It is somewhat difficult to determine whether PHP is a simple online scripting language or a full-blown application programming language. On one hand, PHP does require an operating system as well as a web server on which to operate. As previously mentioned, it is differentiated from most programming languages by the fact that it is easier to implement and does not offer as much control over efficiency at lower levels. However, no one can deny that PHP has a large amount of power and can do significantly more than any conventional scripting language.
Of course, PHP can do all of the simple functions of any language. It can output text, store variables, and perform basic functions on text. Because it is embedded in otherwise-standard web pages, these basic functions offer a great deal of flexibility. This is where the dynamic nature of PHP comes from. These simple functions allow for a far greater degree of control over the content of any web page.
One function that PHP has become well known for is its ability to interface and interact with the MySQL database software. The language comes equipped with basic functions that make database queries painfully easy. This ease-of-interaction has actually fueled—in part—the rapid development of many database-driven systems online. Much of what we know the Internet for today (blogs, forums, news feeds, etc.) is a direct development of PHP’s MySQL interaction.
Beyond its common features, PHP also has complex functions that can allow a savvy programmer to work with the web server’s file structure, manipulate images, and even interact with other web servers. Basically, anything that you might want to do with PHP is an option if you know how to do it.
One of the greatest features of PHP is the massive online community willing to help with issues. There is extensive documentation easily accessible online that covers literally every single aspect of the programming language. Beyond the reference material, there is no end to the users who are willing to help out with any issues.
The latest version of PHP also offers the ability to use OOP (Object Oriented Programming) for more effective and efficient programming options. With this implementation, PHP becomes an efficient and powerful online programming language. It has reached an extent and status well beyond that of any other language that is used on the Internet
