.PHP File Extension
There is only one filetype that uses .PHP file extension and it is PHP Code File.
PHP Code File
| File category: | Web Files |
|---|---|
| Developer: | Rasmus Lerdorf |
| Open with: | Vim (+10 more) |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, iPadOS |
A PHP file is a text-based file that contains PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) code, which is a widely-used server-side scripting language designed specifically for web development. These files typically have the ".php" extension and combine HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP code to create dynamic web pages.
PHP files remain one of the most widely used formats for web development, offering a balance of power, flexibility, and accessibility for developers of all skill levels.
PHP originally stood for "Personal Home Page", but it was later renamed to the recursive acronym "PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor." This reflects its evolution from a simple tool for personal websites to a full-featured programming language for web development.
PHP was created by Rasmus Lerdorf in 1994 and was officially released in 1995. It was initially developed as a simple set of Common Gateway Interface (CGI) binaries written in C to maintain his personal home page. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged programming language with version 1.0 released in 1995, followed by major updates that significantly expanded its capabilities.
How PHP Files Are Used
By Developers
Web developers use PHP files to:
- Create dynamic web content
- Interact with databases (like MySQL, PostgreSQL)
- Process form submissions
- Manage user sessions and cookies
- Generate dynamic images
- Perform file system operations
- Create RESTful APIs
- Build content management systems (like WordPress)
By Web Servers
When a user requests a PHP file through their browser:
- The web server sends the request to the PHP interpreter
- The PHP code is executed on the server
- The interpreter processes the PHP code and generates HTML output
- The resulting HTML is sent back to the user's browser
- The browser renders the HTML content for the user to view
Unlike HTML or JavaScript files which are processed by the browser, PHP code executes entirely on the server before any content is delivered to the client.
How to Open .PHP as PHP Code File
PHP files can be opened and edited with various tools:
- Professional IDEs
- Text Editors
- Mobile Applications
Or local development environments
- XAMPP: Cross-platform package with Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl
- MAMP: Mac, Apache, MySQL, and PHP
- LAMP: Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP
- Docker containers with PHP
How to Convert an PHP File
PHP files can be converted to several other formats depending on your needs:
Static HTML
The most common conversion is from PHP to HTML:
- Manual Method: Run the PHP script on a server and save the generated HTML output
- Automated Tools: Use website crawlers or static site generators to create static HTML versions
- Online Services: Some web services can process PHP files and output static HTML
PDF or Document Formats
PHP code itself can be used to convert content to PDF or other formats:
- Use PHP libraries like FPDF, TCPDF, or Dompdf to convert HTML output to PDF
- Employ PHP extensions like PhantomJS or Puppeteer to create screenshots or PDFs of rendered pages
Other Programming Languages
Converting PHP code logic to other languages (JavaScript, Python, etc.) typically requires:
- Manual rewriting of the code
- Following the same logical structure while adapting to the syntax of the target language
- Using transpilation tools (limited availability and success rate)
Note that direct conversion of PHP code to other programming languages usually requires human intervention, as automated tools may not perfectly preserve the functionality or security aspects of the original code.
Applications That Open PHP Files
Windows Apps for PHP Files:
- Vim Free
- Sublime Text Free Trial
- Microsoft Visual Studio Code Free
- MAMP Free Trial
- Notepad++ Free
- WampServer Free
- Microsoft Notepad Included with OS
- Adobe Dreamweaver Free Trial
-
Any text editor
Free
macOS Apps for PHP Files:
- Vim Free
- Sublime Text Free Trial
- Microsoft Visual Studio Code Free
- MAMP Free Trial
-
Apple TextEdit
Included with OS - Adobe Dreamweaver Free Trial
-
Any text editor
Free
Linux Apps for PHP Files:
- Vim Free
- Sublime Text Free Trial
- Microsoft Visual Studio Code Free
- Microsoft Notepad Included with OS
-
Any text editor
Free
iOS Apps for PHP Files:
- phpwin Free+
-
Any text editor
Free
Android Apps for PHP Files:
-
Any text editor
Free
ChromeOS Apps for PHP Files:
-
Any text editor
Free
iPadOS Apps for PHP Files:
-
Any text editor
Free