Chapter 1: Understanding PHP Basics

In This Chapter

arrow.png Adding PHP sections to HTML files

arrow.png Writing PHP statements

arrow.png Using PHP variables and constants

arrow.png Using arrays

arrow.png Documenting your scripts

PHP is a scripting language designed specifically for use on the web. It has features to aid you in programming the tasks needed to develop dynamic web applications.

In this chapter, we describe the basics of writing PHP scripts — the rules that apply to all PHP statements. Consider these rules similar to general grammar and punctuation rules. In the remaining chapters in this minibook, you find out about specific PHP statements and features and how to write PHP scripts to perform specific tasks.

While this chapter is quite long, you’ve already been exposed to programming through the previous minibook’s look at JavaScript. The chapter starts out with the basics and progresses into more complex material. Even if you’ve had some experience with PHP before, it’s a good idea to start the chapter from the beginning. ...

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