I. Introduction
If you’re looking to become a PHP developer in 2024, this beginner’s guide will provide you with a step-by-step plan to achieve your goal.
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language used to build dynamic and interactive web pages. Rasmus Lerdorf created PHP in 1995 as a set of Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts for tracking visitors to his website and grew it to the most used programming language on the web.
As internet use continues to grow, the demand for skilled PHP developers has also increased, making it a lucrative career option for those interested in web development.
What is a PHP Developer?
A PHP developer is a software developer who specializes in writing server-side scripts using the PHP programming language. PHP developers create and maintain dynamic websites and web applications and are responsible for the overall design, development, and implementation of PHP-based solutions.
They work with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other technologies to create dynamic, interactive webpages, and use PHP to interact with databases, perform server-side calculations, and build custom logic.
PHP developers may also be involved in testing, debugging, and maintaining existing PHP applications. In addition, they may be called upon to collaborate with other developers and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of projects.
II. Understanding the basics of PHP
It would be best if you crawled before you could walk. Therefore, before mastering your PHP skills and working on complex projects, developers must first understand the basics. These will give you a solid foundation of PHP and set you on pace to understand even more difficult aspects of PHP.
Here are the basics of PHP:
A. Introduction to HTML and CSS
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard markup language used to create web pages.
It provides the structure and content of a web page, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) provides the styling and layout.
Understanding HTML and CSS is essential for PHP developers as it lays the foundation for creating dynamic and interactive web pages.
B. Understanding the syntax and basic concepts of PHP
PHP has a simple syntax, and it’s easy to learn. However, to become proficient in PHP, you must understand basic concepts such as variables, functions, loops, arrays, and conditional statements.
It’s also important to know how to connect to a database and retrieve data and the basics of object-oriented programming.
C. Setting up a PHP development environment
Before you can start writing PHP scripts, you need to set up a development environment. You can use either XAMPP or WAMP, open-source software that provide an Apache web server, PHP, and a database management system. These software packages make it easy to run PHP scripts on your local computer.
Related: How To Run A PHP Program In Visual Studio Code[Step By Step Guide 2024]
D. Creating your first PHP script
Once you have set up your development environment, it’s time to create your first PHP script.
Below is a sample PHP Script to show today’s date and time.
<?php
// echo TODAY's Date:
$date = date('Y-m-d');
$time = date('H:i');
echo "Echo Foxtrot, Today's date is " . $date. " and the time is". $time ;
?>Use CodeRunner to execute your PHP Script
You should see the below output
III. Developing your skills in PHP
Once you have the basics of PHP under your belt, the next step in your journey to becoming a pro is to sharpen your PHP skills. You can do that in the following ways:
A. Learn a PHP framework, preferably Laravel
Learning a PHP framework, preferably Laravel, is an excellent way to take your PHP skills to the next level. Laravel is a popular and highly-regarded PHP framework that provides many tools and features to help you build robust, scalable, and maintainable web applications.
You’ll be able to take advantage of its built-in features, such as routing, database migrations, and elegant syntax. In addition, Laravel has a strong community of developers and tools. Laravel has wealth of online resources to support you as you learn and grow your skills.
By learning a PHP framework, you’ll be able to develop applications faster, with less code and a higher level of functionality. This is a valuable investment in your future as a PHP developer.
B. Building projects to practice and improve your skills
Building projects are essential to improving your PHP skills and staying current with the latest developments. By actively working on building projects, you can apply the concepts and techniques you have learned and gain hands-on experience.
This practical approach to learning helps you retain the information better and identify areas where you need to improve. It allows you to test your understanding and see how different concepts can be combined to create a working application.
Additionally, this can help you develop problem-solving skills and become more confident in your ability to create PHP applications.
C. Learning advanced concepts in PHP such as object-oriented programming, database connectivity, and security
Advanced PHP concepts such as object-oriented programming (OOP), database connectivity, and security are critical to creating robust and secure PHP applications.
Object-oriented programming provides a structured way of organizing your code, making it easier to maintain and build upon. Database connectivity enables you to interact with data stored in a database, providing your applications with dynamic, data-driven functionality.
Security is a crucial aspect of any web application. It covers a wide range of topics, such as protecting against common attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). You can write better, more efficient, scalable, and secure code by gaining a solid understanding of these concepts.
D. Staying up-to-date with the latest developments in PHP and related technologies
The PHP landscape is constantly evolving, and new features and best practices are continuously being developed. Therefore, staying up-to-date with the latest developments is crucial for staying ahead of the curve and making the most of the latest tools and techniques.
Whether it’s new PHP versions, libraries, or frameworks, staying informed helps you make informed decisions on the job. You’ll also remain competitive in the job market, with employers always seeking developers with the latest technical skills.
