire a copy of the book
Read through the chapters on PHP and MySQL
Work through the examples and exercises

Read the PHP Manual on Loops

Show steps

This activity will introduce you to different types of loops in PHP and how to use them to iterate through arrays and other data structures.

Browse courses on Loops

Show steps

Go to the PHP website
Find the section on loops
Read the documentation on each loop type

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Follow CSS Tutorials

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of Cascading Style Sheets by following guided tutorials that demonstrate how to style web pages effectively.

Browse courses on CSS Styling

Show steps

Watch CSS tutorials on YouTube
Follow along with interactive CSS courses
Experiment with CSS properties and values

Write at least 3 PHP programs

Show steps

This activity helps solidify your understanding of the basics of PHP syntax and how to write simple PHP programs.

Browse courses on PHP

Show steps

Create new PHP files
Write the PHP code
Run your code and fix any errors

Build a PHP-based calculator

Show steps

This will help you practice your PHP skills and apply your knowledge of PHP variables, operators, and conditional statements.

Browse courses on PHP

Show steps

Design the calculator's interface
Write the PHP code for the calculator
Test and debug your code
Write documentation for your calculator
Deploy your calculator online

Join a PHP Study Group

Show steps

Deepen your understanding by joining a PHP study group where you can discuss concepts, share knowledge, and provide feedback to others.

Show steps

Find a PHP study group online or in your local area
Attend regular group meetings
Participate in discussions and knowledge sharing
Offer help and support to other members

Build a Portfolio Website

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by creating a portfolio website that showcases your PHP and web development skills.

Browse courses on Portfolio Creation

Show steps

Plan and design your website
Develop the website using PHP and CSS
Deploy your website online
Showcase your projects and skills

Contribute to an Open Source PHP Project

Show steps

Contribute to a real-world PHP project, gain practical experience, and interact with a community of developers.

Browse courses on Software Development

Show steps

Identify an open source PHP project to contribute to
Fork the project on GitHub
Implement a new feature or fix a bug
Submit a pull request

Career center

Learners who complete Building Web Applications in PHP will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. As a Web Developer, you will need to build and maintain websites for a variety of clients. This course may be useful as it provides an introduction to Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), the basic syntax and data structures of the PHP language, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), allowing you to build and style web pages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Developer

Software Developers use their knowledge of computer programming to design, develop, and maintain computer programs and applications. This course may be useful as it provides an introduction to the PHP language and how to use it to build web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. As a Database Administrator, you will need to have a strong understanding of SQL and how to use it to manage data. This course provides an introduction to MySQL, which is a popular database management system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Information Technology Consultant

Information Technology Consultants help businesses improve their IT systems and infrastructure. As an Information Technology Consultant, you will need to have a strong understanding of a variety of IT technologies, including web development, software development, and database management. This course provides an introduction to several key IT technologies, and may be useful to you as a foundation for a career in IT Consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Consultant

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. As a Project Manager, you will need to have a strong understanding of project management methodologies and how to use them to manage projects effectively. This course provides an introduction to some of the key concepts of project management, and may be useful to you as a foundation for a career in Project Management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and analyze their business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. As a Business Analyst, you will need to have a strong understanding of business processes and how to use them to improve business performance. This course may be useful as it provides an introduction to some of the key concepts of business analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing and evaluating software and systems to ensure that they meet the required standards. As a Quality Assurance Analyst, you will need to have a strong understanding of software testing methodologies and how to use them to test software effectively. This course may be useful as it provides an introduction to some of the key concepts of software testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for writing and editing technical documentation. As a Technical Writer, you will need to have a strong understanding of technical concepts and how to communicate them clearly and concisely. This course may be useful as it provides an introduction to some of the key concepts of technical writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists are responsible for providing technical support to users of computers and software. As a Computer Support Specialist, you will need to have a strong understanding of a variety of computer hardware and software products. This course may be useful as it provides an introduction to some of the key concepts of computer support.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

IT Technician

IT Technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing computer hardware and software. As an IT Technician, you will need to have a strong understanding of a variety of computer hardware and software products. This course may be useful as it provides an introduction to some of the key concepts of IT support.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Technician

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Building Web Applications in PHP.

PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites

Save

Teaches fundamental technologies used in web development including how to combine PHP with MySQL to manage dynamic data-driven web content. It includes extensive coverage of important techniques such as form handling and security.

Building Web Applications in PHP

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Solid introduction to web development with php

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

14-Day Refund Guarantee

Verified Academic & Industry Partner