PHP is the Web’s most common scripting language. It’s different from HTML in that the coding behind PHP pages isn’t downloaded onto the user’s browser, just the output of the PHP code. It allows for more processing power to create dynamic elements and pages, without the need for a browser to decimate so much coding, because it is server-side, not browser-side.
PHP is huge for e-commerce. Site builders who can create the customer interface possible with PHP – such as shopping carts and payment acceptors – make transactions and inquiries much easier. New users can get the basics with a PHP framework such as CakePHP, which produces ready-to-use code.
Online forums you might access with high speed satellite Internet are often the result of PHP coding. Change anchor text on a page – anything from time of day or rotating quotes or pictures – with PHP coding. PHP coding can also create site-specific search inquiries, track who has linked to your site, and even who visited.
PHP is simple to use and put into play on your site. Best of all, it’s free, and can run on just about any platform out there.