PHP Development Track — Step 1
PHP & MySQL Foundations
PHP Scripting, Server-Side Logic & Dynamic Web Applications
16 Weeks
Beginner – Intermediate
GHS 550
Course Overview
This course builds a complete foundation in PHP and MySQL for students with no prior programming experience. You will progress from your first PHP script through variables, functions, control flow, and arrays — then connect PHP to MySQL databases to build dynamic, data-driven web pages. On completion, you are ready to enrol on the PHP Application Developer programme.
Learning Outcomes
- Set up a local PHP development environment (XAMPP, Laragon, or GitHub Codespaces)
- Write PHP scripts using correct syntax, variables, data types, and operators
- Control program flow with IF, ELSEIF, FOR, WHILE, and foreach statements
- Write and call custom PHP functions with arguments and return values
- Query and manipulate a MySQL database using PHP
- Build Create, Read, Update, and Delete (CRUD) operations connecting PHP to MySQL
- Handle user data securely with HTML forms, PHP sessions, and cookies
Curriculum
Install XAMPP/Laragon (Windows), MAMP (macOS), or use GitHub Codespaces. Write and run your first PHP page. Understand PHP syntax, echo, and comments.
PHP data types, variables, constants, operators, and output functions. Understand type juggling and PHP's loose comparison behaviour.
Write reusable functions with arguments and return values. Control flow with if/else/elseif, switch/match, for, while, and foreach. Exercise: validate a simple form with PHP logic.
Indexed and associative arrays, array functions (sort, array_map, array_filter). Built-in string manipulation: substr, str_replace, explode, implode.
Create databases and tables in MySQL. Understand data types and primary keys. Write basic SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements. Exercise: design a student records table.
Connect PHP to MySQL using PDO. Execute prepared statements safely. Build Create, Read, Update, and Delete operations. Exercise: a simple contact list application.
Process HTML form submissions via GET and POST. Manage user login state with PHP sessions. Persist preferences with cookies. Exercise: build a login/logout flow.
Build a complete multi-page PHP web application with a MySQL database from scratch. Examples: student portal, inventory tracker, or event registration system.
Final quiz covering PHP syntax, database operations, and security basics. Code review of capstone project. Certificate awarded on passing.
Assessments & Grading
| Assessment | Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Module Exercises | Online exercises | 20% |
| Mid-programme Assignment | PHP script submission | 30% |
| Final PHP/MySQL Project | Practical project | 50% |
Certificate on completion
Pinuno Academy certificate awarded to graduates who meet the assessment requirements.
Prerequisites
- Ability to use a computer, browser, and keyboard confidently
- No programming experience required — starts from first principles
- A device with internet access is all you need
Before You Begin
Free Development Environment
You need a PHP environment to complete the exercises. Two free options — choose based on your device and connection speed.
Who Should Attend
- Complete beginners with no prior programming experience
- Graduates of the Computing Basics or equivalent
- Business owners wanting to manage dynamic web content
- Aspiring full-stack developers starting their journey