PHP is a server-side scripting language used with HTML to create interactive websites. To become a PHP developer, one must understand PHP, HTML, and database query languages. Employers generally look for PHP competency, but a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, web development, or software engineering may be required for some jobs. Experience working on PHP projects is crucial, and gaining skills in web programming, database development, page formatting languages, and web design is useful.
PHP: The hypertext preprocessor, often shortened to PHP, is a scripting language that works on the server side and is often used in conjunction with HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) to create interactive websites. A PHP developer writes PHP code, but may also design website layouts, work with online databases, test websites for technical issues, and provide advice to a team of web designers and developers. To become a PHP developer, you must understand PHP and be able to use the language in combination with HTML and database query languages. You may also need a bachelor’s degree for some jobs, and PHP experience is crucial.
The first step if you want to become a PHP developer is to learn how the language works and practice writing code. There are many places online that teach PHP, including the official language site, design and web tutorial sites, and forums for programmers and developers. Many sites show sample code and provide an explanation of PHP terminology and syntax. If you prefer more guidance and are new to web development, there are also several short online courses that include projects, quizzes, and connecting with an instructor who can provide advice if you have trouble with a particular concept.
While this may not be true in all cases, employers are generally looking for PHP competency rather than a specific college degree; however, employers that require degrees often prefer a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, web development, or software engineering. Whether you need a degree depends a lot on the type of developer you want to become. Freelance programmers and other independent professionals may not need a degree to demonstrate their PHP programming skills, but programmers who want to work for large companies may need a degree to become a PHP developer and pursue jobs with more responsibility.
Experience working on PHP projects is key if you want to become a PHP developer. It’s a good idea to keep all the projects you work on and create a website of your work that potential employers can show off. PHP development jobs often require an extensive knowledge of web programming, so you may also find it useful to gain experience in database development, page formatting languages, and web design. You can acquire these skills with free internet tutorials, courses or traditional books. If you have absolutely no programming-related work experience, an internship would also be helpful.
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