PHP is currently the most popular web server extension language, used by many websites both large and small. Its popularity is partly due to its free, open-source nature and partly due to its friendliness and convenience. Tasks such as reading an entire file and outputting it to the web browser can be accomplished with a single line of PHP code. And PHP programmers can begin by sprinkling a small amount of code into a page otherwise made up entirely of HTML— a convenience also available in Microsoft's ASP.NET and other extension languages.
For more information, visit www.php.net, PHP's home on the web. See also my article how can I receive form submissions, which provides a quick overview of PHP programming.
PHP stands for "PHP Hypertext Preprocessor." Yes, you read that right— "PHP" does appear in its own expansion. Recursive acronyms like this one are a popular inside joke in the open source community.
Legal Note: yes, you may use sample HTML, Javascript, PHP and other code presented above in your own projects. You may not reproduce large portions of the text of the article without our express permission.
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