Updated on Jan 8, 2025 01:43 IST
Anshuman Singh

Anshuman SinghSenior Executive - Content

PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) is a frequently used open-source scripting language. PHP scripts are executed on the server and are free to download. PHP is a widely-used programming language and is powerful enough to power the world's most popular blogging platform (WordPress) and has enough depth to support massive social networks. It is also relatively simple for a newcomer to use. PHP is a server-side programming language created with web development in mind. ".php" is the extension of the files and an interpreted language that does not necessitate the use of a compiler.

PHP Syllabus: Important Facts

  • Duration of PHP course: Learning PHP takes three to six months, depending on how much effort you devote. PHP has a friendly syntax, making it an excellent place to start for anyone interested in learning back-end web development. Learning PHP in three to six months is a fair aim if you commit to studying part-time.
  • Scope in India: It is the most popular scripting language for small-scale applications and large data-driven apps or websites. A PHP Software Developer/Programmer's average annual income is Rs 2,40,070.
  • Overview of Syllabus: The PHP syllabus generally begins with fundamental topics like data type, terminologies, etc. It then proceeds to cover topics on web development through an understanding of data storage and handling. MySQL is an open-source database server often used in conjunction with PHP websites.
  • Test Pattern: This PHP Online Exam is modelled around real-world online certification tests. You have to answer Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) based on PHP concepts. You have to choose the most appropriate response out of four options to a question and then proceed to the next one. After completing the test, you will receive your online test score.

Also Read: PL/SQL

List of Subjects in PHP

Check the list of typical core subjects and typical elective subjects in the tables given below:

Typical Core Subjects for PHP

Subject Title

Subject Details

Introduction to web

The Internet comprises billions of customers and servers linked by wired and wireless networks. Web clients send requests to the web server. The web server accepts the request, searches for resources, and responds to the client. When a server responds to a request, it usually provides the client with some kind of content.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Introduction
  • WWW architecture, fundamentals of HTML
  • Text formatting tags, marquee
  • Inserting images, Links
  • Lists
  • Creating tables
  • Frames
  • Working with form elements

Cascading Style Sheets

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a style sheet language for describing the appearance of a document authored in a markup language like HTML. Along with HTML and JavaScript, CSS is a key component of the World Wide Web.

Some parts of the syllabus are listed below:

  • Introduction
  • CSS properties
  • Controlling fonts, text formatting
  • Text- pseudo-classes, selectors, links, backgrounds, lists
  • Introduction to Javascript
  • Javascript variables, operators, decision control statements
  • Looping and arrays
  • Functions and events
  • Popup boxes-alert, prompt, confirm box
  • Built-in objects, writing JavaScript form validation

Typical Elective Subjects for PHP

Subject title

Subject details

 Building Web Applications in PHP

You will learn about the basic structure of a web application, web browser interaction with a web server, and the request/response cycle, including GET/POST/Redirect. You will also learn the basics of HTML and the PHP language's basic syntax and data structures, variables, logic, iteration, arrays, error handling, and superglobal variables, among other things. A basic understanding of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) will enable you to style webpage HTML. Finally, you will learn how to set up and operate an integrated PHP/MySQL environment like XAMPP or MAMP.

 HTML

Hyper Text Markup Language or HTML is the most widely used markup language for building websites. The structure of a Web page is described in HTML. HTML is made up of different elements. Its components specify how the content will be displayed in the browser.

 CSS

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is a language for describing the appearance of a document written in a markup language like HTML. Along with HTML and JavaScript, CSS is a key component of the World Wide Web.

Detailed Syllabus for PHP

The syllabus of PHP may vary from one university to the other, but the subjects are more or less the same.

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject title

Subject details

1.

Introduction to PHP

Introduction to PHP

PHP is an HTML-based server-side scripting language. It can handle dynamic content, databases, session tracking, and even complete e-commerce sites. MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Sybase, Informix, and Microsoft SQL Server are among the common databases it supports.

2.

Decisions and loop

Decisions and loop

In this topic, students will learn about Making Decisions, Doing Repetitive tasks with looping, Mixing Decisions, and looping with HTML.

