PHP stands for "Hypertext Preprocessor," and it is a widely used server-side scripting language designed primarily for web development. PHP is embedded within HTML code and executed on the web server, generating dynamic content that is then sent to the user's web browser. Key features and uses of PHP include: Server-Side Scripting: PHP is executed on the web server, allowing it to interact with databases, process forms, generate dynamic web pages, and perform various server-side tasks. Creating Dynamic Web Pages: PHP can be used to create web pages that display different content based on user input, database queries, or other factors. This dynamic content can include text, images, videos, and more. Database Interaction: PHP can connect to various databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite, to retrieve, store, and manipulate data. This is especially useful for building applications that require data storage and retrieval. Form Handling: PHP is commonly used to process data submitted through HTML forms. It can validate user input, sanitize data, and store or process the submitted information. User Authentication and Security: PHP provides tools for implementing user authentication and authorization mechanisms, helping developers create secure login systems and restrict access to certain parts of a website. Session Management: PHP allows the creation and management of sessions, which enable the storage of user data across multiple pages or interactions. Content Management Systems (CMS): Many popular CMS platforms, such as WordPress and Joomla, are built using PHP. These systems use PHP to manage and display content, themes, and plugins.