Autor: 18.11.2022
PHP Developer: where to start?
PHP is a scripting language, created with web development in mind. Despite the passage of time from its creation, it’s still being used as a tool to build many applications - today over 75% of them utilize PHP!
If you haven’t heard of the language yet, and WebDev is something you take interest in, maybe you should take a look into PHP too. The door to becoming a PHP Developer is wide open, and here is how to cross them best prepared.
What you need to know
Since PHP is a language used in creating websites, it would only be fitting to learn more about the key concepts of this subject. Understanding how servers work, how they communicate with browsers and what a session is can go a long way, although it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Don’t worry though, the more you know, the more you can learn :)
You won’t get far in any language if you don't know its fundamentals. It’d be safe to start, then, with the basics: syntax, data types, loops or conditional statements. With PHP being an Object-Oriented language, getting to know more about classes, objects and inheritance is very important.
On top of that, PHP can also be used in data management systems - this is why knowing the basics of databases is on this list. Most often, they’re SQL based databases, like MySQL or PostgreSQL - both often mentioned when talking about PHP and data.
Practice first
We need to stress one thing: all this knowledge without practice will not get you to success. Programming is a profession that expects to see physical effects - working applications. That’s why you should start out your first project whenever you get the necessary knowledge.
Every project, even the simplest one, counts towards something. A to-do list, a randomized quiz or a simple form collecting data - all of these projects demand some degree of practical ability from you.
Besides getting experience, you will be building your portfolio - then a simple program, just like the ones you’ll have built, could become the deciding factor at a job interview. Then, you will have proof that you know PHP and can put it to use.
Career prospects
After many years, PHP is still a widely used language. Wordpress (content management system written in PHP) serves as a great example here - it makes up the base of 43% of all existing websites. The job market for PHP Devs doesn’t seem to be weaker than in the past - on the contrary - there’s going to be a lot of work to do as the IT industry develops more dynamically than ever.
A PHP Developer’s wage in the US at entry level starts at $80.000 a year, and the most experienced Senior Devs can earn up to $130.000 yearly. An average PHP Dev’s salary is around $100.000 a year.
Summary - what to learn
If you want to start studying and reach a PHP Developer position, here is how we think you should do it:
1. Key concepts of web development
2. PHP basics: syntax, data types, loops, functions etc.
3. Object-oriented aspects of PHP: classes, objects, interfaces itp.
Additionally, you can take a step further and get around the basics of databases and SQL.
If you want a boost into the world of PHP development, our PHP Developer Career Path is here! Jam-packed with theoretical knowledge and practical exercises to help you preserve what you’d just learned - and that’s not all. The bundle also includes projects you can build yourself, with our guidance.
Follow the guide above, and soon you will become a proper candidate for the PHP Dev position.