3.

Function

Function

This topic covers general definition of a function along with call by value and reference, recursive function, string creation and access, string Search and replacement, string formatting, string related library function.

4.

Array

Array

This subject includes topics such as anatomy of an array, creating index based and associative array accessing array, element looping with index-based array, looping with associative array using each () and for each (), some useful library functions.

5.

Handling Html Form with Php

Handling Html Form with Php

This subject includes topics such as capturing form, data dealing with multi-value fields, and generating file uploaded form, redirecting a form after submission.

6.

Working with files and Directories

Working with files and Directories

This subject includes the topics: understanding file & directory, opening and closing a file, copying, renaming and deleting a file, working with directories, creating and deleting a folder, file uploading and downloading.

7.

Session and Cookie

Session and Cookie

This subject includes topics such as introduction to session control, session functionality, introduction to cookie, setting cookies with PHP, using cookies with sessions, deleting cookies, registering session variables, destroying the variables and session.

8.

Database Connectivity with MySql

Database Connectivity with MySql

This subject includes topics such as introduction to RDBMS, connection with MySql Database, performing basic database operation (DML) (Insert, Delete, Update, Select), setting query parameter, executing query join (Cross joins, Inner joins, Outer Joins, Self joins)

9.

Exception Handling

Exception Handling

This subject includes topics such as understanding exception and error, try, catch, throw, error tracking and debugging.

Specialisations offered in PHP

Here are a few specialisations offered in PHP.

Specialisation

Specialisation Subjects

Subject Details

Artificial Intelligence

Neural networks

Pattern recognition

Algorithms

Machine Learning

Language processing

Robotics

Automata

The ability of a computing system to solve problems, make predictions, or execute complicated tasks is referred to as artificial intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence applications make use of cutting-edge technology like natural language processing, which understands written and spoken words, and machine learning. It allows apps to make predictions and suggestions.

Game Design

Introduction to the game

Game Analysis Centipede

Game Programming Language

 C > Game & Graphic Code

Game Idea: Visualisation & Storytelling.

The Essence of Game 1

Modelling, Texturing & Lighting Games

Theft Auto III

Studio Design & Project Management

This specialisation of game design looks at AI and machine learning that dictates how players move through a game and the realistic graphics that make today's computer games so engaging. It also addresses how front-end designers and back-end developers should collaborate to provide a seamless user experience.

Networks

Application Layer, DNS, SMTP, HTTP, FTP, TFTP, TELNET.

Transport layer, TCP Protocol, UDP Protocol, State transition diagram in TCP, Congestion Control policies.

Network layer, IPv4, IPv6, IP addressing, Routing Protocols, Fragmentation.

This specialty examines how businesses communicate with internal and external stakeholders via wired and wireless networks. Management of bandwidth, traffic, user access, network security, and any devices linked to the network are all responsibilities.

Computer Graphics

User interface design, sprite graphics, rendering, ray tracing, geometry processing, computer animation, vector graphics, 3D modelling, shaders, GPU design, implicit surfaces, visualisation, scientific computing, image processing, computational photography.

This specialisation focuses on two- and three-dimensional pictures used in software applications such as gaming, computer-assisted design, manufacturing, and multimedia publishing. Effective computer visual design analyses the optimal approach to display those images given limits such as screen size, system memory, and bandwidth, in addition to the concepts of creating realistic images.

Information Security

Application and platform security

Careers and certifications

Cloud security

Compliance

Data security and privacy

Identity and access management

Network security

Risk management

Software applications, networks, storage gear, devices, and other facets of an organisation's security are all managed by information security specialists. It necessitates a thorough understanding of security flaws and the numerous methods used by internal and external attackers to exploit them.

Data Science

Probability and Inferential Statistics

Discrete Mathematics

Data Warehousing and Multidimensional Modelling

Object-Oriented Programming in Java Machine Learning

Operations Research and Optimisation Techniques

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Cloud Computing

Data science is the capacity to "mine" massive data sets for useful information or insight. Suppose an organisation utilises various methodologies to acquire and analyse data. This data may include "big data", i.e., huge, complex, and sometimes unstructured sets of information. In that case, the organisation profits from data science as a practice.

