Since its launch in 1994, PHP has developed as a multi-version, open-source scripting language that has gained massive momentum. In fact, just last year alone, this programming language had a 45.43% market share. Today, it is the most-used scripting language for developing websites, web apps, and programs that use PHP. 

It is used by major organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Infosys, Facebook, Wikipedia, IBM, Yahoo, WordPress, Etsy, Slack, Site Ground, and multiple others including SMEs and MSMEs. But if you’re interested in finding out more about what it takes to be a PHP Developer and where you can source your next role, this post is for you.

What is PHP development?

As the “backbone” of a huge number of websites and web apps, PHP is an extremely popular web scripting language for desktop applications, among others. Apart from its main functions, it’s also used for command-line scripting, software development, embedding into HTML, and it is specifically executed or interpreted on the server – making it a back-end type of function. 

But it can do so much more! For example, a PHP Developer can write desktop and cross-platform applications. It can work with machine learning and artificial intelligence. Such developers also write server-side web apps and scripting, develop and code back-end components, connect applications to other web services, assist front-end developers in integrating their work into the app, and create user interfaces – all this under the subset of software or web developer title.

Some of the most common PHP development tools include: PhpStorm, Zend Studio, NuSphere PhpED, NetBeans, Cloud9, Aptana Studio, CobeLobster, Sublime Text, PHP Debug Bar, and Eclipse.

Also worth knowing is that PHP Developers typically work within the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process. It has six main stages, which are analysis, design, development and testing, implementation, documentation, and evaluation.

Benefits of PHP development

With all the hype about PHP development, it’s worth knowing the why behind it and all the benefits that arise from it. Below, we’ve picked out just a few of the reasons why PHP is essential for many organizations:

• It is open-source, which means there is incredible community support
• It is constantly evolving over time
• It has an extremely fast loading speed for processing, improving the user experience
• PHP is well-known for its scalability, evolving with varied business needs through the addition of more servers
• It has highly-secure features and functionalities and protects websites
• It is compatible with multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac, UNIX, and Linux
• It works with framework availability such as Laravel, Symfony, Zend, and others, which support code reusability
• PHP apps are dynamic and flexible 
• It is versatile because other app languages can be translated into PHP easily with the use of extensions
• It offers a wide array of resources and tools
• It provides for easier content management system (CMS) development
• It works exceptionally well with HTML

What capacities and skills does a PHP Developer need?

As a PHP Developer, you should have capacities related to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Other areas for professional development and professional requirements include knowledge of PHP frameworks/platforms, other database and programming languages, web servers, CMS, and graphic design software. These tasks and knowledge should be supplemented alongside skills such as communication, project management, leadership, collaboration, organization, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, and business acumen.

What is a typical day for a PHP Developer like?

With the wide skill set required of PHP Developers today, you may be wondering what a typical day for this role may involve. Here, we’ve set out a few of the most common tasks, functions, and responsibilities that you may need to carry out to ensure every project’s success.

• Define a web app’s back-end logic
• Develop, test, and deploy new website applications
• Identify and fix cross-platform and cross-browser compatibility issues
• Test websites on multiple devices and browsers
• Research and explore various architectural considerations relating to the system design process
• Connect apps with third-party web services
• Communicate with and work alongside other development teams and company management
• Develop plans for keeping the website updated and current at all times
• Recommend improvements for performance
• Create and fine-tune style guidelines for the website’s content
• Choose the most effective design tools, programming languages, and applications
• Provide detailed descriptions of website specifications
• Keep up with the latest programming practices and web technologies 
• Manipulate data stored in databases and integrate data storage solutions
• Work with front-end developers 
• Create precise documentation for various software, tools, and services
• Write and modify PHP code
• Contribute to all phases of the development lifecycle
• Follow industry best practices
• Assess business requirements to identify risks and design appropriate solutions
• Offer technical advice and expertise to product managers and other employees
• Maintain and manage the complete documentation
• Deploy code to the live environment

Possible PHP Developer interview questions you may be asked

As a seasoned PHP professional who is searching for a new role, you want to be best prepared for your next interview. As such, some frequently asked questions you might encounter may include:

1. What is a PHP framework? Which ones can you identify?
2. What is a session in PHP?
3. Explain variables in PHP.
4. Explain the various types of arrays in PHP.
5. How do echo and print differ in PHP?
6. Highlight the advantages and disadvantages of PHP.
7. Discuss how PHP interacts with HTML.
8. What is the importance of traits in PHP?
9. What are the security features offered by PHP?
10. How can you create cookies in PHP?
11. How will you create a database with MySQL and PHP?
12. Explain the steps to create an API in PHP.
13. What is type hinting in PHP?
14. Mention some design patterns in PHP and why they are important.
15. What is Zend Engine?

Concluding notes: Your next role as a PHP Developer

PHP Developers who are seeking their next professional adventure have come to the right place. Why? Because at StorsenDigital, we are the perfect bridge and connecting link between you and your next professional opportunity. Reach out to us and tell us about your role expectations and we’ll take it from there. We’re highly experienced in placing PHP talent in the right roles, finding the perfect opportunity for you. Many of our current web experts have found their ideal opportunity with us. Shouldn’t you?