PHP is used for web development because it supports server-side processing, can embed HTML and be compatible with databases. It handles form submissions, user login, and database queries and generates dynamic content directly in HTML. Common uses include building content management systems (such as WordPress), creating e-commerce platforms (such as WooCommerce), processing form data, verifying user input, and managing sessions. To start using PHP, you need to install a local server environment such as XAMPP or MAMP, write code in a text editor, and test the environment by running the "Hello World" script.
PHP is a server-side scripting language designed for web development, though it can also be used for general-purpose programming. It's especially popular for building dynamic websites and web applications because it integrates well with HTML and databases.

Why PHP Is Used for Web Development
Most people encounter PHP when they're looking into building or maintaining a website. Here's why it's commonly chosen:
- Server-side processing : Unlike HTML or JavaScript (which mostly run in the browser), PHP runs on the server. That means it can handle tasks like form submissions, user logins, and database queries before sending the final page to the browser.
- Easy to embed in HTML : You can mix PHP code directly into your HTML files, making it straightforward to generate dynamic content.
- Database-friendly : PHP works smoothly with databases like MySQL, which is key for content-heavy sites or apps that need to store and retrieve data.
If you've ever filled out a contact form online or logged into a site, there's a good chance PHP handled part of that process behind the scenes.

Common Uses of PHP Today
While newer languages have gained popularity, PHP still powers a large chunk of the internet. Some typical uses include:
- Building content management systems (like WordPress, which uses PHP)
- Creating e-commerce platforms (WooCommerce, Magento)
- Handling form data and validating user input
- Managing user authentication and sessions
You don't necessarily see PHP code when browsing a site because it gets processed on the server first. What users see is just the resulting HTML, images, and other front-end elements.

Getting Started with PHP
If you want to try PHP yourself, here's what you'll need:
- A local server environment like XAMPP or WAMP (for Windows), or MAMP (for Mac)
- A basic text editor or IDE like VS Code
- A simple “Hello World” script to test things out
Here's an example of a basic PHP file:
<?php echo "Hello, world!"; ?>
When you run this through a server, it will output “Hello, world!” as part of a web page. From there, you can start connecting to databases, handling forms, and more.
Basically that's it.
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