“PHP is a server-side scripting language designed for web development, but also used as a general purpose programming language.” – Wikipedia.
PHP is a versatile open-source scripting language that is widely used for web development and business application. It is used as a server-side language in combination with HTML to create interactive websites and web applications. In order to expand and create a customer base, every organization whether big or small needs to be online.
However, just being online does not address the problem. The company’s web page needs to be attractive enough to generate more traffic. Developing web portals using PHP is one of the most cost-effective ways and the preferred choice of business establishments. Online web portals like Facebook, Flickr, and Wikipedia etc. use PHP as a server side scripting language. Various e-commerce websites use PHP as a server-side language. As the market for PHP increases, so does the demand for PHP developers.
If you are good at coding, have a keen interest in website development, and enjoy visualizing and mapping complex processes, becoming a PHP Developer might be the chosen path for you.
Who is a PHP Developer?
A typical PHP developer is someone who is motivated to learn new coding languages. He/she is someone who writes clean and well-designed code. A PHP developer is part of the creative team that is responsible for the entire aspect of the software development cycle, from initial phase to the testing phase. A PHP developer is expected to do his own part of coding, produce a detailed specification, troubleshoot the problems, and finally test the software product. He/she should be able to contribute in all aspects of a design cycle.
Depending on the job requirement, a PHP developer can be a software developer or a web developer. Like any other software professionals, they can choose to either work for an organization or work independently. As a web developer, a PHP developer is expected to create the user interface, or he/she can be expected to do coding as a software developer.
Skills and Techniques Required
A successful PHP developer is proficient in PHP language and is knowledgeable about other programming languages as well. A degree in computer science is desirable, but not mandatory. Students can choose between various PHP programming courses offered online or by regular colleges. A certification helps you attain the technical skills required and prepares you for the field.
You can even pursue PHP certification post your high school education. A PHP developer needs to have good analytical and logical skills. In-depth knowledge in various areas like a database, computer-aided software design tools etc. are also helpful.
A PHP developer can gain experience through various projects included in the course, internships, or through open source projects. In order to get a promotion or move up the ladder, a good understanding of the entire software development life cycle is necessary. It is also advisable to be knowledgeable about multiple languages and have a broad set of skills. Familiarity with some operating systems and servers is also considered quite helpful.
If you want to learn PHP or need to add to your existing PHP knowledge, you can opt for various online courses that teach skills such as writing PHP scripts, PHP strings, variables, and data types.
PHP is an ideal scripting language for people who enjoy learning computer languages, are self-motivated, and enjoy dealing with complicated processes. On the technical side, you should have strong knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. You should be proficient in one or more content management systems, databases, and server side technology like MySQL.
Scope of Work
A PHP developer is responsible for creating clean, concise, and well-documented code for websites or web-applications. In addition to coding, a PHP developer may also design website layouts, work with a database, test websites for any problems, and help other developers troubleshoot and fix those problems.
As a PHP developer, your job duties may include some of the following:
- Building new websites
- Maintaining existing websites
- Providing PHP code
- Providing technical support to the team or the client
- Doing product testing
- Observing usability of the developed product
- Interacting with the client to do need analysis
Like any other programming/scripting language, a PHP developer needs to know more than one language, and should ideally have some working knowledge of database, web design, or some page formatting language.
Jobs and Pay Scale
A PHP developer can be hired on a part-time or a full-time basis. He/she can either work for an organization or freelance. An average PHP developer earns anywhere between Rs 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 per annum. As you gain experience in this field, there is no upper limit to the amount of salary that you can earn.
Some of the organizations that employs PHP developers:
- Startups companies
- Software design companies
- Video game development companies
- E-commerce development companies
- Web design companies
- Small and medium-based businesses
- Colleges and universities
- Private companies
- NGOs
- Governmental institutions
To be hired as a PHP developer, you need to demonstrate your skills and proficiency in the PHP language. You can showcase your past projects as work references. In order to land a successful job as a PHP developer, start developing a portfolio. Your portfolio can include the projects done in the school or college, your own website (if any), and freelance projects, etc.
