Top 10 PHP Tips For Software Developers

PHP is a server-side scripting language designed for web development but also used as a general-purpose programming language. PHP is now installed on more than 244 million websites and 2.1 million web servers. Hence, it becomes all the more important to master this language. Here are ten tips that programmers must keep in mind before they begin programming in PHP: Use OOP– As stated on htmlgoodies.com, Object Oriented Programming or OOP is a method of programming that uses classes or objects connecting things together, removing the requirement of repetition of codes and making the basic tasks of production quite simple. Objects are primarily classes that gather a group of functions into one and cover them in a wrapper which can be reused time and time again eliminating the need to rewrite functionality or procedures each time you need to do something. Keep off from anything ending with _once()– As programmers, it is well known that include() gives a warning if it fails, whereas require() kills the script with a fatal error whenever it fails. Using include_once() and require_once() is too overbearing on server resources. Nothing can be done about this and this is how PHP is set up. Always keep in mind that using these terms will kill your server resources especially on a huge framework. Planning your codes properly will help you to do away with it. Work with error reporting on- You must ensure to turn the error reporting to E_ALL before commencing any new project. This must be switched off just 10 seconds before going into production mode. It will prevent any error from occurring during the running of the project. Utilise a Framework If Need Be– Using Frameworks which aid in doing difficult things can assist but you should learn the functioning of the frameworks to begin with to make things simple. It also decreases your chances of writing a bad code when someone has already done most of it for you. Utilise PHP's Inbuilt Functions– Use the built in PHP function count(), for all your counting requirements. PHP comes with many built-in functions assisting the user in every way it can. So ensure that you have read the manual to ensure you are doing it in the best way possible. Keep your Database Protected- The ideal way is to use mysql_real_escape_string() for all database before adding it to the database. This function protects all strings in terms of quotes and other functions that could affect your database or has a malicious code. Ensure to make use of this as the first step towards protecting your data. Don’t Use GET Use POST– POST is safer especially when using form submission. GET is simple to emulate as all one needs to do is add something to their address bar and they can hack the project. Draw Before You Code- It is a good idea to think out the mechanics of your application before starting on coding as it will help in removing the difficulties in your head and avoid the major headache that comes with the facepalm that makes you realize that all you have done is either wrong or simply silly. Know Your Project– Make an effort to understand what you plan to do with your project before sitting down to code it. Not understanding your project will only prevent you from building it. Code Code Code– There is only one way that you can become a good developer that is by coding again and again. Code real things that interest you and not something that is of no use. Make what interests you, it will help you to learn.

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