What is PHP? Popular Language for Web Development

If you’re interested in the IT field, you must be familiar with terms like PHP, JavaScript, Python, C++, and more. In this post, we will delve deeper into the PHP programming language and answer questions such as:

• What is the PHP programming language?
• How to become a PHP Developer?
• Job opportunities for PHP Developers at SmartOSC?

1. What is the PHP Programming Language?

The PHP stands for Personal Home Page, and it has now evolved into a Hypertext Preprocessor. This term describes a type of code or a scripting language used to develop web applications that run on servers. When PHP programmers write code, the command strings are processed on the server and then generate HTML code on the client. Based on this, applications on the website will operate smoothly.

The PHP is applied in building and developing server-running website applications. PHP code can be embedded into HTML pages using PHP tag pairs. As a result, websites can easily connect to other websites on the internet.

It is also an open-source, free programming language compatible with various platforms such as Windows, MacOS, Linux, etc. Most of the websites you use daily for learning, work, and entertainment are built using the PHP programming language, including Facebook, Pinterest, Wikipedia, WordPress, and more.

The PHP is praised for its readability, and high applicability, making it a choice for many young enthusiasts starting to explore IT development or aspiring to enter the IT field.

2. How to Become a PHP Developer?

2.1. Definition

A PHP Developer is someone who specializes in developing applications, programs, and websites using PHP. This programming language is widely used in web application development.

The tasks of a PHP Developer vary depending on the company’s scale, field of activity, etc. However, in general, PHP Developers need to:

• Create, test, and deploy new applications and websites.
• Identify and resolve compatibility issues related to CSS, HTML, and scripts. Typically, these are compatibility issues across different platforms and browsers.
• Research and develop various system types for usability, website performance, and database design.
• Collaborate smoothly with other development teams to solve emerging issues such as software conflicts, optimize development content, etc.
• Always stay updated on the latest programming methods and web technologies through documentation, workshops, and professional conferences.

2.2. Essential Skills to Become a PHP Developer

To become a PHP developer, you need to learn, enhance, and develop the following basic skills:

Proficiency in languages like JavaScript, HTML, CSS

For a professional PHP Developer, mastering the PHP language alone is not enough. You also need to update your knowledge in related programming languages such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Front-End, etc. Additionally, you should have basic knowledge of design. If errors occur in the application design, PHP Developers are the ones to provide solutions to rectify those errors.

Project management skills

This is one of the essential skills. As a professional PHP programmer, you will be assigned to both large and small projects, which can be interesting and also challenging. You may have to handle multiple projects simultaneously and learn time management skills to know which project to prioritize.

Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are shown when you promptly identify issues arising in projects. At the same time, you can analyze and provide solutions to address and overcome those issues. This skill will be very beneficial, especially if you aspire to go further in the programming field, such as reaching a leadership or managerial position.

Self-learning ability

Knowledge in the web development industry, especially in PHP programming, is vast. Therefore, every programmer needs to constantly learn, explore, and add new knowledge to enhance their professional capabilities. This is a way to promote personal development, as well as embrace regularly emerging new technology trends replacing old trends.

Dedication and focus on work/projects within reach

This is crucial for a PHP developer working with databases and systems related to SQL. If you cannot sit still for many hours to solve challenging problems, this might not be the job for you.

2.3. Career Progression 

Fresher

Newly graduated individuals who are just beginning their PHP programming career. You have no experience, only basic knowledge acquired during your studies. This is the time to accumulate practical experience to become a real PHP Developer.

Junior PHP Developer

Individuals who have one to two years of practical work experience. You have started to become familiar with the work but still have not solved complex problems due to limited experience.

Senior PHP Developer

Those who have been working as PHP developers for three to eight years. At this point, you are relatively skilled and able to handle complex and challenging issues. You can design important systems, features, and applications by yourself. At this stage, you have two choices: continue as a senior or acquire additional skills to move toward a leadership position. If you enjoy specialized research and are not interested in managing people, a Senior PHP Developer is a suitable choice.

If you want to continue challenging yourself at a higher level, you can try the position of Technical Leader. To do so, you will need to learn additional skills in personnel management, production process management, and software development, as well as some soft skills.

Technical Leader

This position is for Senior PHP Developers who have been working for one to ten years and have the ability to lead a team of programmers to solve system issues. At this level, your main job is to provide directions for the team and solve complex problems that your employees cannot handle.

Product/Project Manager

When you reach this position, your job will focus more on managing people than directly producing. However, you also need to spend time learning and updating new technological trends to better understand and manage your employees’ work, as well as make decisions about the necessary functions of a system, or product, and take responsibility for the project and product.

CTO – Chief Technology Officer

The CTO is the Chief Technology Officer, in charge of operating and deploying the company’s information technology system. At this point, you almost do not interact with programming work but will formulate product development strategies, budget calculations, manage teams, deploy products, and establish working processes to create a foundation for achieving the company’s operational goals. Additionally, you are responsible for inspiring, motivating, and leading your team leaders, and employees.

2.4. Income?

In general, the salary level of programmers in Vietnam is quite high compared to other professions. The salary you receive for learning any language is equivalent to the experience you have. For a PHP Developer with little experience, the salary will range from 14 to 16 million VND/month. For those with more than 1 year of experience, the average salary can be over 24 million VND/month.

3. Job Opportunities for PHP Developers at SmartOSC

At SmartOSC, there is an annual special recruitment program for Freshers, suitable for third and fourth-year students and recent graduates. Positions such as PHP Fresher and Tester Fresher are recruited in large numbers, not only for basic training but also for freshers to directly participate in projects with overseas clients to enhance practical experience.

For more information about the program, you can visit: https://careers.smartosc.com/en/event-fresher/