We expect our readers to have a more than firm handle on what PHP is, but for completeness-sake: PHP (a recursive acronym of PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is an open source, server-side web-scripting language for creating dynamic web pages. Outside of it being browser independent, it offers a simple and universal cross-platform solution for e-commerce, and complex web and database-driven applications.
PHP has:
A low, smooth learning curve.
Broad functionality for databases, strings, network connectivity, file system support, Java, COM, XML, CORBA, WDDX, and Macromedia Flash.
Platform compatibility with UNIX (all variants), Win32 (NT/95/98/2000), QNX, MacOS (WebTen), OSX, OS/2, and BeOS.
Server compatibility for Apache module (UNIX, Win32), CGI/FastCGI, thttpd, fhttpd, phttpd, ISAPI (IIS, Zeus), NSAPI (Netscape iPlanet), Java servlet engines, AOLServer, and Roxen/Caudium module.
A rapid development cycle. New versions with bug fixes, additional functionality, and other improvements are released every few months.
A vibrant and supportive community. Code examples and free code abound. The PHP group has done an excellent job of providing new users with resources and support.
Easy extensibility. We can easily roll out our own extensions to the language.
A simple syntax that resembles C. It's easy for experienced C, C++, Perl, and shell coders to pick up PHP.
Plus, it's open source, and it's free.