Requirements for Programming in PHP
Before delving into the world of programming with PHP, it's important to consider some prerequisites that will facilitate your learning and help you succeed in your career as a programmer. Below are these requirements described in detail.
Basic Mathematical Knowledge
To program, it's necessary to have some basic mathematical knowledge, such as:
Concepts |
Description |
Arithmetic operations |
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. |
Logic |
Logical operators, propositions, and connectors. |
Problem-solving |
Analysis of problems, solution proposals, and evaluation of results. |
These concepts are fundamental to understand and address common problems in programming.
Intermediate Mathematical Knowledge
In addition to the basic mathematical knowledge, it's recommended to have knowledge in the following concepts:
Concepts |
Description |
Boolean algebra |
Boolean operations, truth tables, and simplification of logical expressions. |
Mathematical functions |
Trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. |
Geometry |
Calculation of areas, perimeters, volumes, and the Pythagorean theorem. |
These concepts are important for the development of algorithms and solution of more complex problems.
Advanced Mathematical Knowledge
To tackle more advanced problems in programming, it's necessary to have knowledge in the following concepts:
Concepts |
Description |
Calculus |
Limits, derivatives, and integrals. |
Statistics |
Data analysis, distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion. |
Linear algebra |
Systems of equations, matrices, and vectors. |
These concepts are essential for the development of more complex and advanced applications.
It's important to note that these mathematical knowledge are not necessary for all types of PHP programming, but can be useful for addressing specific and advanced problems.
Learning PHP as a First Programming Language
Some people may think that it's necessary to learn a first programming language before starting with PHP, but this is not entirely true. Learning PHP is easier if you already know another language, but you don't need to learn another language before learning PHP. In fact, learning another language could also be easier if you already know PHP.
Previous Programming and PHP Knowledge
To be a good PHP programmer, it's necessary to have previous knowledge of programming in general and of the basic concepts of PHP, such as:
- Variables and data types.
- Functions and parameters.
- Loops (for, while, do-while).
- Control structures (if, else, switch).
- Data manipulation (arrays, strings, objects).
Mastering these concepts is essential to write efficient and effective code in PHP.
Tools
To work with PHP, it's necessary to have the following tools:
- Code editor: Some popular options are Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, and PhpStorm.
- Local server: You can use programs like XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP to install a local server on your computer and run your PHP applications.
- Web browser: You'll need a browser, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, to test and visualize the results of your code.
Dedication and Practice
Finally, to be a good programmer, it's necessary to have dedication and constant practice. Programming is a skill that develops over time and practice. Some recommendations to improve your skills are:
- Take your learning seriously and dedicate time to study and practice.
- Write code regularly and solve programming problems.
- Participate in personal or collaborative projects to apply what you've learned and face real challenges.
Conclusion
In summary, to program in PHP, it's necessary to have basic mathematical knowledge, previous knowledge of programming and of the basic concepts of PHP, have the right tools, and have dedication and constant practice. If you meet these prerequisites, you'll be in an excellent position to succeed in your career as a PHP programmer.