Let’s write our very first PHP program. Create a file called hello.php in your local folder with this content:

The code

• PHP code opens with <?php and closes with ?>.
• The echo statement prints text on screen.
• Every statement ends with a semicolon « ; ».

For example, <?php echo « Hello world! »; ?> will display the phrase « Hello world! » in the browser.

Good habits from day one

1. Always end your statements with a semicolon.
2. Use quotes around your text strings.
3. Save the file as .php, not as .txt.

Now open http://localhost/hello.php: your message appears, generated by the server.

Key point: echo outputs content, and every statement ends with a semicolon. These are your first reflexes.