The Basics of Server-Side Scripting with PHP

Introduction

Dynamic websites are a necessity. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a corporate site, or a personal blog, interactivity is key. Server-side scripting is what makes this possible, and PHP remains one of the most popular languages for the job.

But why PHP? And how can you use it effectively for server-side scripting? In this guide, we’ll cover the fundamentals of PHP, explain how it interacts with servers, and walk you through building a simple dynamic web page.

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What is Server-Side Scripting?

Server-side scripting is the process of executing scripts on a web server rather than in a user’s browser. This allows developers to generate dynamic content, process user input, and interact with databases.

Why Use Server-Side Scripting?

• Enhanced Security – Sensitive data processing happens on the server, reducing exposure to potential attacks.
• Database Interaction – Server-side scripts can read, write, and update databases dynamically.
• Custom Content – It enables websites to deliver personalized experiences based on user data.

How PHP Fits In

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a widely-used, open-source scripting language designed for web development. It integrates seamlessly with HTML and works efficiently with various databases, including MySQL.

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Setting Up Your PHP Environment

Before diving into PHP coding, you need a working environment. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Install a Local Server

Since PHP runs on a server, you need a local environment for development. Popular options include:

• XAMPP (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• MAMP (macOS, Windows)
• WAMP (Windows)

These software packages include PHP, Apache (web server), and MySQL.

2. Write Your First PHP Script

Once installed, create a new .php file inside your server’s root directory (e.g., htdocs in XAMPP). Open the file in a code editor and write:

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

Save the file as index.php, then open http://localhost/index.php in your browser. If everything is set up correctly, you should see “Hello, World!” displayed.

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Core PHP Syntax and Concepts

Understanding PHP’s basic syntax is crucial for writing effective server-side scripts.

1. Variables

PHP variables store data and start with a $ sign:

$name = "John";
echo "Hello, $name!";

2. Conditional Statements

PHP supports if, else, and switch statements for decision-making:

$age = 18;
if ($age >= 18) {
    echo "You are an adult.";
} else {
    echo "You are a minor.";
}

3. Loops

Loops are useful for repetitive tasks:

for ($i = 1; $i <= 5; $i++) {
    echo "Number: $i <br>";
}

4. Functions

Functions help organize and reuse code:

function greet($name) {
    return "Hello, $name!";
}
echo greet("Alice");

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Working with Forms and User Input

One of PHP’s main advantages is handling user input via HTML forms.

Example: Handling a Contact Form

Create an HTML form:

<form method="POST" action="process.php">
  <input type="text" name="name" placeholder="Enter your name">
  <input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>

Then, process the form in process.php:

<?php
if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
    $name = htmlspecialchars($_POST["name"]);
    echo "Hello, $name!";
}
?>

This script captures user input and displays it securely.

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Connecting PHP to a Database

PHP works seamlessly with databases like MySQL. Here’s how you can connect and retrieve data:

1. Establish a Database Connection

$servername = "localhost";
$username = "root";
$password = "";
dbname = "test_db";

$conn = new mysqli($servername, $username, $password, $dbname);

if ($conn->connect_error) {
    die("Connection failed: " . $conn->connect_error);
}

2. Retrieve Data from a Database

$sql = "SELECT id, name FROM users";
$result = $conn->query($sql);

if ($result->num_rows > 0) {
    while($row = $result->fetch_assoc()) {
        echo "ID: " . $row["id"]. " - Name: " . $row["name"]. "<br>";
    }
} else {
    echo "No results found.";
}
$conn->close();

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Security Best Practices in PHP

Security is critical in web development. Here are some best practices:

1. Prevent SQL Injection

Use prepared statements to secure database queries:

$stmt = $conn->prepare("SELECT * FROM users WHERE email = ?");
$stmt->bind_param("s", $email);
$stmt->execute();

2. Validate and Sanitize User Input

Use htmlspecialchars() to prevent XSS attacks:

$name = htmlspecialchars($_POST["name"]);

3. Use Secure Password Hashing

Always hash passwords before storing them:

$password_hash = password_hash("mypassword", PASSWORD_BCRYPT);

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Conclusion

PHP remains a powerful and versatile tool for server-side scripting. It enables developers to create dynamic, database-driven websites efficiently. By mastering the basics of PHP, you can build secure and interactive web applications.

Are you looking for expert assistance with your PHP development projects? Contact Ikonik Digital at [email protected] to discuss how we can help your business grow with robust server-side solutions.