Learn PHP Online in 25 Hours | CodeBasics
Free course for beginners

PHP

Learning to program is not an easy and time-consuming process. Learning the syntax of the language is the easiest and shortest part of the journey, but you can't start without it. This course is devoted to the basics of writing programs in PHP. It prepares the groundwork for writing meaningful programs
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Where is the PHP programming language used?

PHP is a simple yet powerful programming language for web development, powering 75% of websites worldwide. With it, you’ll learn backend development, create dynamic web applications, and work with databases. PHP is easy to learn, in demand on the job market, and its active community and abundance of job opportunities can help you quickly break into IT

Learning preview
What will you learn in the "PHP" course?

You’ll learn the basic syntax of PHP — a fundamental skill that allows you to understand other people's code and write your own programs. After the course, you’ll be able to create simple scripts, such as a calculator

Learning program

PHP is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. More than 80% of websites on the Internet are written in this language. We'll learn PHP from scratch, starting from the very basics. The first module is a springboard for writing meaningful programs. In it, we'll show you how to write your first code in PHP. We'll tell you what comments are and why they're needed. We'll also look at testing by checking your solutions as an example.

Modern programs are created to serve businesses, help with daily life, and provide entertainment. But they're still based on calculations. The easiest and most basic topic in programming is arithmetic. In this module, we'll translate arithmetic operations into programming language and talk about the priority of operations. We'll also tell you what a linter is and why it might have a go at you.

Text in programming is called “strings”, and strings aren't as simple as they seem. How do I output a phrase that has both single and double quotes? How do you deal with text in general, since the computer knows nothing about letters! The module focuses on various aspects of writing, from quotation marks and escaping to encodings.

PHP is a language with weak typing and immutable primitive data types. What happens if we try to multiply a number by a string? How does PHP know what type of data it's looking at? And what does PHP do when it sees a type mismatch? You'll find the answers to these questions in this module.

Information can be put into special "containers" and reused as many times as we want. Such containers are called variables. They help to make code easier to read and avoid unneccessary repetition.

Functions exist to express any sort of operation in programming created by the user. Functions are the bricks that programmers use to build systems. In this module, we'll learn how to use the functions that have already been created. We'll look at function signatures in the documentation and figure out how to use them. We'll learn about the standard libraries, which store thousands of functions. It's impossible to learn every single function, but every programmer should know where to look for the function documentation they need.

Defining your own functions makes it much easier to write and maintain programs. For example, the ability to define functions allows you to combine multiple complex operations into one; all the complexity can be hidden behind one simple function. Learning how to write functions is the first step toward building genuinely useful programs. And we can help you with that. In this module, you'll create your first function and learn how to name it (and the variables and constants as well) in a way that you can understand.

Logical expressions allow you to answer questions that arise when a program is running. Has the user been authenticated? Has the subscription been paid for? Is it a leap year? In this module, we'll study predicate functions, functions that ask and answer true or false questions. Let's practice writing these functions and then move on to more complex logical expressions.

The job of predicate functions is to get the answer to a question. However, this usually isn't enough; you often need to perform a certain action depending on the answer. If and Switch are PHP constructs that allow the programmer to select the desired behavior depending on different conditions, which means skipping some instructions and execute others. We'll analyze them in practice in this module.

Any code can be repeated dozens, thousands, or millions of times. When we combine loops with the other tools we know, like variables and conditions, it opens up many possibilities for building programs and complex systems. Here's a simple example. You need to find a specific phrase in a 500-page textbook. You remember the phrase, but not the page number. The easiest (and longest) way is to go through the pages one by one until you find the right one. Loops are needed to perform these repetitive actions.

СModern string encoding and handling of strings in PHP using functions for multi-byte encodings. Localization.

ПThe concept of time in computers. Hardware Timer and System Timer. Functions for working with date and time in PHP. Timezones
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How the training is organised
Try it without registering
Start learning right away - first lessons are available without an account. If you like the format, you can register to save your progress
Convenient format
Everything you need to master new topics is on one screen. Theory, practice and live examples go hand in hand. The clear structure helps you to learn in a consistent manner and not to miss important details
Practice in the browser
You don't need to install anything - all tasks are performed right in your browser. Built-in code editor, console and automatic tests make learning comfortable. And if something fails, you can always see the teacher's solution
AI assistance without limits
AI explains topics, tells you how to solve assignments, and helps you at any time - like a personal tutor 24/7
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Sorting out the questions
What is studied in the "PHP" course and why is it necessary?

The course covers the basics of PHP, one of the most popular programming languages for web development. You will learn how to work with code, use functions, loops, conditional statements, and programming in PHP. This PHP course will help you understand web application development, learn key principles of how websites work, handle data, and complete exercises that reinforce your knowledge. The course is suitable for both beginners and those who want to refresh their knowledge.

How does the "PHP" course help in a programmer's career?

Mastering PHP opens up opportunities for working as a backend developer, creating dynamic websites, and interacting with databases. Companies value developers who know PHP because this programming language is used in many popular projects.

What to do after completing the "PHP" course?

After completing the "PHP" course, you will have a solid foundation for further development in web development. If your goal is to change careers and pursue PHP development, we recommend checking out our 10-month "PHP Developer Profession" course. In this course, you will: ✔️ Learn PHP at a professional level. ✔️ Master frameworks, work with databases, testing, and code security. ✔️ Create real PHP projects that will become part of your portfolio. ✔️ Receive employment assistance after completing the course.

How is the PHP course structured?

The course material consists of ready-made courses with beginner-friendly theory, tests to reinforce knowledge, and a large number of practical exercises with automated checking directly in the browser.

Is a certificate provided at the end of the PHP course?

No, a certificate is not issued upon completion of the course. However, after completing all the topics and practical assignments, you will acquire solid PHP knowledge, learn to write code, work with functions, loops, and development, and be able to apply the skills in real projects. This PHP knowledge will assist you in future employment and development in the field of web programming.

How quickly can you master PHP from scratch?

The speed of learning PHP depends on your experience and the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to studying. If you are a beginner, the basics of PHP (syntax, variables, loops, functions) can be learned in 2-4 weeks with regular practice

What basic knowledge is needed before studying PHP?

Before starting the "PHP" course, it will be helpful to have minimal knowledge in web development and programming. This will help you understand the material faster and apply PHP in practice. However, it’s not essential – our course is suitable for beginners with no programming experience. All topics are explained in simple language, with step-by-step examples and practical tasks. Even if you're just starting out in IT, the course will help you master PHP from scratch.

Can you study PHP without knowing HTML and CSS?

Yes, you can study PHP without knowledge of HTML and CSS, but for full web development, it is better to learn them in parallel. PHP is a server-side programming language used to create dynamic websites. While PHP can work without HTML and CSS, in practice, they are closely connected.

Can PHP be used to create mobile applications?

PHP is a server-side programming language, so it is not used to create native mobile applications (iOS, Android). However, PHP can be used to develop the backend for mobile applications.