PHP

PHP PHP Case Sensitivity

• PHP is an acronym for "PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor" In PHP, keywords (e.g. if, else, while, echo, etc.), classes, functions,
• PHP is a widely-used, open source scripting language and user-defined functions are not case-sensitive.
However; all variable names are case-sensitive!
• PHP scripts are executed on the server
• PHP is free to download and use
Variables
In PHP, a variable starts with the $ sign, followed by the name of
What is a PHP File? the variable:
• PHP files can contain text, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP $x = 5;
code
$y = "John";
• PHP code is executed on the server, and the result is returned
to the browser as plain HTML
• PHP files have extension ".php“ PHP is a Loosely Typed Language
PHP has no command for declaring a variable, and the data type
depends on the value of the variable.
Basic PHP Syntax Example:
A PHP script can be placed anywhere in the document. <?php
A PHP script starts with <?php and ends with ?> $x = 5; // $x is an integer
Syntax: $y = "John"; // $y is a string
<?php echo $x;
// PHP code goes here echo $y;
?> ?>
• echo and print can be used to output data to the screen. The echo and print statement can be used with or without parentheses:
echo or echo() and print or print()
Example:
echo "Hello";
//same as:
echo("Hello");

Display Text
The following example shows how to output text with the echo command (notice that the text can contain HTML markup):
echo "<h2>PHP is Fun!</h2>";
echo "Hello world!<br>";

Display Variables
The following example shows how to output text and variables with the echo statement:
$txt1 = "Learn PHP";
$txt2 = "W3Schools.com";
echo "<h2>$txt1</h2>";
echo "<p>Study PHP at $txt2</p>";
What is MySQL?
• MySQL is a database system used on the web
• MySQL is a database system that runs on a server
• MySQL is ideal for both small and large applications
• MySQL is very fast, reliable, and easy to use
• MySQL uses standard SQL
• MySQL compiles on a number of platforms
• MySQL is free to download and use
• MySQL is developed, distributed, and supported by Oracle Corporation
• With PHP, you can connect to and manipulate databases.
• MySQL is the most popular database system used with PHP.
PHP 5 and later can work with a MySQL database using:
MySQLi extension (the "i" stands for improved)
PDO (PHP Data Objects)
For Linux and Windows: The MySQLi extension is automatically installed in most cases, when php5 mysql package is installed.
Connection to Server Close the Connection
Before we can access data in the MySQL database, we need to be The connection will be closed automatically when the script ends. To close the
able to connect to the server: connection before, use the following:
MySQLi Procedural:
Example (MySQLi Procedural)
mysqli_close($conn);

Creating a Database
The CREATE DATABASE statement is used to create a database in
MySQL.
Select a Database Listing Database
Listing Table Names
Creating a table
The CREATE TABLE statement is used to create a table in MySQL.
We will create a table named "MyGuests", with five columns: "id",
"firstname", "lastname", "email" and "reg_date":

The data type specifies what type of data the column can hold.
After the data type, you can specify other optional attributes for each
column:
• NOT NULL - Each row must contain a value for that column, null
values are not allowed
• DEFAULT value - Set a default value that is added when no other
value is passed
• UNSIGNED - Used for number types, limits the stored data to
positive numbers and zero
• AUTO INCREMENT - MySQL automatically increases the value of the
field by 1 each time a new record is added
• PRIMARY KEY - Used to uniquely identify the rows in a table. The
column with PRIMARY KEY setting is often an ID number, and is often
used with AUTO_INCREMENT
• Each table should have a primary key column (in this case: the "id"
column). Its value must be unique for each record in the table.
Inserting Data in the table
some syntax rules to follow:
The SQL query must be quoted in PHP
String values inside the SQL query must be quoted
Numeric values must not be quoted
The word NULL must not be quoted
The INSERT INTO statement is used to add new records to a MySQL
table:

INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, column3,...)

VALUES (value1, value2, value3,...)
The WHERE Clause
• The WHERE clause is used to filter records.
• The WHERE clause is used to extract only those records that
fulfill a specified condition.
• SELECT column_name(s) FROM table_name WHERE
column_name operator value
Altering Table
Select and Order Data From a MySQL Database
• The ORDER BY clause is used to sort the result-set in ascending
or descending order.
• The ORDER BY clause sorts the records in ascending order by
default. To sort the records in descending order, use the DESC
keyword.

