• PHP is currently undoubtedly the language used the most frequently for web development. PHP, the language utilised by some of the biggest open source projects in the world, including WordPress and Drupal, is used by at least 20 million domains.
• If you're just getting started with this incredible web development language, I hope you can learn a few things from this article. I'll share ten things I wish I had known when I first started using PHP programming with you in this blog.
• A PHP developer is a specialist in the creation, testing, and deployment of a program using the PHP programming language.
• Even though there is much discussion over PHP's future, it is clear that PHP does have a future. Without a doubt, it is the programming language that is used the most on websites. The code for PHP reflects the fact that it has been around for a while. The best response is not always evident because there is a lot of out-of-date information.

10 Ways to Improve as a PHP Developer:

1. Use the Fundamental classes and functions in PHP:

• If you're trying to do something that seems to be very common, it's possible that there is already a PHP function or class that you can use.
• Always check the PHP handbook before creating your own functions. There is no need to create your own function to remove the blank spaces at the beginning and end of strings when you have access to the trim() method.

2.A Configuration file should be made:

• Why not simply create a master file that contains all of your database connection settings, include it in your PHP scripts, and do away with the requirement for several master files? In the future, you can make changes in a single file as opposed to many files if specifics need to be altered. This is also very useful if you need to use various constants and functions across numerous scripts.
• a well-liked web application development technique that makes your code more maintainable and modular.

3. Sanitise any data that will be entered into your database:

• The only way to deal with the problem is to sanitise your database inputs because SQL injections are more common than you may realise and can give you a lot of trouble in the future.
• By reading through examples of SQL injection attacks and using this cheat sheet, you may learn about typical ways that your app might be compromised and get a good grasp of SQL injections. Mysql real escape string, a PHP function, can fortunately assist in resolving a sizable chunk of the problem.

4.Stop Reporting errors while Developing:

• PHP's White Screen of Death can only inform you that something is clearly wrong. When developing your application, keep error reporting and display errors turned on so you can see run-time issues and quickly identify the problem. These run-time configurations can be modified in the php.ini file on your server if you have permission to change its directives. If not, you can put them at the top of your PHP scripts (although there are drawbacks to doing so; use the ini set() function to set display errors to 1).
• You should enable error reporting because it makes sense to do so: the sooner faults are discovered, the sooner they may be fixed. Even though PHP might send you warning messages, the majority of them are usually about memory-related issues that you can fix even if you don't care. After finishing the development of your program, turn off error reporting and either display errors or change their values to a level appropriate for production.

5.Limit the number of comments in your Code:

• While fully describing your code in your scripts with comments is usually a good idea, is it really necessary for every line? Probably not.
• Don't comment on easy things like the code for your MySQL connection; instead, highlight the parts of your source code that are complex so that when you come back to it later, you'll remember what's going on right away.

6.Keep your Preferred code snippets Nearby:

• You'll write a lot of the same code during your PHP programming career, so having code snippets on hand will save you a ton of time. Your collection of code snippets can be saved and synced by a variety of apps, giving you access to them wherever you are at any time. You can use a variety of tools to gather your code snippets, including Snippet, Snippely, Code Collector, and Snipplr (web-based).
• Most integrated development environments (IDEs) have built-in storage options for code snippets, including Dreamweaver and Eclipse (which may save code templates) (through the Snippets Panel). You can even get away with a simple, organised directory called snippets that contains text files (or PHP scripts) if you use many machines.

7.Save time by using a Reliable Source Editor:

• Since you'll be spending the most of your time in editors, you should select one that can assist you save time. It is essential that you check for software features that offer syntax highlighting. Additional advantages include integrated debugging tools, code navigation, and code hinting.
• By using all of these choices, you can end up saving a ton of time. An example of a PHP source code editor/IDE is phpDesigner. To become familiar with the functionality of your source code editor, spend some time studying the online tutorials and documentation it offers.
• Spending a little time in this area will greatly increase the effectiveness of your coding process. Check out this list of free text editors and this one of developer-friendly source code editors.

8.Utilize a MySQL management tool (like phpMyAdmin):

• Some insane hard-core developers prefer to use the command line technique of dealing with MySQL, the well-liked database management system paired with PHP, which, in my opinion, is inefficient and just plain odd. It's useful to know how to administer your MySQL database using mysqladmin, but you should utilise a graphical user interface, such as phpMyAdmin, to speed up database creation for database administration.
• With the excellent open source database viewer/manager phpMyAdmin, you can check your MySQL databases visually, saving time by avoiding the need to utilise the command line.
• Your databases can be exported into SQL files, SQL queries can be executed, tables can be optimised, errors can be checked, and many other things can be done. It's likely that phpMyAdmin is already set up on your web server, but if not, installation just takes a little while. See this list of the best MySQL database management tools and this list of MySQL programs for alternatives to phpMyAdmin.

9.Make use of the PHP framework:

• It took me a very long time to realise that using a web application development/rapid application development framework would be helpful to me. Although there is a small learning curve at first and a lot of reading to be done to comprehend how the framework's API works, you soon experience great productivity and efficiency improvements. Although you might not now be adopting superior web development approaches, using a framework motivates you to do so.
• Using a PHP framework pays off greatly, whether you need to collaborate with someone or later share your code with others, because it offers a standardised platform for developing web applications. This relevance only became clear to me after I had to start hiring more developers the hard way.

10.Converse with other PHP Developers:

• You don't have all the answers. There are thousands of people who are more skilled than you, even if you think you know how to do something. Join a community like PHP Developer to communicate with other PHP developers.
• By collaborating with other developers, you can enhance what you're already doing.

Conclusion:

• Still important and well-liked for web development. PHP developers still earn a good living using the language in spite of the jeers and controversy about whether it is still useful. PHP, therefore, seems to be here to stay.
• PHP isn't just for web development pros to use. Furthermore, IT administration skills are not necessary. PHP may initially seem difficult, just like any other coding language. You'll learn that this is a fascinating and approachable technology if you persevere through it. It's also a helpful technique to gain knowledge about the server-side environment.