PHP1 - PHP Scripting for the Web

This course covers the fundamentals of PHP scripting in a web environment to produce dynamic web pages.

Modules include conditional logic, form validation, file handling and manipulation of external data sources (XML).

This course is designed for the student who wants a good introduction to the use of PHP scripting in web publishing. It assumes that you have knowledge of the topics covered in the Web Development with HTML and CSS course, or requires students to have a good understanding of the use of HTML.

Learning and teaching

This module includes a mix of traditional lectures and laboratory sessions. Each meeting starts with a lecture and finishes with a laboratory session.

The course syllabus comprises of:

• How the PHP script is processed
• Advantages of PHP against other cgi scripting methods
• Debugging a script Basic loop and conditional structures
• Arrays including associative arrays Interaction with HTTP and environmental variables
• Server side versus Client side form validation
• Mailing form data Implementation of functions in PHP
• String handling Using Regular Expressions.

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

During the course, students will be given assignments to be submitted to the course tutor. At the end of the course, there will be a class test.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

Reading suggestions

• C Cosentino, Essential PHP for web professionals, Prentice Hall, 2001
• Websites such as PHP.net

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.