SELECT column_name(s) FROM table_name ORDER BY

column_name(s) ASC|DESC
Delete Statement Delete Table
The DELETE statement is used to delete records from a table:
DELETE FROM table_name
WHERE some_column = some_value
PHP MyAdmin
PHP Admin refers to administrative tools and interfaces used for managing PHP-based web applications and their associated databases.
A popular tool in this domain is phpMyAdmin, an open-source tool designed for managing MySQL or MariaDB databases through a web
interface. Widely used for managing databases, running SQL queries, and performing administrative tasks.
• Logging In:Use database credentials (username and password) to log in.
• Creating a Database:
• Go to the "Databases" tab.
• Enter the database name and click "Create."
• Creating a Table:
• Select the database.
• Click "Create table" and define the table schema.
• Save changes.
• Running SQL Queries:
• Click the "SQL" tab.
• Enter a query (e.g., SELECT * FROM table_name;).
• Click "Go".
• Exporting Data:
• Select the database/table.
• Use the "Export" tab and choose the format (e.g., SQL or CSV).
• Click "Go".
• Importing Data:
• Use the "Import" tab to upload a file containing database data.
Database Bugs
Database bugs are flaws, errors, or issues that occur in database systems, which can affect data integrity, system performance, or security. These
bugs can arise from improper configurations, software defects, or incorrect usage
• Data Integrity Bugs:
Cause: Poor schema design leads to redundant data.
Resolution: create a database schema with proper constraints (e.g., primary keys, foreign keys, and unique constraints).
• Data Corruption Bugs:
Cause: Improper shutdowns, hardware failures, or software bugs.
Resolution: Use reliable hardware and implement periodic data integrity checks.
• Indexing Bugs:
Cause: Missing or corrupt indexes causing slow queries.
Resolution: Regularly rebuild and maintain indexes.
• Backup and Restore Failures:
Cause: Incomplete or corrupted backups.
Resolution: Test backup and restore procedures regularly.
• Connection Leaks
Cause: Unreleased connections in the application layer.
Resolution: Use connection pooling and monitor connection usage
• Configuration Bugs
Cause: Misconfigured database settings
Resolution: Audit and tune database configurations for workload needs and Keep drivers and database versions updated.
• Version Conflicts Debugging and Fixing Database Bugs
Cause: Using incompatible versions of database drivers and • Identify the Issue:
software.
Use logs and monitoring tools to locate the source of the bug.
Resolution: Maintain version compatibility and document
dependencies.
• Security Bugs • Reproduce the Bug:
Cause: Hardcoded credentials or poor encryption practices. Replicate the conditions under which the bug occurs.
Resolution: Encrypt sensitive data and avoid hardcoding credentials.
• Concurrency Issues • Analyze and Isolate:
Cause: Multiple users accessing and modifying data simultaneously. Narrow down to the problematic query or configuration.
Resolution: Implement proper transaction isolation levels and
locking mechanisms. • Fix and Validate:
Apply the fix and test it thoroughly.

• Document the Solution:

Maintain records for future reference and to prevent recurrence.
Content Management System (CMS)
A Content Management System (CMS) is software that allows users to create, manage, and publish digital content, primarily for websites,
without requiring deep technical or coding skills. It simplifies web development and content updates by providing a user-friendly
interface.
It acts as a bridge between non-technical users and the underlying web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript,
making web development accessible to those without coding expertise.

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language):

The foundational language used for structuring content on the web.
In a CMS, HTML elements (like headings, paragraphs, and images) are dynamically generated by templates or themes.
Users can edit content (text or images) without directly interacting with the HTML code.

• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets):

Handles the styling and layout of web pages.
A CMS includes pre-built themes and templates with predefined CSS styles, enabling users to customize the appearance of their website.
Advanced users can modify CSS directly for further customization.

• JavaScript:
Adds interactivity and dynamic features to websites (e.g., image sliders, form validation, and animations).
In CMS platforms, JavaScript is often used in plugins and extensions to enhance functionality.
• How CMS Integrates These Technologies:
A CMS abstracts the complexity of these technologies by providing a user-friendly interface for tasks like:
Adding and formatting content (relying on HTML).
Choosing or customizing design themes (using CSS).
Adding dynamic features like interactive menus or forms (powered by JavaScript).

