Here's a breakdown of what that means:
* Server-side: PHP code runs on a web server, not directly on the user's computer. This means the server processes the PHP code and then sends the resulting HTML to the user's browser.
* Scripting language: PHP is used to create dynamic and interactive websites. It allows you to:
* Generate dynamic content: Show different content based on user input, time, or other factors.
* Access and manipulate databases: Store and retrieve information from databases to create personalized experiences.
* Send emails: Allow users to contact you or send notifications.
* Upload files: Enable users to share files on your website.
* And much more!
Key Features of PHP:
* Open-source: It's free to use and modify.
* Cross-platform: It runs on various operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.
* Large community: PHP has a vast and active community that provides support, resources, and libraries.
* Easy to learn: Its syntax is similar to C and Perl, making it relatively accessible for beginners.
* Widely used: PHP powers many popular websites, including Facebook, Wikipedia, and WordPress.
In essence, PHP is a powerful tool for creating dynamic and interactive websites. It's known for its versatility, ease of use, and large community support.