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PHP can be your key to web programming success. PHP stands for “PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor”. It is open source, which means anyone can use it for free. You can use PHP to write scripts that run on the server and build dynamic web pages, which change instead of staying static. Today PHP powers WordPress and a large share of the web.
For the person seeking to learn website development using Web 2.0 applications, the task is daunting. PHP offers a good starting point. A helpful book that walks the reader through the process of building a blog website with PHP is Practical Web 2.0 Applications with PHP by Quentin Zervaas (2008). This book explains high-level design and steps for downloading and using all of the software to design and build the site. The following article works from Zervaas’ introductory framework to explore Web 2.0 and PHP concepts.
Zervaas notes the challenge of pinning down a definition of Web 2.0 design, but he selects four common features – (1) standards-compliant HTML and CSS, (2) Ajax for a rich user interface, (3) sharing data with web feeds and services, and (4) using social networking applications.
What is high-level design?
This term refers to the cycle of developing software. The high-level design includes all of the relationships and roles between the software’s major components. Later, in the design phase, the developer will spell out the details of the software architecture (or design), including each individual component of the application.
What is standards-compliant HTML and CSS?
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has outlined the requirements for web software that is standards-compliant. You can find and review these standards at W3.org.
What is Ajax?
Ajax stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. It is a technique for building dynamic web pages. Using Ajax, a web page can fetch data from the server in the background and update part of the page without reloading it. Think of it as the power to update a website behind the scenes while the page keeps working normally.
What is sharing data with web feeds and services?
This is a concept you already know if you have seen a blog with Google AdSense content. This third-party functionality (a web service) feeds advertisements continuously on a site or blog. Blog owners and users do not have to do anything for the service to post ads.
What are social networking applications?
These are websites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) and blogs, where users interact with each other in a fast-changing online space. The site offers many ways to communicate through interactive features.
As you explore your options in designing a website with the principles of Web 2.0 design, consider the value of PHP. You should also learn how to build your site step-by-step while considering security and legality issues, especially if your site engages contributions from multiple users and includes information from third-party services.