Benefits of CMS
• Ease of Use: A CMS provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for content management, eliminating the need to write or edit code
manually. Users can easily create, edit, and publish content through drag-and-drop tools and pre-defined templates.
• Time Efficiency: With a CMS, users can quickly set up websites or update content without waiting for developers, significantly reducing
time-to-market.
• Cost-Effective: Open-source CMS platforms like WordPress are free to use, reducing the cost of building a website.
• Customizability: CMS platforms offer a wide range of themes and plugins/extensions, allowing users to add functionalities like contact
forms, SEO optimization, and e-commerce integration.
• Security: CMS platforms provide regular updates to address security vulnerabilities. Plugins and extensions for firewalls, SSL certificates,
and anti-spam tools help protect websites from cyberattacks.
• SEO Features: Many CMS platforms come with built-in SEO tools and these tools help optimize content for search engines by managing
metadata, keywords, and URL structures.
• Scalability: A CMS grows with your needs, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
Types of CMS
Traditional CMS (or Coupled CMS)
• A traditional CMS integrates both the backend (content storage and management) and frontend (website display) in a single system.
Examples include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
• These platforms are ideal for standard websites, blogs, or small businesses, offering ease of use and a rich ecosystem of plugins and
themes and Suitable for websites where content is primarily delivered through a single channel (e.g., desktop and mobile browsers).
• However, their tightly integrated structure may limit flexibility for advanced multi-channel content delivery.

Headless CMS
• A headless CMS separates the content management (backend) from content delivery (frontend).
• Content is delivered through APIs, allowing developers to create custom frontends for any platform.
• This approach is perfect for delivering content to multiple platforms, such as websites, mobile apps, and IoT devices.
• Highly flexible and future-proof for multi-channel content delivery and Developers have complete control over the frontend experience.
• However, it requires development expertise to build custom frontends.

Decoupled CMS
• A decoupled CMS is similar to a headless CMS but retains some built-in frontend capabilities for previewing content.
• Ideal for teams that want the flexibility of headless CMS with the added ability to preview content before publishing.
• Benefits are that it combines flexibility with usability and Supports multi-channel delivery while retaining some frontend features.
• Drawback is it is Slightly more complex than a traditional CMS.
SaaS CMS (Software-as-a-Service CMS)
• A SaaS CMS is a cloud-based content management system that operates on a subscription model, where the CMS provider hosts
the platform, manages its infrastructure, and takes care of updates, maintenance, and security
• The CMS is hosted on the cloud by the provider, eliminating the need for users to manage servers or hosting setups.Users can
access their CMS from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Cost-Effective as users pay a fixed subscription fee, which often includes hosting, security, and updates.
• No technical expertise required as SaaS CMS platforms are designed for simplicity, allowing users to manage their websites
without coding or technical know-how. Pre-built templates and intuitive interfaces make website creation straightforward.
• While SaaS CMS platforms offer a wide range of templates and features, they often have restrictions on advanced customization
compared to open-source CMS platforms like WordPress.
• Users are dependent on the SaaS provider for hosting and features, making migration to another platform more complex.
WordPress Development
WordPress is one of the most popular and free open-source content management systems (CMS) that allows users to create and manage
websites with ease.WordPress is known for its user-friendly interface, flexibility, and extensive customization options, built on PHP and
MySQL. It's widely used for blogging and enables users to update, customize, and manage their websites effortlessly through its intuitive
back-end CMS.

Theme Customization
A WordPress theme defines the design and layout of a website, controlling elements like fonts, colors, headers, footers, and page
structure. Customizing themes allows developers and users to create unique, visually appealing, and functional websites. While many
themes come with built-in options, more advanced customization can be achieved by editing code, using child themes, or employing
third-party tools like page builders.

It includes:
Appearance (Visual Design):
• Colors and Fonts: Modify primary and secondary color schemes and typography to align with branding.
• Header and Footer: Customize the menu layout, logo placement, and footer widgets or text.
• Backgrounds: Set custom images, videos, or solid colors for page backgrounds.

