PHP Hello World Program - Complete Beginner Guide

Creating a “Hello World” program is the traditional first step in learning any programming language. This guide walks you through creating your first PHP program.

Introduction

A “Hello World” program is the simplest program that outputs text. It’s the perfect starting point for learning PHP syntax and execution.

What You’ll Learn:

• Basic PHP syntax
• How to run PHP code
• Output methods
• File structure

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• PHP installed (see PHP installation guide)
• Text editor (VS Code, Notepad++, etc.)
• Web server (for web execution) OR
• Command line access (for CLI execution)

Basic Hello World

Create PHP File

Create a file named hello.php:

<?php
echo "Hello, World!";
?>

Explanation

• <?php - Opening PHP tag
• echo - Output statement
• "Hello, World!" - String to display
• ?> - Closing PHP tag (optional in modern PHP)

Simplified Version

In modern PHP, closing tag is optional:

<?php
echo "Hello, World!";

Running on Web Server

Using Built-in Server

Start PHP server:

php -S localhost:8000

Access: http://localhost:8000/hello.php

Using XAMPP/WAMP

1. Save file to htdocs or www folder
2. Start Apache
3. Access: http://localhost/hello.php

Command Line Execution

Run PHP File

php hello.php

Output: Hello, World!

Interactive Mode

php -r "echo 'Hello, World!';"

Next Steps

After Hello World, learn:

1. Variables: Store and use data
2. Data Types: Strings, numbers, arrays
3. Functions: Reusable code blocks
4. Control Structures: If/else, loops
5. Forms: Handle user input

Conclusion

Creating Hello World in PHP:

1. Create PHP file with .php extension
2. Use <?php opening tag
3. Use echo to output text
4. Run via web server or command line

Key Points:

• PHP files use .php extension
• Code between <?php and ?>
• echo outputs text
• Can run on server or CLI

Congratulations! You’ve created your first PHP program. Continue learning variables, functions, and more advanced concepts.