Software Engineering

Modelling and Simulation

Digital and Embedded Systems

Game and Entertainment

Geographic Information Systems

Network-centric Systems

Software engineering focuses on the systems and protocols for using these applications in addition to application creation. Professionals in these professions may specialise in various areas, including debugging, testing, security, and scalability, or an application's capacity to add users or features without affecting performance.

Systems

International Business Management

e-Business Strategy

Principles of Macroeconomics

Language Programming

Principles of Financial Management

System Analysis and Specification

Marketing management

E-commerce

This computer science specialisation assists a company in getting the most out of the technology, software, and services that employees utilise daily. These items can include both self-developed systems and third-party products. Performance, security, and productivity of both the systems and the workers that work with them are major issues in this function.

Books and Authors Related to PHP

You can understand the basics of programming and development by reading relevant books. Here are a few books that can assist you in learning PHP and MySQL.

Subject

Book Title

Authors

Description

PHP

Beginning PHP

Dave W Mercer, Allan Kent, Steven D Nowicki, David Mercer, Dan Squier, Wankyu Choi

Beginning PHP is a comprehensive guide on the language's features and functionality, starting with the fundamentals and progressing to designing and developing complex data-driven websites. You will learn to construct fully functional applications. Installation and troubleshooting instructions, an introduction to relational databases, actual working examples and applications, and a complete language reference.

PHP

Programming PHP

RasmusLerdorf and Kevin Tatore

Programming PHP is an official handbook on PHP 4 that contains the unique knowledge of Rasmus Lerdorf, the creator of PHP. This book introduces PHP language syntax and programming techniques in a simple, concise manner. It provides several examples demonstrating correct usage and popular terminology.

PHP, MySQL

Learning PHP, MySQL

O’riley Press

Knowing basic HTML is enough to create interactive, data-driven websites using a powerful combination of open-source technologies and web standards. This new edition of this popular hands-on guide covers the latest versions of today's essential technologies, including PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, and essential jQuery libraries.

Web designers will learn to combine various technologies and gain crucial web programming skills, such as optimising websites for mobile devices.

Entrance Exams for PHP

Many computer institutes provide PHP training as a standalone certificate program without students having to undergo entrance tests. The eligibility for getting a seat for this course is passing the 10+2 examination with good scores.

  • JEE Mains: The JEE Main exam has a moderate difficulty level.
  • JEE Advanced: The overall exam is moderate to high in terms of difficulty level.
  • BITSAT: Although the number of questions in BITSAT is lesser than in JEE Mains, the complexity of both tests is nearly same. BITSAT has 150 questions while JEE Mains has 90.

For scoring good marks in these examinations, you must study the 10+2 level syllabus of physics, chemistry, mathematics. Almost all of the examinations are conducted in the format of multiple choice questions.

Syllabus for Distance Programme in PHP

PHP courses are available at the Certificate level through many online platforms and the online portals of certain Indian schools and colleges. They are a subset of software/web development. Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, Intellipat, LinkedIn Learning, etc., offer these courses. You can pursue these PHP courses after class 12th or graduation. PHP courses are in demand in the IT sector, corporations, computer software industry, software technology, and other topics in depth. The syllabus for the distance program is almost the same as the regular course. The topics include:

  • HTML
  • HTML5
  • CSS
  • Javascript
  • Statements
  • JQuery
  • PHP
  • MySQL

Top Colleges for PHP

Based on the curriculum, choices of electives offered, and in-house placement opportunities, these are the top institutes for php in India.

College/University/Institution

Syllabus Links

IT Desk India, Jaipur, Rajasthan

To be uploaded soon

Coding Cloud, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

To be uploaded soon

VYTCDC, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

To be uploaded soon

Yesdo Softindia, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra

To be uploaded soon

Taiijas Infotech, Mumbai, Maharashtra

To be uploaded soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is PHP?

A.PHP is an acronym for Hypertext Preprocessor. It is a widely-used open-source server-side scripting language for web development. Many databases are supported, including MySQL, Oracle, Sybase, Solid, PostgreSQL, and Generic ODBC.