Layout and Structure:

• Adjust page templates for different content types like blog posts, archives, or custom post types.
• Define sidebar locations and widgetized areas.

Custom CSS/JavaScript:
WordPress Customizer
The WordPress Customizer is an intuitive, built-in tool that allows users to modify their website’s design and settings without
needing to edit code.

What Can Be Customized Using the Customizer?

• Site Identity: Edit the site title and tagline and upload logos.
• Colors and Backgrounds: Change the primary color scheme and background.
• Typography: Adjust font styles, sizes, and weights.
• Menus and Widgets: Organize navigation menus and place widgets in different areas.
• Homepage Settings: Select a static homepage or a blog post feed.
• Additional CSS: Write and test custom CSS live.

Benefits of Using the Customizer:

• Real-Time Previews: View changes as they are made before publishing them.
• Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for non-technical users to make adjustments.
• Extendable: Developers can add custom options to the Customizer using the WordPress API.
Child Theme
A child theme is a theme that inherits the functionality and design of a parent theme while allowing safe customizations. It is
recommended for developers and users who need to modify a theme extensively without affecting its core files.
It inherits its functionality and styling from another theme, called the parent theme. It is used to modify or extend the parent
theme while ensuring updates to the parent theme don’t overwrite your customizations.

Benefits of Child Themes:

• Safe Updates: Changes made to the child theme are not overwritten when the parent theme is updated.
• Separation of Code: Keeps customizations organized and separate from the original theme files.
• Ease of Debugging: Errors in custom code are easier to locate within the child theme files.
Page Builders
Page builders are plugins or features within themes that enable users to create and customize page layouts visually,
often using drag-and-drop interfaces. These tools are ideal for non-technical users who want advanced layouts without
coding. It offers faster development as Pre-built elements and templates speed up the design process.

Popular Page Builders:

Elementor:
• Offers a free version and a premium version with advanced widgets and templates.
• Features include animations, form builders, and WooCommerce integration.
Divi Builder:
• Comes with the Divi theme or as a standalone plugin.
• Known for its pre-designed templates and robust design options.
Beaver Builder:
• Lightweight and performance-focused.
• Provides front-end editing with real-time previews.
WPBakery (formerly Visual Composer):
• Includes advanced grid building and custom design options
Gutenberg:
Plugin Development
A plugin is an add-on or extension that integrates with a platform to add or enhance functionality without altering the core system.
Reasons to develop Plugins:
• Extend Core Functionality:
Plugins allow developers to add features and functionalities that are not part of WordPress core.
Examples: Contact forms, e-commerce capabilities, custom post types.

• Customization:
Plugins enable site-specific customizations without altering the core files or themes.
Keeps custom features modular and independent.

• Reuse Across Projects:

A custom plugin can be reused on multiple websites, saving development time.

• Monetization:
Developers can sell plugins as premium solutions to a wide audience.
Marketplaces like CodeCanyon or freemium models on the WordPress Plugin Repository make this viable.

• Integration:
Plugins act as bridges for integrating WordPress with third-party tools and services like payment gateways, CRMs, or marketing platforms.
Steps to Develop a WordPress Plugin • Write the Plugin Code:
• Plan the Plugin’s Functionality: Use hooks (actions and filters) to inject functionality into
WordPress.
Define the specific problem or functionality the plugin will
address. Test the Plugin:
Draft features and outline the user flow. Test on a local or staging environment before deploying to
live sites.

• Create the Plugin Folder and File:

• Submit to WordPress Repository (Optional):
Place the plugin folder inside wp-content/plugins/.
Follow guidelines to upload your plugin for public use.
The main plugin file must include a plugin header:
<?php
/*
Plugin Name: My Custom Plugin
Plugin URI: https://example.com
Description: Adds custom functionality to WordPress.
Version: 1.0
Author: Your Name
Author URI: https://example.com
*/
Best Practices • Security Measures
Effective management of WordPress websites is essential for Securing your WordPress website protects it from hacking, malware,
maintaining performance, security, user experience, and overall and unauthorized access.Enforce strong passwords for all user
reliability. accounts.Install plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded to block
repeated failed login attempts.

