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PHP is a server-side scripting language. The full form of PHP is Hypertext Preprocessor. It is an open-source scripting language. It is widely used all over the world.

PHP is Created in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf. Initially PHP it is used for tracking online visitors on the web.

Basic Points about PHP

• PHP stands for HyperText Preprocessor.
• PHP files can contain text, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP code
• PHP files have the extension ".php"
• PHP code is executed on the server so you need a web browser to execute PHP code
• It is an interpreted language, i.e. there is no need for compilation.
• It is a server-side scripting language.
• It is faster than other scripting languages e.g. asp and JSP.

Advantage of PHP

• It is an open-source.
• Widely used in all over the world
• Free to download
• It is executed on the server
• To execute PHP code no need compiler.

What is a PHP File?

• PHP files can contain text, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP code
• PHP code is executed on the server, and the result is returned to the browser as plain HTML
• PHP files have extension ".php"

What Can PHP Do?

• PHP can generate the dynamic page content
• PHP can create, open, read, write, delete, and close files on the server
• PHP can collect form data
• PHP can send and receive cookies
• PHP can add, delete, modify data in your database
• PHP can be used to control user-access
• PHP can encrypt data

With PHP you are not limited to output HTML. You can output images, PDF files, and even Flash movies. You can also output any text, such as XHTML and XML.

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