Do you want to become a successful PHP developer? If you want, we have got you covered. This article will show you everything you need to know regarding PHP development and how to get into the #1 position.
PHP is a strong and well-known programming language used in the market. Almost every website we see on the internet uses PHP to execute things because it is used in WordPress and is the most popular CMS. A PHP developer is a person who codes using the language PHP to create multiple applications, web applications, and websites.
Since it is popular, there are multiple opportunities to learn PHP. If you enjoy coding and learning new languages, this will suit you.
Since technology is getting better and better every day, learning PHP is something most youth would need to do. It is considered one of the most valuable skills in the field.
On top of that, apart from PHP, you can also learn other programming languages and become a full-stack developer. PHP would be the base of every programming, so that would be the first choice to earn.
What Can You Expect as a PHP Developer
Some of the main advantages of PHP developers are:
- High salary
- Remote job
- Work with multiple clients
- Meeting new heights
- Unlimited opportunities
And so on.
High salary: The base pay of a PHP developer in the US is $84,000+ a year. For most people, this is a decent income. And of course, according to your company, work experience, the salary can be varied.
Remote job: You can work from anywhere you want if you deliver the projects before the deadline.
Work with multiple clients: If you are a freelancer, you can work with numerous clients. You must know how to manage your time correctly before taking on work from multiple clients/companies.
Meeting new heights: You can explore more of this field by meeting new clients and working on multiple projects. And also it will help you gain more experience.
Unlimited opportunities: There are multiple opportunities available for a PHP developer. You can get hired by a company or take freelance projects. Simply google PHP developers for hire, and you’ll come across tons of opportunities awaiting. How to Become a Successful PHP Developer
To become a successful PHP developer, you need to know:
- Learning the required skills
- Deciding the career path you need to take
- Using helpful tools in the development community
- Working on sample projects
- Applying for a PHP developer job
Let’s see what each point has to offer without any further ado.
1) Learn the Necessary Skills
You can’t become a PHP developer without knowing how to code. Ajax and MySQL are the fundamentals you need to learn first. There are multiple platforms you can use to learn PHP development.
Udemy and FreeCodeCamp are the best options if you prefer learning the development process online. Both platforms will teach you everything you need to know about web development.
And the best part is you can access the free version of courses where they will explain all the basic to medium things.
Once you’ve acquired the skills, you can move to the advanced method. The advanced course will teach you more about developing and creating sample projects.
You should be learning and practicing at the same time to get better in this field. After learning the skills, you must decide which career path is best.
2) Decide Which Career Path You Should Take in PHP Development
Under PHP development, there are multiple career options like
- Command-line Scripting
- Server-side Scripting
- Database Concepts.
- Desktop Application Development
- Web Development
- Computer Programming
And so on.
Web development and computer programming are popular jobs most people know.
So if you are interested in any specific job roles, you should look for the salary, demand, and so on before choosing the path.
Each job role comes with different salaries. By default, PHP developers can earn a decent income from their projects.
3) Meet Helpful New Tools
You must use multiple tools to help you with coding and development. Some of the popular tools you can use as a PHP developer are:
- Visual Studio
- Xdebug
- PHPStorm
- AWS Cloud9
- XAMPP
- Eclipse PDT
- ScriptCase
- PHPDesigner
- Aptana Studio
These tools will come in handy when you go into the depths of PHP development. As always, there are more tools available for PHP developers.
According to your usage and requirements, you can pick one. There will be free, freemium, and entirely premium tools. The free and freemium version tools will limit the features, while the premium tools will unlock the full potential.
4) Work on Sample Projects
Once you have learned how to do coding, you can start working on sample projects. Working on sample projects will help you understand coding better. You might make mistakes the first time, but you will eventually solve them all.
With a tool like XAAMP. You can set up a local staging area. If you plan to become a web developer, you can use this tool to create websites locally and test and manage everything.
