PHP is one of the most used scripting languages for Web Development. The big advantage for Web Developers to learn PHP is that it can be embedded into HTML, which makes it simple to manage as HTML can be rather long with its commands. A PHP developer is someone who can efficiently create PHP modules and can also contribute to different phases of software development.
Brief Introduction to PHP
PHP is an acronym for Hypertext Preprocessor and basic knowledge of HTML can easily help one understand how it works. PHP allows the collection, processing, and utilization of data and promotes interactions with all the pages.
✣ Who is a PHP developer?
A PHP Developer is a professional who builds websites, apps, and programs using PHP. While they are also known as Software Developers or Web Developers, they actually, fall in the specialized category of the ‘Developer’ position, depending on their job description.
✣ What does a PHP developer do?
A PHP developer designs the web application logic on the backend components and blends different plug-ins and frontend work with the apps, linking third-party web services. They have skills in working with corresponding technologies such as HTML, XML, AJAX, MySQL, JSON, etc., and other PHP frameworks like Codelgniter, Laravel, and so on.
In addition, PHP development includes designing, testing, and implementing software components with the help of the PHP programming language. It allows developers to write dynamically generated content robustness and quickness.
PHP Developer Skills
A PHP developer has different skill sets. Here are some of the crucial skills that a PHP Developer must have:
- Hands-on experience in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Basic knowledge of MySQL, Ajax, and jQuery
- Understanding of Web Servers and Database Programming Languages
- The idea of a Content Management System
- Object-oriented PHP programming
- Used photoshop or designing tools
- Worked with APIs, Unix/Linux, and MVC Framework Architecture
- Knowledge about CakePHP
Best Tools for PHP Development
In general, PHP development tools are made to provide an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for developers. Using these tools they can build many PHP Projects. There are many tools available for PHP Development here are some of the top PHP development tools which Webbybutter thinks can help developers while working with PHP.
1. PhpStorm
PHP Storm is one of the most Standard PHP development tools because it is lightweight and extremely fast and smooth. The tool has the ability to interact with databases, version control systems, remote deployment, composer, command-line tools, rest clients, and many more tools.
Further, this PHP IDE operates well with PHP frameworks such as Zend Framework, Symfony, Yii, CakePHP, and Laravel. In addition, it functions well with well-known Content Management Systems (CMS) like Drupal, Magento, and WordPress. This IDE delivers live editing support for major front-end technologies such as CSS, HTML5, JavaScript, etc. while backing for code refactoring, unit testing, and debugging.
Standout Features of PHPStorm
- Native Zen Coding Support
- Code completion
- Code Re-arranger
- Zero Configuration Debugging
- Supports extensions
Platform Support: Linux, Windows, macOS
Language Support: PHP, JavaScript, Visual Basic, C, C++, C#
2. NetBeans
NetBeans is one of the most used PHP IDE for PHP app development. This tool comes is loaded with all the rich features, which backs multiple languages. The IDE was initially more utilized for Java development, but the existing version of this tool is lightweight, faster as well as supportive of PHP development.
Further, the platform also includes an extension to support different programming languages like C, C++, and HTML5. It also supports building large-scale web apps and backs different languages like Japanese, Russian, English, Brazilian Portuguese, and simplified Chinese. The tool is open source and works with almost every popular PHP framework, including Zend, Symfony 2, CakePHP, FuelPHP, Smarty, and WordPress CMS. NetBeans PHP IDE provides different features distinctive to developing web applications with the recent versions of PHP.
Standout Features of Netbeans
- Intelligent code completion
- Profiler
- Visual Debugging
- Syntax Highlighter
- Testing
Platform Support: Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris
Language Support: PHP, C, C++, HTML 5, JavaScript
3. NuSphere
NuSphere is also one of the standard PHP development tools for web developers. Its PhpED is an exclusive integrating PHP development tool. An advanced PHP editor, a PHP debugger, a database client, and code insight are all retained in this PHP IDE.
This utility offers the developers many tools and tweaks that will create the whole web development process less difficult. PhpEd speeds up the application development process with the help of the commercial PHP accelerator named PhpExpress. This IDE is a perfect option to develop complex websites and web applications. It backs JavaScript, HTML, and CSS3 while presenting support for PHP 7.1. Its refactoring abilities empower developers to enhance their code. PhpED lets developers work with the most widespread PHP frameworks like Laravel, Zend, and Yii.
