PHP: An Introduction
Course Specifications
Course number: 085963
Software: PHP, Apache, MySQL
Course length: 1.0 day(s)
Course Description
You have created static web pages using HTML. You now desire to use the features of PHP for creating dynamic websites. In this course, you will acquaint yourself with PHP by working with its common script elements, use the PHP script elements to create forms, address the stateless nature of HTTP by setting cookies and session variables in your scripts, and write the data entered in a form to a database. 
Course Objective: You will create PHP scripts.

Target Student: This course is designed for the student who is well versed in HTML, and who has had at least some experience with scripting languages and SQL.

Prerequisites: To ensure your success, we recommend you first take the following Element K courses or have equivalent knowledge: 
HTML Programming: Level 1
HTML Programming: Level 2
Introduction to Programming
SQL Fundamentals of Querying

Delivery Method: Instructor led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on activities.
Hardware Requirements
•	An Intel® Pentium® III or higher (Pentium IV-class recommended). 
•	256 MB RAM (512 MB RAM recommended).
•	A 5 GB hard disk or larger if you use Windows XP Professional as your operating system. You should have at least 600 MB free hard-disk space available for Microsoft Office installation. 
•	Access to one of the following: a local CD-ROM drive, a local DVD drive, or access to a networked CD-ROM drive. 
•	A mouse or other pointing device.
•	Network cards and cabling for local network access.
•	A projection system to display the instructor's computer screen.
Platform Requirements
•	Microsoft® Windows® XP
Software Requirements
•	Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional® or Vista®
•	WampServer2.0a (PHP 5.2.5, MySQL 5.0.45, Apache 2.2.6)
•	Windows 2003 server
•	Mail Client
Performance-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 
•	familiarize yourself with PHP.
•	work with common PHP script elements.
•	work with forms.
•	address the stateless nature of HTTP.
•	access and manipulate data with PHP.
Course Content
Lesson 1: Getting Acquainted with PHP
Topic 1A: Understand PHP
Topic 1B: Use the Basic Syntax of PHP
Topic 1C: Use HTML and PHP
Topic 1D: Add Comments

Lesson 2: Working with Common PHP Script Elements
Topic 2A: Use Variables and Constants
Topic 2B: Work with Control Structure Statements
Topic 2C: Work with Arrays
Topic 2D: Use Functions
Topic 2E: Implement Object-Oriented Programming
Topic 2F: Include Content from Files

Lesson 3: Working with Forms
Topic 3A: Create Forms
Topic 3B: Validate a Form
Topic 3C: Email Data

Lesson 4: Addressing the Stateless Nature of HTTP
Topic 4A: Set Cookies and Session Variables
Topic 4B: Write Scripts Using Hidden Form Fields

Lesson 5: Accessing and Manipulating Data with PHP
Topic 5A: Interact with Databases
Topic 5B: Modify Database Records Using PHP
Topic 5C: Access Files and Directories