Designed for aspiring and early-career developers, this 4-day course delivers practical PHP skills needed to create and maintain interactive, data-driven web applications. Taught live by expert instructors, it covers all the essentials to kickstart or reinforce your PHP development journey.
PHP Developer
Build practical PHP development skills that last
In just four days, this immersive course provides everything you need to develop robust PHP web applications. You’ll build real-world capability in a structured, instructor-led environment, gaining skills you can apply immediately on the job.
Learning objectives:
- Install and run PHP scripts
- Use variables and data types
- Handle forms and user input
- Apply logic and control flow
- Create and call functions
- Work with arrays and strings
- Build and use classes and objects
- Integrate PHP with databases
- Manage sessions and authentication
- Understand patterns and web services
What you’ll learn
Gain a solid foundation in PHP development, from language basics to web app architecture. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to create secure, functional applications with persistent data handling and practical use of object-oriented techniques.
PHP Basics
Learn the fundamentals of PHP including how to install the language, write your first scripts, and understand how PHP works within a web server environment. You'll explore PHP syntax, variable types, HTML integration, and how to execute and troubleshoot simple programs. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced development techniques.
Programme Flow and Function
Explore how to manage the logical flow of your programs using conditional statements and loops. You'll work with control structures such as if, else, switch, and various loop types. You'll also dive into defining and calling your own functions, managing variable scope, using built-in functions, and working with anonymous and arrow functions.
Arrays and Strings
Handle complex data sets using PHP arrays, from basic indexed arrays to associative arrays and multidimensional structures. You'll master array functions, unpacking, and destructuring. Additionally, you'll explore string manipulation using built-in PHP functions, parsing techniques, and formatting for dynamic content output.
Object-Oriented Programming
Develop modular, reusable code with PHP’s object-oriented features. Create and manage classes, objects, properties, and methods. You'll understand key concepts such as inheritance, encapsulation, abstraction, interfaces, and traits, and learn how to structure applications using namespaces and autoloading techniques.
What’s included:
- Instructor-led virtual classroom over four days
- Practical live labs and exercises
- Digital course materials
- Access to trainer support
- Real-time feedback
- Certificate of completion
- Optional tailored in-house delivery
- Follow-up support options
Key facts
Ideal for
Developers new to PHP or those looking to refresh their skills. Suitable for anyone responsible for building or maintaining PHP web apps.
Prerequisites
Some prior programming experience is recommended. Familiarity with HTML or SQL is useful but not essential.
Learning experience
Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.
FAQs
This course covers core PHP development skills, from syntax to building web apps with database integration, object orientation, and secure session handling.
Will I learn about security and session management?
Yes. The course includes essential topics on session management, cookies and basic authentication. You’ll learn how to securely manage user sessions, store and retrieve cookies, and implement login functionality using native PHP features. These skills are key for building safe, user-centric applications.
Do I need prior experience with PHP?
No, this course is suitable for learners new to PHP. However, having a basic understanding of programming concepts like variables, loops and functions will help you grasp the content more easily. The training builds from foundational skills to more advanced topics.
Will I learn how to connect PHP to a database?
Yes. You’ll be taught how to use PHP’s PDO extension to connect to relational databases. You’ll write and execute SQL queries, handle transactions, and apply secure methods for storing and retrieving data. Practical examples ensure real-world applicability.
Does this course cover object-oriented programming?
Absolutely. The course includes a solid introduction to object-oriented programming in PHP. You’ll explore how to define classes, create objects, and apply concepts like inheritance, interfaces and traits to structure and streamline your application code.
What tools or software do I need?
You don’t need to have any tools or software set up in advance. The course is delivered in a live lab environment, where you’ll be guided step by step through setting up and using the necessary tools, including the PHP runtime, editors and databases. Everything is handled during the training.
What our customers say
“Thoroughly enjoyed the course, very informative and a good balance between instruction and practical work.”
Megan, Transport
“This is now my second course with John at StayAhead and once again the delivery was simply excellent. I was a little bit worried coming in that I wouldn't have the requisite knowledge, however, I found that it was just about the perfect level between being able to understand the concepts and stretching the grey matter. Best fun I've had at work for a while now!”
Ashley, AppOps Engineer (Jr DBA) - Government
Why study with StayAhead
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Industry-leading specialists delivering high-impact IT training
Experiential instructor-led training
Courses are delivered by experienced instructors using hands-on, practical live labs