
PHP Course for Kids
Definition
• First of all, PHP is a server-side scripting language used to build dynamic websites.
• In simple terms, it helps websites talk to databases and handle user actions.
• PHP powers many big websites like Facebook, WordPress, and Wikipedia.
• It allows kids to make forms, logins, comments, and interactive web content.
• Moreover, PHP works perfectly with HTML and databases like MySQL.
• Also, it can be used to build blogs, online stores, and games with real user data.
• Overall, PHP turns simple web pages into smart, data-driven applications.
Importance
• To start with, it’s one of the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages.
• PHP introduces backend development concepts like databases and sessions.
• Additionally, it teaches how real websites handle user information securely.
• What’s more, kids learn to create dynamic content and automated web tasks.
• It builds logic-based thinking through conditional statements and loops.
• Furthermore, PHP works in almost all web hosting environments.
• In the long term, it helps transition into full stack development easily.
Advantages for Freelancing
• Firstly, PHP skills are in high demand for small business and client websites.
• It allows kids to work on blog setups, form handling, and custom web features.
• Freelancers often use PHP to edit or improve WordPress sites for clients.
• Moreover, it enables secure payment forms and user registration systems.
• Clients love dynamic websites — PHP makes that possible at a beginner level.
• Additionally, PHP projects pay well, especially for login systems or contact forms.
• In short, PHP gives kids the ability to earn by offering complete website functionality.
Session 1 : Introduction to PHP
What is PHP and how it powers websites
Real-life example: A waiter taking your order and serving food (server-side scripting)
How PHP interacts with HTML to create dynamic content
Installing and setting up a local server for PHP (XAMPP or WAMP)
Activity: Write a basic “Hello, World!” PHP script
Session 2 : PHP Variables, Data Types & Operators
Understanding variables and data types in PHP
Real-life example: Storing information in different containers (string, integer, array)
Using operators to perform calculations
Activity: Create a PHP script that performs basic arithmetic operations
Session 3 : Control Structures – Conditions & Loops
How to use if-else statements for decision-making
Real-life example: Deciding what to wear based on the weather (conditions)
Using loops to repeat tasks (for, while, do-while)
Activity: Create a PHP script that checks a user’s age and displays a message
Session 4 : Functions and Arrays
What are functions and why they help in PHP
Real-life example: A recipe with steps (functions)
Understanding and using arrays to store multiple values
Activity: Write a function that calculates the average of numbers in an array
Session 5 : Working with Forms and User Input
How to process form data with PHP
Real-life example: Filling out a survey and getting results (form handling)
Using the
$_GET
and$_POST
methods to collect inputActivity: Build a simple feedback form and process the data with PHP
Session 6 : PHP and MySQL – Connecting to Databases
Introduction to MySQL and why databases are important
Real-life example: A library keeping track of books (database)
How to connect PHP to a MySQL database and retrieve data
Activity: Create a PHP script to display data from a database
Session 7 : Sessions, Cookies & Authentication
What are sessions and cookies and how they store user information
Real-life example: Logging into a website and keeping track of your session
Implementing user login systems with PHP
Activity: Build a simple login page with session handling
Session 8 : Final Project – Create a Simple PHP Web App
Plan and build a small dynamic web application using PHP
Use forms, functions, arrays, and MySQL for dynamic content
Test and debug your application
Activity: Present your web app to others, explaining the PHP code used
Bonus Materials
PHP cheat sheet (with functions, operators, and syntax)
SQL and MySQL beginner’s guide for PHP
Link to PHP community forums for learning and support
Sample projects for practice (login system, contact form, etc.)
Certificate of Completion for PHP Basics