Getting Started with PHP

Install PHP

The full install walkthrough (with checkpoint) lives at 01 Install PHP in the Beginner tier — this page is a quick orientation before you get there.

Verify PHP is available:

bash

php -v

How the Tiers Relate

Beginner — install PHP, then build a small JSON HTTP API on PHP's built-in server (php -S)
Intermediate — extend that API with a persistence layer (PDO, SQLite or MySQL)
Advanced — harden the same API for real deployment (php-fpm/nginx, Docker, CI)
PHP Language — a fundamentals deep-dive, independent of the API ladder — pick it up any time
CLI Tool — a second, independent build-along artifact: a small command-line PHP tool

Next Steps

Continue to Beginner tier to install PHP and build your first endpoint.