What is PHP?

PHP is a server-side scripting language widely used for creating dynamic websites and web applications. It allows developers to build interactive, database-driven websites efficiently.

Why Use PHP?

✔️ Easy to Learn – Beginner-friendly with a simple syntax.
✔️ Fast & Efficient – Runs smoothly on almost all web servers.
✔️ Works with Databases – Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more.
✔️ Widely Used – Major websites like Facebook, WordPress, and Wikipedia use PHP.
✔️ Open-Source & Flexible – Free to use and customizable for different applications.

Example of PHP Code

<?php
    echo "Hello, World!";
?>

💡 What This Does: The above code outputs “Hello, World!” on a web page.

Why PHP is Important for Web Development?

• Dynamic Web Pages – Enables user interaction without reloading the page.
• Secure Data Processing – Helps in form handling and user authentication.
• CMS & E-commerce – Powers platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Magento.
• API Integration – Works seamlessly with third-party services and RESTful APIs.

In simple terms – PHP makes websites dynamic, interactive, and scalable!