Standout Features of NuSphere
- Parallel Debugging
- Accelerate PHP apps with PhpExpress
- Support for composite file extensions
- Full integration with phpUnit
- Refactoring of PHP code
Platform Support: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad
Language Support: HTML, PHP, JavaScript, XML, CSS, Perl, & Python
4. Sublime Text
At present, Sublime Text is one of the top text editors for PHP developers. It’s not a complete IDE, but one can easily turn it into a useful editor for making PHP apps by installing certain packages or plugins. Many programming and markup languages are natively backed by this cross-platform source code editor.
The PHP developer community sees this text editor as the most splendid IDE for PHP development thanks to its feature-rich functionalities and unique designs. With its industry-leading customized text editor and impressive UI toolkit, you may navigate between the symbols, words, or lines by using the appropriate key shortcuts. Further, you can also modify any line of your code.
Standout features of Sublime
- Split Editing
- Nice command Palette
- Instant Project Switch
- Plugin API
- Distraction-free mode
Distraction Free Mode reveals your files full screen, with nothing but text displayed in the center of your monitor.
Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Language Support: All languages are supported
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PHP Developer Roles and Responsibilities
We observed quite a few details regarding PHP, PHP tools for development, and Who is PHP Developer? Now it’s time to analyze the Roles and Responsibilities of a PHP Developer.
- Frequently create effective, flexible, testable, reusable, and scalable PHP code
- Make layouts and designs for both websites & apps. Also, constantly assess the requirements of clients while developing the designs and layouts
- Use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and solve the compatibility issues that occur across different platforms and browser
- Use object-oriented PHP and efficient SQL for development
- Test websites on different browsers i.e. cross-browser testing, and address issues recognized after receiving customer feedback
- Find solutions using numerous tools to come up with client-specific interfaces, data analysis libraries, and workflows
- Maintain constant communication with the UI/UX designing team
- Keep proper documentation that contains records of website specifications, product details, functionalities, deadlines, structures, and other necessary details
- Prepare a Roadmap that includes future plans on how to keep the website updated and current at all times, including suggestions for improvements for performance, create and fine-tune style guidelines for the website’s content, and pick the most adequate design tools, and programming languages, and applications to do so
- This may seem unusual but a PHP developer has to frequently check out the latest trends, and practices related to PHP development and also keep track of fresh programming languages to keep up with the trend
These roles and responsibilities can vary as per the businesses and staff but the small startup or company may look for solutions regarding the complete development process while hiring a PHP Developer.
PHP Developer Salary
As per Glassdoor, a PHP Developer in the United States makes an average of US$ 81,796 per year. An entry-level PHP Developer gets US$63,375 yearly, while the more professional workers can earn up to US$130,000 per annum.
Now after getting such insights into what a PHP developer is and what they do, one can easily think – What does it take to become one?
Ways to become a PHP Developer
In general, the developers acquire a bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering or study similar courses that offer recognition as a developer. Becoming a web developer is slightly easy in comparison to becoming a Software Developer. Here are some ways you can become a PHP developer,
✣ Get a professional Degree
The traditional route but helpful if you are willing to get an authentic document showcasing your profession. You can opt for degree courses like BCA, MCA, B.Tech in computer engineering, and relevant educational programs.
✣ Get training in PHP
If you have some knowledge of programming or a relevant Bachelor’s degree you can get training for becoming a PHP developer. There are ample courses available online for learning – use eBooks, Tutorials, or lecture videos to gain a basic idea of the technology.
✣ Gain Hands-on experience
Once you get the basics of PHP programming, you can start working on small projects. You go through different websites and start applying concepts and get valuable experience.
✣ Certification
Once you get the certification, it depicts that you can work at different levels in PHP and are skilled enough in managing real-life PHP procedures and projects.
Also read: Top 10 Programming Languages in Demand 2022
PHP Developer Future Scope- Conclusion
Regardless, of new technologies for web development, PHP isn’t going anywhere. The popularity may witness some downtrend but it’s still a go-to option for many companies and developers across the globe. A career as a PHP developer is definitely not a bad option.
