🧾 PHP Quick Start – Syntax, Variables, and Hello World 2025

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🧲 Introduction – Why a Quick PHP Guide Helps

Starting with PHP doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This Quick Guide is your cheat sheet for getting PHP up and running. Whether you’re building dynamic web pages, REST APIs, or CMS plugins, this guide covers the essentials in minutes—syntax, setup, and execution.

🎯 In this quick reference, you’ll get:

• A snapshot of PHP syntax and features
• Your first working PHP script
• Key concepts like variables, functions, and output
• Must-know do’s and don’ts for beginners

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⚙️ What is PHP?

✅ PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor – it’s a server-side scripting language used to build dynamic websites and web applications.

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🚀 PHP Quick Start Example

<?php
echo "Welcome to PHP!";
?>

✅ This simple script outputs a message to the browser.

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📂 PHP File Structure

• Save your script with a .php extension
• Use a local server (like XAMPP, WAMP, or Laragon)
• Place files in the htdocs or www directory
• Access via: http://localhost/filename.php

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🧱 Basic PHP Syntax Overview

Concept	Example	Notes
Opening Tag	<?php	Required to start PHP code
Output	echo "Hello";	Displays text
Variable	$name = "PHP";	Starts with $
Comment	// This is a comment	//, #, or /* */ supported
Function	function greet() {}	Reusable block of code
Array	$arr = [1, 2, 3];	Indexed or associative
Conditionals	if ($a > $b) { ... }	Supports if, else, elseif
Loop	foreach ($arr as $item) {}	Supports for, while, etc.

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🔤 PHP Variables

<?php
$language = "PHP";
echo $language;
?>

✅ Variables are case-sensitive and start with $.

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💬 PHP Comments

// Single-line
# Another single-line
/*
   Multi-line
*/

✅ Use comments to clarify complex logic or mark TODOs.

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🔁 PHP Conditional & Looping Example

<?php
$score = 90;

if ($score >= 50) {
    echo "Pass";
} else {
    echo "Fail";
}
?>

✅ Basic decision-making with if...else.

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<?php
$colors = ["red", "green", "blue"];

foreach ($colors as $color) {
    echo $color . "<br>";
}
?>

✅ foreach is ideal for looping through arrays.

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📚 Useful PHP Functions

Function	Purpose
strlen()	Get string length
strtoupper()	Convert to uppercase
count()	Count array elements
date()	Format date/time
isset()	Check if variable is set

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🔐 Output Security Best Practice

echo htmlspecialchars($userInput);

✅ Prevents XSS by escaping HTML characters in output.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why it matters
❌ Missing semicolon	Causes syntax errors
❌ Wrong file type	.php required to execute PHP code
❌ No server	PHP won’t run without a server (e.g., Apache)
❌ Forget echo	Won’t display anything if you don’t output it

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📌 Summary – Recap & Next Steps

This quick guide equips you with the essentials of PHP to get started immediately. From syntax and variables to output and file setup, you’re now ready to build your first dynamic web page or script.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• Use <?php ... ?> to write PHP inside HTML
• Always use a local server to run PHP
• $variables are case-sensitive and must be declared with $
• Use echo or print to display output
• Secure outputs with htmlspecialchars() when needed

⚙️ Real-World Relevance:
This guide acts as a mini handbook for every PHP developer. Whether building a CMS, API, or small script, mastering the basics is essential for writing scalable and maintainable code.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I use PHP with HTML together?
✅ Yes! PHP is designed to be embedded in HTML for generating dynamic content.

❓ Do I need to install PHP separately?
✅ If using XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP, PHP is already bundled. Otherwise, install it from php.net.

❓ Why doesn’t my PHP script work in the browser?
✅ Ensure:

• You’re accessing via http://localhost
• PHP is installed and running
• File extension is .php

❓ What is the best way to print in PHP?
✅ Use echo for performance, or print if you need the output to return a value (like in expressions).

❓ Can PHP files be opened directly like HTML?
❌ No. PHP must be run through a server; opening it via file path will only show the source code or nothing.

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