Building Web Applications in PHP

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/web-applications-php

Introduction

**Course Review: Building Web Applications in PHP on Coursera** In the rapidly evolving world of web development, the need for versatile and robust skills has never been greater. For beginners eager to dive into web application development, Coursera’s “Building Web Applications in PHP” course provides an exceptional foundation. Whether you are aiming to build a personal project or pursue a career in web programming, this course is an excellent place to start. ### Course Overview The "Building Web Applications in PHP" course takes learners on an engaging journey through the essential components of web applications. Throughout the course, you will be introduced to key concepts such as the request/response cycle, the interaction between web browsers and servers, and the basics of HTML, CSS, and PHP programming. The course is structured to cater to beginners, ensuring that each learner can grasp the fundamental principles before moving on to more complex topics. With clear explanations and practical exercises, this course empowers you to build dynamic web applications from the ground up. ### Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to Dynamic Web Content** - You will begin by understanding the core structure of a web application and how browsers communicate with web servers through the Request-Response Cycle, a foundational concept for any web developer. 2. **HyperText Markup Language (HTML)** - A brief refresher on HTML, which is critical for crafting web pages. If you have some prior knowledge, this section provides a solid overview that can reinforce your learning. 3. **Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)** - The course introduces the basics of CSS, emphasizing how styling can dramatically alter the presentation of web content. This section is vital for anyone who wants to ensure their applications are visually appealing and user-friendly. 4. **Installing PHP and SQL** - This hands-on segment guides you through the installation process of necessary tools such as a text editor, MAMP or XAMPP, and MySql. Having a practical approach allows you to apply what you learn immediately. 5. **Introduction to PHP** - Delving into PHP, you will begin to write and understand PHP scripts, a crucial step in dynamic web development. 6. **PHP Arrays** - Here, you will explore arrays in PHP, learning how to store and manipulate data efficiently, which is essential for creating sophisticated applications. 7. **PHP Functions** - Functions are fundamental to coding in PHP. This section breaks down the unique attributes of functions in PHP, enhancing your ability to write reusable code. 8. **PHP and HTML Forms** - You will learn how to create and process HTML forms using PHP, thereby enabling user input and interaction, which are crucial components of any web application. ### Course Highlights - **Hands-On Approach**: Each module contains interactive exercises that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-time, solidifying your understanding of fundamental concepts. - **Comprehensive Resources**: The course provides access to a variety of resources, including readings and video lectures that accommodate different learning styles. - **Community Support**: Coursera’s platform facilitates interaction with peers and instructors, allowing for questions, discussions, and feedback that enrich the learning experience. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the "Building Web Applications in PHP" course for anyone looking to break into web development. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application makes it an effective platform for learning how to create dynamic web applications. After completing this course, learners will not only understand the basic syntax and functionality of PHP but also be equipped to continue their journey in web development with confidence. Whether you are a complete newcomer or someone with minimal programming experience, this course will serve as an invaluable resource in your pursuit of web application development. Enroll today and start building your web projects!

Syllabus

Introduction to Dynamic Web Content

We look at the basic structure of a web application and how a web browser interacts with a web server. We explore the Request-Response Cycle that is the basis of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

We briefly cover the basics of the HyperText Markup Language (HTML) that is the markup for web pages. We hope that you already have some expertise in HTML and that this is mostly review.

We briefly cover the basics of cascading Style Sheets (CSS) that allow us to style the markup for web pages.

Our first technical task is to work through the installation steps including installing a text editor, installing MAMP or XAMPP (or equivalent), creating a MySql Database, and writing a PHP program.

We begin learning PHP.

We look at unique aspects of arrays in the PHP language.

We look at unique aspects of functions in PHP.

We look at how HTML forms are created and processed in the PHP language.