2     Introducing PHP

NOTE: This is NOT the latest copy of this book; click here for the latest version.

The purpose of this chapter is to bring you up to speed on the development of PHP, where it is at now, and the reasons for programming with it. Towards the end of the chapter, you will see your first PHP code, as you start writing your first scripts.

If you are entirely new to PHP, you will probably benefit from reading as much background information as you can get your hands on. If you are eager to get on straight away, go ahead and skip pages until you get to your skill level.