phpfromzero.com
A complete learning path from first PHP scripts to building, testing and deploying maintainable PHP applications.
Start Learning →A practical PHP curriculum for building confidence from the basics through production work. Choose the track that matches what you want to learn next.
Foundations
Start HereSet up PHP, understand how the course works, and run PHP locally before learning the language in depth.PHP Language BasicsLearn the core syntax and habits needed to write your first PHP programs.Data Types And Standard LibraryWork confidently with PHP's everyday data types and built-in tools.Web PHPBuild server-side web pages, forms, sessions, uploads, and routing in PHP.First PHP ProjectsApply the fundamentals in small projects before moving into larger application concerns.Databases Storage And CachingStore, retrieve, cache, and test application data with PHP.Code Quality And ToolingBuild cleaner code with formatting, debugging, testing, and review habits.
Collaboration And Architecture
Engineering Collaboration PracticesUse XP, pairing, mob programming, code review, and delivery-flow practices to improve feedback, shared ownership, and team learning.Git And Collaboration WorkflowsUse Git safely from local commits through reviewed, automated, and coordinated delivery.GitHub And Open Source CollaborationUse GitHub for trustworthy repositories, identity, access, reviews, automation, and open-source collaboration.Composer And EcosystemUse Composer, packages, standards, and framework ecosystems with confidence.Objects Namespaces And Application ArchitectureOrganize PHP code with objects, namespaces, and application structure.Design Patterns And Data ArchitectureUse MVC, front controllers, factories, repositories, and database architecture patterns deliberately in PHP applications.
Application Systems
PHP Mechanics And ReflectionClarify PHP access syntax, dynamic keys and properties, constructor shorthand, property promotion, and reflection for framework and tooling work.Algorithms And Data StructuresChoose practical data structures and algorithms for reliable, measurable PHP applications.SecurityLearn the security habits needed to protect PHP applications.Authentication And Identity SystemsDesign PHP login and identity systems with passwords, OAuth/OIDC, tokens, magic links, SMS, passkeys, sessions, recovery, and threat modeling.HTTP Clients And APIsCall APIs, handle HTTP responses, and build reliable integrations from PHP.Concurrency Race Conditions And State CoordinationKeep browser, PHP, database, cache, queue, and external-service state correct when work overlaps.Testing PHP ApplicationsTest PHP applications with practical unit, integration, and workflow tests.PHP Runtime And Server EnvironmentUnderstand how PHP runs locally, on servers, and in production environments.
Production And Reference
Scheduling And Background WorkRun scheduled PHP work safely with cron, request-triggered scheduling, locks, leases, idempotency, distributed coordination, and missed-run monitoring.Deployment And OperationsDeploy, monitor, and operate PHP applications after they go live.VercelLearn how to deploy modern frontend and full-stack web apps with Vercel, including Git-based deployments, preview environments, production domains, environment variables, serverless functions, routing config, analytics, storage options, and safe cost/security practices.Production Security And Server HardeningHarden production servers, services, access, updates, monitoring, and incident-ready operating baselines.Observability Monitoring And Incident ResponseMonitor PHP applications and infrastructure with logs, metrics, traces, health checks, error tracking, deployment verification, alerting, and runbooks.Advanced PHP LanguageGo deeper into PHP features used in larger and more modern codebases.PHP Version GuideUnderstand PHP version changes and modernize older code safely.Practical Capstone ProjectsCombine earlier skills in larger projects that resemble maintainable PHP applications.Exercises And SolutionsPractice the course material with exercises, hints, and worked solutions.Reference AppendicesFind quick references for PHP syntax, functions, configuration, and conventions.
Built by Amarjit Bharath
Why I built this
I built PHP From Zero to help newer developers learn PHP in a clear, practical order, and to give working developers a useful place to refresh the parts they need. The aim is to make the path from a first script to real application work less fragmented.
I will keep adding lessons, examples, and updates as PHP and the wider ecosystem move forward.