3 Challenges With Learning PHP Programming

Did you realize there are over 170,000 web developers in the United States? This line of work is both extremely challenging and very lucrative. The main goal a web developer should have is expanding your skillset to make yourself more attractive to potential.

Learning how to use the PHP programming language is essential when trying to develop web applications or websites. The only way you can learn the PHP programming language is by rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Going into this learning process without a clearly defined plan of attack may lead to the inability to grasp the concept of this programming language.

The following are some of the challenges you may face as you try to learn PHP programming.

1. Learning How to Properly Secure SQL Code

The biggest mistake you can make as a new PHP programmer is treating security as an afterthought. In recent years, there have been news story on a daily basis about popular websites and web applications being hacked. Generally, these hacks are allowed to happen due to a lack of code security.

SQL injections are one of the most popular cyber-attack methods on the market. This technique involves a hacker putting in unauthorized SQL code into your database. The best way to avoid this problem is by utilizing the power of prepared statements. With these prepared statements in place, there is a limited chance that SQL injections will actually work.

These prepared statements feature unspecified values known as parameters. This means that a database will be able to parse and optimize an SQL statement without having to actually execute it. Not only can use prepared statements make your programs more secure, it also reduces the amount of bandwidth they use.

2. Making Use of Error Suppression

Most new programmers fail to realize that the PHP programming language has a number of different error levels. The best way to reduce warning message popups about every little PHP problem is by suppressing them. Generally, programmers will use the “@” symbol to signify an error suppression.

While error suppression can be helpful, it needs to be used sparingly. Suppressing the wrong error message may leave your web application or site vulnerable and unreliable. As time goes by, you will begin to learn what errors can be suppressed and which ones need to be seen.

3. Removing Development Configurations is Vital

Another hurdle you will have to overcome as you learn PHP is removing development configurations once your program is completed. Working in a staging environment is quite common in the app and website development word.

Failing to remove the configurations that were in the staging environment before deploying the app or website can present lots of problems. Often times, this mistake will lead to a program being riddled with bugs and glitches. Removing the configurations and adequately testing the program before launch can help you avoid disasters along the way.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to familiarize yourself with PHP programming is by practicing. Building mock web apps and sites can help you figure out how to use this programming language to your advantage.