PHP is one of the most commonly used scripting languages used for the creation of dynamic web pages, being embedded in to HTML text to create more functional and easier to understand web pages. Its popularity is such that it is already installed on in excess of 20 million different sites, as well as a massive 1 million different servers. This popularity is due to two main factors: firstly, it is incredibly intuitive to use and therefore preferred by many, and secondly it is free to use – an important aspect when trying to popularize a specific language.

What are the uses of PHP?

PHP has many significant uses, all of which are exploited by knowledgeable and experienced programmers to their full capability. In general, PHP adds a different functional aspect to a website in ways that HTML can’t achieve, but some more specific uses include:

• Collecting user data, meaning that the user can interact easily with the created script. This allows the user to do many things that are now often taken for granted in websites, such as adding comments to a forum or adding details to an address book.
• Creating graphics in conjunction with GC Library. Although the graphics created are only simple, they can be highly effective when there is the need for a quick and easy solution. PHP can also edit already existing graphics. Everyday uses include the creation of captcha boxes and creating new and unique avatars.
• Performing calculations seamlessly and easily, include complex mathematical equations to finding out what day falls on what date.
• Interaction with different MySQL databases. This is probably the most vital function, as it creates a huge amount of different possibilities. Complex tasks such as login pages and search features can be created this way.