The Beginner's Guide for Modern PHP Developers

You might wonder, "PHP in 2024? Are you suggesting that I learn a dead programming language?" In a nutshell, yes.

Yes. Language is so dead that it powers over 75% of websites on the internet. It is so dead that every 10th software engineering job is for a PHP developer. The language even Mark Zuckerberg decided to build Facebook on.

PHP got its bad rap in the early days due to a lack of type system, security loopholes, and several other reasons. However, today's PHP differs in many ways from the PHP of 2004. What started as a simple scripting language in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf has evolved into a full-fledged programming language. The PHP of today is beautiful, robust, and one of the best tools for building web experiences.

This guide will point you to the right no-cost resources to learn the essential skills of building web applications from the ground up, both the user-facing side (front end) and the server-side functionality (back end). It will be the roadmap for your journey to becoming a PHP developer.

Before we dive into the guide, let's understand how web applications work. Imagine a web application as a restaurant. The front end is the dining area, where users interact with menus, place orders, and enjoy the ambiance. The back end is the kitchen, where chefs prepare dishes, manage ingredients, and ensure smooth operations. To become a full-stack PHP developer, you'll master the skills of both sides.

Part 1: Starting with the Frontend Fundamentals

HTML & CSS: The building block of web pages, providing the structure and content. CSS is responsible for styling and visual presentation, allowing you to craft beautiful, user-friendly interfaces.

JavaScript: The language that brings web pages to life. You'll learn to add interactivity, animations, and dynamic elements to your creations.

Part 2: Learning the Backend Basics

PHP: A powerful and popular scripting language that forms the core of many dynamic websites. You'll learn to control data flow, interact with databases, and build the logic behind web applications.

MySQL: The world's most widely used open-source relational database management system. Here, you'll delve into efficiently storing, retrieving, and manipulating data.

Part 3: Powering Up with Backend Frameworks

Laravel: A robust framework for building complex web applications, offering features for security, database interaction, and modular development.

WordPress: The world's most popular content management system (CMS). While primarily used for blogging, its plugin system allows for extensive customization and functionality.

Part 4: Styling Up with Frontend Frameworks

Tailwind CSS: A utility-first framework that empowers you to rapidly style your web pages with pre-built classes.

React/Vue (optional): JavaScript libraries for building complex user interfaces. They offer a component-based approach for reusable and maintainable code.

Part 5: Essential Tools for Every Developer

Git & GitHub: Version control systems are crucial for tracking changes in your code, collaborating with others, and reverting to previous versions if needed. Git is the industry standard, and GitHub is a popular platform for hosting code repositories.

Remember, becoming a full-stack PHP developer takes dedication and practice. Don't be afraid to experiment, build projects, and seek help from the vibrant developer community! All the best for your journey.

The guide is curated with ❤️ by Hameed Rahamathullah. You can always reach out to me on Twitter or LinkedIn for mentorship requests, sharing your journey or just to say hello.