Basics

PHP Running Code

Running PHP Scripts

PHP scripts run via CLI or web server, using php -S for testing.

Introduction to Running PHP Code

Running PHP code is an essential step in developing PHP applications. You can execute PHP scripts through the command line interface (CLI) or by setting up a web server. Understanding both methods will enhance your development workflow.

Running PHP Scripts Using the Command Line Interface (CLI)

The CLI method allows you to run PHP scripts directly from the terminal. This is useful for running standalone PHP scripts or for administrative tasks.

To execute a PHP script using the CLI, navigate to the script's directory in your terminal and use the following command:

This command will execute script.php and output any results directly in the terminal.

Running PHP Scripts Using a Web Server

To run PHP scripts in a web environment, you need to set up a web server such as Apache or Nginx. However, for development and testing purposes, PHP provides a built-in web server that can be started with a single command.

Navigate to the directory containing your PHP files and start the server using:

This command starts a local web server on port 8000. You can now access your PHP files by navigating to http://localhost:8000 in your web browser.

Benefits of Using the Built-in PHP Web Server

The built-in PHP web server is ideal for testing and development because it requires no configuration and is lightweight. It supports all basic web server functions and is perfect for quick testing.

Conclusion

Understanding how to run PHP scripts using both CLI and web server methods is crucial for effective PHP development. These methods provide flexibility depending on your development needs, whether running scripts in a terminal or testing in a browser.