Getting Started with PHP: Build Your First Dynamic Web Page
PHP is a powerful server-side scripting language used by millions of websites, including WordPress, Laravel apps, and game hosting panels. Whether you’re creating a basic site or building a full backend, PHP is the place to start.
This beginner-friendly guide will show you how to
install PHP,
create your first script, and
build a simple dynamic page.
Guide by Vastrox.com — the platform for fast, secure PHP deployment.
What Is PHP?
PHP stands for "PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor" and runs server-side code. It's most commonly used for:
• Displaying dynamic content
• Managing forms and logins
• Connecting to databases
• Building APIs and full applications
What You Need
• A Linux server (Ubuntu, Debian, or CentOS)
• sudo/root access
• Apache or NGINX
• Text editor and web browser
Step 1: Install PHP
Ubuntu or Debian
Run this command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php
Check version:
php -v
CentOS or AlmaLinux
sudo yum install php php-cli
Step 2: Set Up Web Server (Apache)
Install Apache:
sudo apt install apache2
sudo systemctl enable apache2
sudo systemctl start apache2
Web root folder: /var/www/html
Step 3: Create Your First PHP File
Go to the web root:
cd /var/www/html
Create file:
sudo nano index.php
Paste this code:
<?php echo "Hello from PHP on Vastrox!"; ?>
Save and exit.
Now visit
http://your-server-ip in your browser. You’ll see:
Hello from PHP on Vastrox!
PHP Best Practices
• Always sanitize user input
• Use htmlspecialchars() and filter_var()
• Store DB config in a separate file
• Disable display_errors on live servers
• Use version control (Git) for all projects
Deploy Your PHP App with Vastrox
Use
Vastrox.com to host PHP projects with:
• PHP 8.x, Apache or NGINX
• MySQL/MariaDB, phpMyAdmin
• Free SSL, fast DNS, and FTP access
• Laravel-ready deployment tools
• One-click backups and monitoring
Perfect for websites, dashboards, and game panels.
Conclusion
You’ve just built your first PHP page and added dynamic logic. From here, you can:
• Handle form submissions
• Create login systems
• Connect to databases
• Build full-featured web apps
Explore more at
Vastrox.com — your secure launchpad for web development.