Once you are good to move forward, you can also get a portfolio website up and running. Starting a website won’t cost that much, and you do not need to go for any premium-level hosting partners.
A one-page website displaying your skills and past works will be enough. You can use this as a portfolio while applying for jobs.
5) Get Hired
If you are ready to work for companies and clients, you can start looking for potential opportunities. There are a lot of companies and individuals who are looking for PHP developers for small tasks and big projects.
So, there are multiple options to get hired. You need to find the right one according to your preferences. Some of the popular options are looking at freelancing marketplaces and also looking at popular web development companies.
Online freelancing marketplaces are the best way to go when you are fresher and need experience or small projects. There are multiple online marketplaces available for freelancers. Some popular ones are Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and Truelancer.
Next, when you have experience in PHP development and are ready to move forward to the next level, you should apply for a job in any suitable web development company.
Most web development companies will provide a careers page on their official website. And they will update that page whenever they have an opening. So, this is another way to get hired as a PHP developer.
Most web development companies prefer developers with at least three years of experience. So if you have the skills to impress them, you can join the team.
On the other hand, if you prefer an offline job, you can get in touch with IT companies. Most IT companies will work with international clients. So, it is an excellent way to start your career too.
As you can see, you can get hired as a PHP developer in multiple ways. All you need to do is look for the right opportunity.
Having a well-designed resume and portfolio website are a few advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s look at some of the frequently asked questions regarding PHP development and the role of a PHP developer.
How Long Does It Take to Learn PHP?
The time required to learn PHP depends on your availability, mindset, existing skillset, etc. Suppose you are really into learning PHP and becoming a PHP developer. You just need 3 to 6 months.
You can always spend extra time polishing your skills and exploring advanced methods.
Is PHP in Demand?
PHP is one of the most popular programming languages in the market. If you become a PHP developer, you can get quickly hired in the web development industry. So, PHP is in high demand.
How Can I Build a Portfolio of Sample Projects to Showcase My Skills?
You can build a portfolio with WordPress. You can create a sample WordPress site showing your past work, work experience, availability, and a form to contact you.
WordPress makes it easy to create stunning portfolio websites without any coding knowledge.
Are There Any Certifications Available for PHP Developers?
Yes. When you enroll in online PHP courses, you will get a certificate after completing the course. The same will happen with offline learning too. If you have found an offline institution to learn PHP, they might also give you a certificate.
You can use these certificates while applying for a job.
How Do I Find Job Opportunities as a PHP Developer?
As a PHP developer, you will be working with the development team. The best way to get hired is to look at the most popular web development companies. Most companies will add a careers page to their official website.
You can go through that page to see the open positions.
What Are Some Helpful Tools and Technologies for PHP Development?
You can use tools like XAAMP to create a local development environment. This way, you can create and test projects locally. Next, use tools like Visual Studio, Sublime Text, Cloud 9, etc.
What Are the Career Paths Available in PHP Development?
There are multiple positions available in PHP development. Some popular jobs in the field are developer, web developer, software developer, development manager, and so on.
You can choose a career path according to the effort you can put into the learning process.
Can I Work as a PHP Developer Remotely?
Absolutely. When you become a PHP developer, you only need a robust system to code, communicate and an internet connection. The place you work in won’t matter if you deliver the projects on time.
So, yes. You can work as a PHP developer remotely.
Conclusion
PHP development can be a bright career for everyone who loves coding.
There are a lot of companies that are looking for talented PHP developers to join their teams. With the advantages like high income, working from home, and flexibility, everyone can learn PHP in-depth and become successful one day.
As we mentioned in this tutorial, there are multiple steps you need to take before becoming the #1 PHP developer in the community.
In this guide, we have taught you everything you need to know regarding the process – from learning the skills to getting hired.
You can invest a little time every day in learning if you are already handling another job. Or if you are free the whole day, we recommend you check out the courses thoroughly and understand them better.
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