Why Learn PHP & MySQL?

PHP and MySQL work together to build websites from nothing on the back end. They are server-side scripts responsible for creating the aspects of the website users do not see that keep all the information stored and keep it running smoothly. Have you considered all of the things PHP and MySQL can do? With several new server-side programming languages coming to the surface, you may wonder why you should learn PHP and MySQL. Not only do PHP and MySQL offer a slight learning curve, but they are also fast languages that provide flexibility to beginners while giving them more control over their code. PHP and MySQL are still widely used to power some of the most visited websites. Here, you'll explore the types of careers that benefit from PHP and MySQL and how learning these languages can enhance your professional life. No matter your goals, learning PHP and MySQL is valuable and impressive skills to add to your resume. 

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.

Common Professional Uses for PHP & MySQL

Before you begin your training in PHP and MySQL, you may wonder what type of careers await you once you finish that training, especially if the language is not as popular as others. While PHP and MySQL are still used on 80% of websites today, several companies still require employees to be proficient in the language. Here are a few viable areas to consider when you enter the workforce. 

• Web Developer: Those in this position primarily build different web pages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You can choose to work in front end development, back end development, or full stack development. However, no matter which area you choose to enter in this career, you will mostly be looking at program functionality and troubleshooting errors in code.

• Full Stack Developer: These developers will work on building web applications for both the front end and back end powers of the application. Those who choose to go this route will need to spend time learning front end languages as well as back end.

• Back End Developer: Those in this position will work on the server side of websites and web applications. They will need to integrate front end development components. Users do not see the majority of this work.

• Software Engineer: In this position, you will use your knowledge of programming languages to develop different software. Those in this position can create software ranging from games to operating systems.

• WordPress Developer: You will often see those with expertise in PHP and MySQL working in this position. Those in this position can create full WordPress sites or new themes for existing ones. 

PHP Provides Flexibility

PHP offers flexibility within its language. One of the core features is that it works on all operating systems. No matter your computer, you can use and change PHP code. This feature makes it faster and less expensive as you don't need multiple languages on various operating systems. 

You can use PHP with any other programming language to accomplish various tasks. PHP can easily be embedded in HTML code, allowing developers more flexibility with how and where their code works. You can adapt this language in various ways to achieve your programming goals.

Fast Load Times

Only some programming languages have fast response times. When working with PHP, you have reliably fast load times, even over slow internet connection and data speeds. Currently, PHP offers faster load times than Python. When creating a website with PHP and MySQL, lowering the loading time can help improve the website's SEO ranking and further promote the website. The connection with MySQL databases allows for quick retrieval of information that allows for faster load times. 

Simple Learning Curve

When learning web development, it can be tricky to know where to begin. PHP and MySQL have large communities offering thousands of free resources to help you learn these languages. These free resources can make the learning process easier to handle in the beginning as you have control over the difficulty level. 

PHP and MySQL offer beginner-friendly syntax that is forgivable to new coders. Because of this ease of use, beginners can make mistakes and troubleshoot without looking through the complicated script of other languages. 

Development Control

You will encounter languages that provide long and complicated scripts throughout your programming career. Due to PHP's ability to embed within HTML, you can place PHP script anywhere in the code simply by using PHP tags. The two languages do not interfere with one another. 

Most programming languages require you to place code in a particular order and spot for them to work correctly. The PHP syntax allows for code to be placed anywhere as long as it is in PHP tags

How to Start Learning PHP & MySQL

Learning any coding language can be challenging for beginners, so you may need to take structured classes to help you succeed in web development. Noble Desktop provides different ways to help you find the program right for your needs. You can use the school's Classes Near Me tool to locate in-person web development classes near you in you prefer a face-to-face environment. For students who want the flexibility of a virtual environment, you can use the tool to find live online web development courses or check out Nobles web development virtual courses. 

Enrolling in a class is a significant time commitment, which can be challenging to fit into a busy schedule. You should continue learning even if you cannot commit to a lengthy course. You can find several on-demand web development courses that will fit your busy schedule. On-demand courses are available in all skill levels and several different programming languages. You may find some free introductory courses, but the majority of the courses will require some upfront fee ranging from $100 to about $1000. The more expensive a program is, the more resources are available. These courses may also be asynchronous: you can take the course when you have the time to devote, but it is still an entire course. Other courses will require you to purchase a platform subscription. 

Another great way to begin working with programming languages is to watch video demonstrations. Noble Desktop provides several YouTube playlists on different programming languages, including Python and JavaScript. For an overview of web development, watch the Web Design and Development playlist that discusses multiple topics. You may also browse through Noble Desktop's free seminars to find several courses covering various programming languages. To learn the basics of PHP, consider taking the Intro to WordPress for Developers course. 

Read the full guide on how to learn web development.

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!

Key Insights

• PHP and MySQL are open-source server-side programming languages used to create dynamic websites.
• They provide flexibility, as they can be used and manipulated on any operating system. 
• PHP and MySQL work together to provide fast web page response times even with slow internet and data speed. 
• They are simple to learn with a forgivable syntax, making them extremely user and beginner-friendly.
• You gain more control and freedom over your script, as you can place the PHP script wherever and still receive the same result. 
• You can receive comprehensive web development training at Noble Desktop with in-person and live online classes available.