Want to learn PHP programming? Step-by-step guide to help you get started! First, install PHP ([Official website](https://www.php.net/)). Master basic syntax such as variables, conditional statements, and loops. Practice this by building a simple login form: after submitting the form, process the input and validate the credentials. With these steps and exercises, you will master the basics of PHP programming.

Beginner’s Guide to PHP Programming: From Beginner to Experienced Developer

PHP is a powerful server-side scripting language , which can be used to build dynamic web applications. For beginners, mastering PHP can be a challenge, but with this step-by-step guide, you will be able to build your own PHP applications.

Install PHP

First, you need to install PHP on your computer. You can download the installer from [Official PHP Website](https://www.php.net/). Additionally, many popular web hosting services, such as Bluehost and GoDaddy, offer pre-installed PHP environments.

Basic syntax

PHP is based on C language, and its syntax is similar to C language. The following is the basic syntax structure:

Variables

Variables in PHP are used to store data. They are declared using the dollar sign ($), followed by the variable name:

$name = "John Doe";

Conditional statements

Conditional statements are used to control program flow. The most common of them are:

• if: If the condition is true, execute the code block
• else if: If the first condition is false, then check the second condition
• else: If all other conditions are false, execute the code block

if ($age >= 18) {
  // 用户已成年
} else {
  // 用户未成年
}

Loop

Loop is used to repeatedly execute a block of code. Two types of loops are provided in PHP:

• for: used to repeatedly execute code a specified number of times
• while: used to repeat Execute the code until the specified condition is false

// 使用for循环打印数字1-10
for ($i=1; $i";
}

Practical Case: Building a Simple Login Form

Now that you have understood the basic knowledge of PHP, let us consolidate this knowledge through a practical case. We will build a simple login form:

In the login.php file, include the following code to handle form submission:

By following these steps and practicing real-life examples, you can master the basics of PHP programming. Now you can start building your own applications and explore the powerful features PHP has to offer.