PHP & MySQL Prerequisites

Just like any other coding language, PHP and MySQL hold their challenges. You may worry that PHP and MYSQL will be too hard to learn as server-side languages. In this guide, you will understand the best methods for learning these languages and what you should learn first to make the learning process easier. By doing so, you will be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

What is PHP & MySQL?

PHP is a widely used open-source scripting language on the server side of web development. This free and open-source coding language is one of the more accessible coding languages to learn while offering advanced features for professional programmers. The majority of the time, PHP is used for making web servers. One thing that makes PHP simple is that it is platform-independent and can run on any operating system without a problem.

Typically when you work with PHP, you will also work with MySQL as the database management system. MySQL is a structured query language that plays a central role in computing. Instead of storing data in a big storage room, MySQL stores all of the data in separate tables that efficiently tracks and manages all of the data from the websites. You can find that both PHP and MySQL power several of the most accessed web applications, including Facebook, Netflix, Uber, and Twitter. 

Read more about PHP and MySQL and why you should learn them.

What Can You Do with PHP & MySQL?

When thinking about what you can do with various programming languages, you'll probably think of the countless websites and web applications you could create; however, with PHP and MySQL, you can do much more. 

You can create dynamic page content by working with a server-side programming language. Many programmers working with PHP and MySQL work with ecommerce and WordPress themes. You can write the script for and create desktop applications. However, these are things that other programming languages can accomplish as well. PHP is great for web security as you can easily set up user authentication and two-step verification with PHP. This security trick will allow your websites to use the cornerstones of web security with a few simple steps. You have easy database connectivity, which is why you often see PHP paired with MySQL. 

With PHP, you can implement real-time applications like chats, bots, social networks, and games into your website. To do this, you need to create the application using a different language, then use local PHP back end code to implement it into the website. However, these are just a few things you can accomplish with PHP; the more familiar you become with the language, the more you will be able to accomplish.

Is PHP & MySQL Easy to Learn?

Taking the time to learn new skills is no easy task; this is the same for PHP, MySQL, or any other coding languages. Web development is a time-consuming field to enter, and learning multiple languages can become more complex. PHP and MySQL are some of the simplest to learn programming languages. 

PHP has been available to the public since 1995, which has allowed various resources to become available to help new learners come up to speed with the language. While there is a robust ecosystem for PHP, there are other reasons it is simple to learn. Most languages will have various resources available for learning new skills or troubleshooting. PHP is a beginner-friendly language as it has a forgiving syntax for beginners. You do not need to create complicated scripts to see your websites come to life. However, this language is for more than just beginners. The more you learn them more you will utilize the language's advanced features. 

Because PHP and MySQL work together in most cases, you will often see them taught together. Learning them together can save you time in the learning process. PHP can take 3 to 6 months to learn the basics, while MySQL can take 6-7 months. Learning them together combines the learning time to 6-9 months instead of well over a year to learn them individually. Pursuing a career in web development will become more difficult as you try to learn multiple languages. Many positions will require proficiency in multiple languages.

What to Know Before Learning PHP & MySQL

Learning PHP and MySQL may be relatively easy; any beginner should have a few additional skills to make the learning process easier. 

Basic Computer Skills

Before you study PHP, MySQL, or any other programming language, you should have strong computer literacy. With computers growing and evolving every year, the concept of basic computer skills has shifted; however, most tech positions require candidates to have a minimum set of skills:

• Operating system knowledge (Windows, macOS, Linux): Knowing these are helpful, as you can use PHP on any of these systems.
• Troubleshooting experience: This task may include handling software updates, crashes, and unresponsive programs.
• Email management proficiency: Companies commonly look for proficiency in Outlook or Gmail. 
• Basic data entry understanding
• Web browsers comfort: You should know how to perform basic searches on Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
• Word processing software experience: Companies look for proficiency in either Word or Google Docs. Sometimes they require both. 
• Spreadsheet software experience: Companies want proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets. Some companies may seek other software. 

Depending on the position you pursue, additional computer skills may be necessary, including project management software, instant messaging platforms, and video conferencing platforms. It's also beneficial if you can seamlessly switch between mobile, desktop, and laptop applications. 

HTML/CSS

HTML and CSS are essential in front end development. PHP and MySQL create a robust back end for websites. However, PHP can be embedded into HTML, making it important to understand HTML script. If you plan to use PHP and MySQL in a development role, consider learning the basics of HTML and CSS first. 

If you plan to become a PHP Developer or a Back End Developer, you will likely deal with Front End Developers while you handle the back end. Knowing HTML and CSS can help you resolve issues more easily, especially if the issue is embedded into PHP and HTML script. If your career goal is Full Stack Developer, you will need HTML/CSS, PHP, MySQL, and other programming languages like JavaScript. 

You do not need to know HTML and CSS to learn PHP and MySQL, but it makes learning easier. If you enroll in Noble Desktop's PHP and MySQL bootcamp, you should be comfortable coding HTML and CSS and know equivalent to their Web Development Level 2 course.

JavaScript

Learning JavaScript is optional when learning PHP or MySQL, but it may be important to start learning the basics if you want to pursue a web development career. Similar to HTML and CSS, JavaScript is primarily a front end development language you will encounter throughout your relationship with Front End Developers. 

JavaScript remains the most popular programming language worldwide and is still one of the simplest languages to learn. Through learning JavaScript, you learn the various frameworks and libraries, including several used in back-end development. Taking the time to learn JavaScript and its various frameworks and libraries can help troubleshoot issues that arise on both sides of the development process. Noble Desktop's JavaScript Developer Certificate dives into some of the various back end frameworks. 

Key Insights

• PHP and MySQL are beginner-friendly languages to learn. 
• Before learning PHP and MySQL, consider becoming proficient in skills in these areas: Basic Computer skills, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript. 
• You can receive comprehensive PHP, MySQL, and Web Development training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop. 

Learn Web Development with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop provides various web development classes that meet various scheduling needs and learning styles. No matter which class you enroll in, you’ll learn from expert instructors in small intimate classes. Any students can attend in-person training at Noble's Manhattan campus or remotely from anywhere worldwide. In addition to the courses, students can retake the course within of year of completion for no additional charge, giving them more time to hone their skills.

For those interested in beginning their web development journey, Noble offers a short Intro to WordPress for Developers course that covers the basics of PHP. This course covers how WordPress Themes work and how to develop and upload them onto a live site. For a more in-depth look into web development through WordPress, consider the WordPress Bootcamp. This course goes more in-depth on how to use HTML, CSS, and PHP to develop websites for WordPress. 

If you want a general overview of PHP and MySQL, you can take the PHP and MySQL bootcamp course. In this course, you learn the fundamentals of both PHP and MySQL. Before taking this course, you should have some basic knowledge of HTML and CSS. 

Those interested in learning other back end web development languages to start their web development career should consider enrolling in the JavaScript Development Certificate course or the Python Developer Certificate course. Both courses go in-depth into each language. After learning PHP and MySQL, you should consider learning JavaScript and Python, as you will encounter them throughout your programming career. Having each of these languages on your programming toolbelt with help jumpstart your web development career!