• Avoid Naming Collisions

• Performance Optimization
A naming collision happens when your plugin is using the same
name for a variable, function or a class as another plugin. Optimized performance enhances user experience and search engine
rankings.Use caching plugins like WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, or
• File Organization LiteSpeed Cache to improve page loading speed.
The root level of your plugin directory should contain your plugin- Reduce the size of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files with plugins like
name.php file and, optionally, your uninstall.php file. All other files Autoptimize.Use CDNs like Cloudflare or StackPath to serve static
should be organized into sub folders whenever possible. files faster and reduce server load.
• Backup Strategy • Analytics and Reporting
Backups are critical to recovering your website in case of a security Monitor traffic and performance metrics to improve your website's
breach, data corruption, or accidental deletion. effectiveness. Install tools like Google Analytics or Jetpack to track
Automated Backups: Use plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or user behavior and traffic sources.
Jetpack to schedule regular backups. Periodically generate reports on traffic, performance, and security for
Store Backups Offsite: Save backups in remote locations like Google insights and decision-making.
Drive or Dropbox.
Frequency: For active sites, schedule daily backups. For less active
sites, weekly backups might suffice.
Drupal CMS
Drupal is an open-source content management system (CMS) written in PHP. It is known for its flexibility, scalability, and robust features,
making it suitable for building everything from simple blogs to complex enterprise websites.
Drupal CMS Configuration
Configuration in Drupal involves setting up the core system, modules, themes, and other components to meet the desired functionality.
Steps for Configuration
• Install Drupal:
Download Drupal core files from Drupal.org.
Set up the database, configure the settings file, and run the installation wizard.
• Enable Modules:
Modules extend functionality.
Go to Extend in the admin toolbar to enable desired core or contributed modules.
• Configure Themes:
Set a theme for the website by navigating to Appearance.
Customize the theme via the Drupal admin interface or template files.
• Site Settings:
Update general site settings such as name, email, time zone, and more from Configuration > System.
• Create Content Types:
Define types of content (e.g., articles, blogs) with specific fields and behaviors.
Configuration Management in Drupal
• Drupal uses a Configuration Management System to store site configurations, enabling developers to export,
transfer, and synchronize configurations between environments (e.g., development to production).
• In Drupal, configuration refers to the settings and structural information that define how a site behaves and
operates. Configuration includes content types, fields, views, menus, roles, and permissions.
• Use version control (e.g., Git) for YAML files.
• Keep configurations separate from content to ensure clean deployments.
• Use a staging environment for testing configuration changes.
Module Development in Drupal
Modules extend Drupal’s functionality. Developers can create custom modules to add specific features.

Why Develop Modules?

• Add custom features not available in existing modules.
• Integrate with external systems or APIs.
• Enhance performance with site-specific optimizations.

Types of Modules
• Core Modules: Built into Drupal (e.g., Node, Block, Views).
• Contributed Modules: Developed by the Drupal community and shared on Drupal.org (e.g., Webform, Pathauto).
• Custom Modules: Tailored specifically for a project or site.
Site Building in Drupal
Site building involves creating and structuring the website without heavy coding, using Drupal's interface and built-in tools.

Site-Building Techniques
Blocks
• Blocks are reusable pieces of content displayed in specific regions of the theme.
• Manage blocks via Structure > Block layout.
• Create custom blocks with specific content or functionality.

Views
• Views are used to create dynamic pages, blocks, and lists based on content or data.
• Provides filtering, sorting, and formatting options.
• Example: Create a list of blog posts with filters for categories
Content Types and Fields Menus
Content Types define the structure of the content you Menus in Drupal provide navigational structures for a
create. website, allowing users to access pages and other
resources. Drupal includes a built-in menu system that
supports creating, managing, and displaying menus on
Default Content Types your site.
• Article: Ideal for blogs or news.
• Basic Page: Used for static pages like "About Us.“ Types of Menus
• Main Navigation: The primary menu for the site.
Custom Content Types • Footer Menu: Links displayed in the footer.
• Create custom content types via Structure > Content • Custom Menus: User-defined menus for specific
types. purposes.
• Add specific fields like text, image, or file upload.
Menu Management
Fields • Manage menus via Structure > Menus.
• Fields are building blocks for content. • Add links to menus, configure their order, and assign
them to regions.
• Examples: Title, Body, Image, Date, Tags.
• Reusable fields can be shared across multiple content
types