Q. Who is known as the father of PHP?

A. Rasmus Lerdorf is the father of PHP.

Q. What is the scope of PHP in the future?

A. For web application development, many specialists at top companies prefer PHP. PHP is more frequently used than other languages. It is also a low-cost web development tool, and many companies prefer it. Even for a beginner, PHP is an excellent place to start.

Q. What was PHP's previous name?

A. PHP was previously known as Personal Home Page. Rasmus Lerdorf wrote PHP in the C programming language in 1994 to keep track of his online CV and other personal information.

Q. Which is better: Java or PHP?

A. When you consider the advantages that Java and PHP bring, it's evident that they are both really powerful. However, many programmers who use both languages will tell you that PHP is the better option.

Q. Are dynamic and static websites the same or is there any difference between the both?

A. After running the script on a static website, you cannot change the content. There is no way to update anything on the website. It is all predetermined.  Whereas, scripts on dynamic web pages can have their content changed at any time. The content is refreshed every time a user views or reloads the page. Google, Yahoo, or any other search engine is an example of a dynamic website

Q. What is the PHP scripting engine's name?

A. The scripting engine that powers PHP is called Zend Engine 2. Zend Engine is an open-source virtual machine that is well-known for its role in automating the web with PHP. The Zend Framework is named after its creators, Zeev and Aandi.

Q. State the distinctions between PHP4 and PHP5.

A. PHP4 used the Zend Engine 1.0 while PHP5 used the Zend Engine II. PHP5 replaced magic quotes with the addslashes() function to escape characters. PHP4 is a procedural language, but PHP5 is an object-oriented language. A class can be declared Abstract in PHP5.

Q. What are the popular frameworks in PHP?

A. Here are the few popular frameworks used in PHP:
  • Zend Framework
  • CakePHP
  • Yii 2
  • CodeIgniter
  • Symfony

Q. Which are the most popular PHP CMS (Content Management System)?

A. These are the few popular Content Management Systems (CMS):
  • WordPress is a free and open-source content management system that runs on PHP and MySQL (CMS).
  • Joomla, a free and open-source content management system (CMS) for distributing web content, was created by Open Source Matters, Inc.
  • Magento is an open-source e-commerce platform developed by Varien Inc. for online enterprises.
  • Drupal is a PHP-based content management system that is free to use and distribute under the GNU (General Public Licence).

Q. To which programming language does PHP have a strong resemblance?

A. The structure of the language was purposefully meant to match that of C, making it simple to learn for developers who are already familiar with C, Perl, and other similar languages.

Q. Describe some of PHP7's features.

A. PHP7 has numerous enhancements. The website's performance has improved by 25-70 % with the release of PHP7. Now we'll go over each feature of PHP7 one by one:
  • The boolean, integer, float, and string data types are scalar. We couldn't provide type hinting for the scalar data type before. Hinting for array or class objects was what we were doing.
  • Return Type Declaration: Declare the data type of the value returned from the function in C or C++.
  • Operator for Null Coalesce: "??" is the Null Coalesce Operator. This operator essentially replaces the ternary operator.

Q. What does "echo" mean in PHP?

A. PHP echo outputs one or more strings. It's a feature, not a function, of the language. As a result, there is no need for parenthesis.

Q. In PHP, what does "print" mean?

A. PHP uses the print command to print a string. It's a feature, not a function, of the language. As a result, parentheses are not necessary for the argument list. It always returns 1 in comparison to echo.

Popular PHP Colleges in India

Following are the most popular PHP Colleges in India. Learn more about these PHP colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
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Popular Private PHP Colleges in India

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Most Popular Courses

Popular PHP UG Courses

Following are the most popular PHP UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for PHP. Students interested in pursuing a career on PHP, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

25 Dec ' 24 - 25 Jan ' 25

MAH MCA CET 2025 Registration

Feb '25

MAH MCA CET 2025 Admit Card

TENTATIVE

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

19 Dec ' 24

Karnataka PGCET Counselling: Last Date to Report ...

16 Dec ' 24

Karnataka PGCET Final Allotment Results (Final Ro...

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