E. Participating in online forums and communities to collaborate with other PHP developers
Participating in online forums and communities is a valuable way to collaborate with other PHP developers and gain access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. By connecting with others in the community, you can ask questions, share your knowledge, and learn from others.
In addition, they provide a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices and getting feedback on your projects.
They also offer a wealth of tutorials, code snippets, and other resources to help you grow your skills and build better PHP applications. Joining a community can also help you establish connections and build relationships with other developers, which can be valuable in your professional career.
IV. Gaining hands-on experience
Once you have developed your PHP skills extensively, looking for hand-on experience is the next step in becoming a PHP developer. You can achieve that in the following ways:
A. Volunteering to work on open-source projects
Volunteering to work on open-source projects provides hands-on experience for PHP developers and allows them to contribute to developing real-world applications.
It is an excellent opportunity to work on projects with a team of developers worldwide, learn new techniques and best practices, and develop a portfolio of contributions to show potential employers.
Additionally, working on open-source projects can help you build a strong network of connections and establish relationships with other developers in the community.
B. Participating in coding challenges and contests
Participating in coding challenges and contests is a fun and engaging way to put your PHP skills to the test and gain hands-on experience.
Coding challenges and contests provide a structured and timed environment to build applications and offer the opportunity to learn new techniques and best practices from other participants.
By participating in coding challenges and contests, you can build your portfolio, showcase your skills, and have the chance to win recognition and prizes.
C. Working on personal projects to showcase your PHP skills
Working on personal projects is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in PHP development and build a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills. In addition, personal projects allow you to explore new technologies, try new ideas, and experiment with different approaches to problem-solving.
By working on personal projects, you can build a work portfolio demonstrating your expertise, creativity, and ability to deliver working applications.
Personal projects also provide an opportunity to develop your project management and problem-solving skills and build a sense of pride and ownership in your work.
V. Finding job opportunities as a PHP developer
With your PHP developer skills, it’s time to find actual jobs and projects to work on. This is also the best way to monetize the software development skills you have picked up learning PHP.
These are the steps to finding PHP job opportunities:
A. Building a professional portfolio to showcase your skills
Building a professional portfolio to showcase your skills is essential in finding job opportunities as a PHP developer. A portfolio visualizes your skills, experience, and achievements and demonstrates your abilities to potential employers.
Your portfolio should include projects you have worked on, code samples, and other relevant information highlighting your skills and expertise. A well-designed and professional portfolio can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing your dream job as a PHP developer.
B. Applying for internships and entry-level PHP Developer positions
Applying for internships and entry-level positions is a great way to gain hands-on experience and build a career as a PHP developer.
If you don’t know where to start, I have written a comprehensive article on the 5 Best Remote Working Platforms for Software Engineers in 2024 including those with entry-level developer roles.
Internships and entry-level positions provide the opportunity to work with experienced developers, learn new skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the PHP development process. These positions may also lead to full-time opportunities and provide a stepping stone to a long-term career in PHP development.
C. Networking with other PHP developers and industry professionals
Networking with other PHP developers and industry professionals is a valuable strategy for finding job opportunities as a PHP developer. Building relationships with other developers and industry professionals can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the field, learn about job openings, and connect with potential employers.
Attending meetups, participating in online forums, and building a professional network can help you stay connected to the PHP development community and increase your chances of finding job opportunities.
D. Keeping up-to-date with the latest job openings in the field
Keeping up-to-date with the latest job openings is essential to finding job opportunities as a PHP developer.
Regularly monitoring job boards, company websites, and industry publications can help you stay informed about job openings and identify opportunities that match your skills and interests.
By staying up-to-date with the latest job openings, you can quickly identify opportunities and be well-prepared to apply for them, increasing your chances of landing your dream job as a PHP developer.
VI. PHP Developer Salaries
According to GlassDoor, the average salary for PHP developers in the United States is $94,387 annually with a base pay of $89,230 per year.
Below is a table of salaries for PHP Developers in the United States according to years of experience.
| Years Of Experience | Base Annual Pay | Gross Annual Pay |
| 0-1 | $77,202 | $80,981 |
| 1-3 | $79,491 | $83,450 |
| 4-6 | $85,022 | $89,471 |
| 6-9 | $89,418 | $94,219 |
VII. PHP Developer Jobs Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% increase in web development jobs, including PHP, by 2026, which is more than double the average for all occupations.
PHP developers’ salaries have increased by 11% over the last five years
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The field of web development continually expands with the creation of new websites and connectivity demands; therefore, skilled PHP developers will always be needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a PHP developer in 2024 requires a strong understanding of the basics of PHP, continuous improvement of your skills, and hands-on experience. However, with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goal of becoming a successful PHP developer and make a rewarding career in web development.
Good luck on your journey to becoming a PHP developer!
