What Is PHP?

The full form of PHP is Hypertext PreProcessor and is a server-side scripting language. The PHP code can be combined with regular HTML tags and parsed on the server. The creator of PHP, Rasmus Lerdorf first displayed the language in the form of a Perl script . In 1997 it was adapted by Andi Gutmans and Zeev Suraski to use a C-written compiler. They completely reconstructed the original PHP into the web language that we know and use today.

Uses of PHP

It is used in the creation of dynamic web pages. Web developers like it because of its fast parsing and flexibility and versatility. PHP is a popular tool for managing a form's data after it is submitted and comes built in with many different interfaces and API's. It has database capability built into the language, the most common database being MySQL. Typically the PHP can connect to any SQL enabled database.

The Syntax of PHP is similar in structure to Perl and C where curly braces { } define blocks of code and semi-colons specify the end of a statement PHP is as easy to learn as Perl. It maintains all the traditional loops, if/else, and subroutines that are expected in a programming language. One difference between the two is that the code'?' is embedded in with the HTML; you could however, use a separate file. The PHP code is different from HTML code by use of the opening and closing tags. When it finds a PHP file, it tells the server to scan through for these tags, and execute the code in between them. The server recognizes a PHP enabled file by its extension, .php. These are essentially HTML files with PHP codes in them.

Getting Started

To start PHP requires a server with PHP installed and a simple ASCII text editor such as Notepad or VI, eMacs, Kate, etc. for a UNIX/Linux machine.

What are the problems faced by PHP?

It is case sensitive. For example if you name a variable $MyVar, you cannot call it as $myvar or $mYvAr. In case you forget to close your curly brackets, then it helps to indent lines inside the curly braces so that any missing braces can be spotted easily.

Nowadays a quality website is proven to be a key tool for spreading information about a company, its services and products to a vast audience across the Globe. But what is a quality website? It seems, there is no a simple answer to the question. Still there exist some general factors that determine the quality of a website and therefore its success.

An appealing design, comfortable navigation and quick website loading definitely attract visitors. The more difficult task is to convert visitors to clients and keep them coming back. This can be done by providing high quality content and updating the website on a regular basis. However for a website owner it can become a serious problem, as website maintenance requires technical skills and programming knowledge.

Of course, there are a lot of companies providing a variety of web mastering services such as news or upcoming events additions, product list changes and additions, photos, graphics and text additions and updates, and more. It all seems to be ideal but for one thing: as a rule, their prices are very high and not always affordable for small businesses.

Another solution to the problem of website maintenance is the implementation of a Content Management System, also known as CMS. It is an application combining web-based tools, web templates and a database in order to manage a content of a website. Content Management Systems are perfect for websites that require constant updates and additions.

CMS usually have user-friendly interface giving freedom for text editing, as well as for image managing. In fact, one of the main advantages of these systems is that you will be able to manage a web site's content without having to study web programming and deal with time-consuming technical tasks. All necessary website modifications and updates will be done immediately, no matter where you are: at your workplace, at home, or on vacations. You will just need a computer connected to the Internet.

There are a lot of different CMS packages available, some of them are free or open source, and some are commercial. A commercial Content Management System has a number of advantages, not the least of which is a guarantee of professional tech support and the possibility of development of specific extensions personally for your website. Commercial software is usually associated with a relatively high degree of safety as opposed to open source. So, if a website owner has the resources to purchase such a system, then it can be the safest way.

CMS also vary by structure and features. For example, Content Management Systems that use module architecture can be tailored to suite the needs of almost any website, be it a business site, an online shop, or a multilingual portal. These CMS offer additional modules and extensions covering up assorted functions. It may be a good choice for those website owners who are planning to expand their business and widen the range of their web services in future.

On the whole, the implementation of a CMS is a perfect solution for a wide variety of websites. Content Management Systems make it much easier for non-technical users to add, edit, and update their content on websites. It also helps to save a good sum of money as website owners do not have to pay a web master for their website maintenance.

As you know there is lots of information out there on this subject. These days we are blessed being that we have the world of information at our finger tips. This of course can be helpful but it can also be overwhelming.

If you want to generate a real income then you will need to treat your venture with a serious mind set. One that is detailed and specific. I visit a number of forums online and I notice a certain pattern.

Those who succeed seem to be far more detailed in how they succeeded. Those who fail seem to be only detailed in blaming the reasons why they failed. They do not provide specifics as to what they did.

The reason maybe because they would have to defend their actions. They would be exposed and vulnerable to criticism.

By the way this criticism would be constructive because the majority of folks out there would genuinely point out what you are doing wrong and how you can go about fixing it.

You see those who succeed are not afraid of this. They understand that they may have shortcomings and welcome constructive analysis in order to move themselves closer to their objective.

The point I want to make is this. In order to bring anything from the world of ideas into the world of reality you will need to be detailed in your execution.

I mean you could not go to a bank and ask the bank manager for venture capital if all you have is ideas with no basis in reality. You will have to be specific and provide actual actions you can take to achieve your goal.

The same should hold true before you buy into any business opportunity online or build any website. Before you invest anything you need to provide a detailed outline as to what you are prepared to do and how you are going to do it - based upon the reality of your given set of skills and circumstances.

Once you do this I promise you that you will build a real business that will generate a real income because your execution will be detailed and specific and grounded in reality.