PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor: What is it? - Significance
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The ease with which the basic concepts of PHP can be learned and implemented has fueled a quick growth in the number of entry-level website developers who are able to offer basic development services at very inexpensive rates. While these lower-end developers may not have all of the ability or expertise of the professionals in the field, they have helped bring the small business community to the Internet. Small businesses that do not have the budget for a large and fancy website, but need an Internet presence regardless, turn to low-cost developers for their needs. These low-cost developers are the ones that take advantage of the easily-learned basics of PHP.
Because people have easy access to PHP and are able to learn it as long as they have a little time and the will to do so, many more people have learned about online development. The field has grown and prospered largely due to the interest derived from the accessibility of PHP. Unlike developers for languages such as C, Perl, or Java, PHP developers are not just computer science majors or people with endless time and an unhealthy obsession with their computers. Ordinary people are able to pick up PHP and actually make applications with it.
The power and wide-reaching capabilities of PHP have driven much of the success of dynamic online content. Literally every dynamic online system has its roots in the early applications of PHP. Message boards, blogs, news systems, Facebook, and web mail are all often developed in PHP. Many of their features are a direct result of the possibilities that developers identified early in PHP's life.
The open source nature of PHP has been integral to its success as the premier online programming language. Those that are interested can actively work in the development and improvement of PHP. Over the years, countless online developers have identified a need in their applications and have turned to the dynamic growth options offered by PHP for their needs.
The concept of open source software has contributed greatly to the number of online applications available today. People are able to learn and exercise their creativity through open source software. Projects like Wikipedia began as simple PHP scripts and have evolved into massive international projects that inspire countless developers and individuals to harness their potential.
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