PHP Website Development & Programming

     PHP is a server-side programming language used to add functionality to websites and handle tasks that happen behind the scenes. At Penguin Websites, PHP can be used to process forms, work with databases, manage user accounts, control page content, and perform other functions that require more than basic webpage structure.

     Unlike code that runs directly in the visitor’s browser, PHP is processed on the web server before the finished page is sent to the visitor. This makes it especially useful for websites that need to respond to information submitted by users or retrieve information stored on the server.

What PHP Does

     PHP can be used to make a website more functional and flexible. It allows different parts of a website to communicate with one another and can determine what information should be displayed based on a visitor’s actions.

     For example, PHP can process information entered into a contact form, check login information, display account details, retrieve records from a database, or generate webpage content automatically.

PHP Behind the Website

     Below is the PHP code used for the login page at Penguin Websites. Although visitors normally never see this code, it can perform important tasks that help the website operate properly.

     PHP code is executed by the server, which processes the instructions and sends the resulting information back to the webpage. This allows a website to perform calculations, make decisions, retrieve information, and respond differently depending on what the visitor requests.

Processing User Information

     One common use for PHP is processing information submitted through website forms. When a visitor enters information and clicks a button, PHP can receive that information, check it, organize it, and determine what should happen next.

     This type of processing can be used for contact forms, registration pages, login systems, search features, customer areas, and many other parts of a website.

PHP and Database Access

     PHP is also commonly used to communicate with databases. It can request specific records, add new information, update existing information, or remove information when necessary.

     This makes PHP an important part of websites that contain customer accounts, orders, payment records, searchable information, or other content that must be stored and retrieved.

(example)Database

Creating More Functional Websites

     PHP works quietly in the background, but it can be responsible for some of the most useful features on a website. From processing a simple form to managing an entire client area, PHP provides the server-side functionality needed to make many websites more than just a collection of static pages.

     At Penguin Websites, PHP is one of the tools we can use to build practical website features around the needs of the business and its visitors.