Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) is a server side scripting language. According to http://www.php.net (The PHP Group (2007)) PHP language enable us to function as similar to other CGI (Computer Graphic Interface) program. Function such as collecting data, generating dynamic page content or send and receiving cookies (information that is stored into the users system by the web server).
PHP scripting language is not only limited to the function discussed in paragraph above, it able to function much more. PHP involve in 3 different areas where PHP scripting language are able to be used.
The first area will be the server-side scripting, the most common or conventional way and main purpose for PHP scripting language. Another 3 things needed for the PHP scripting to run in web server environment, the PHP parser, a web server and a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox). The server-side scripting can also be run on home machine (desktop) for experimenting purposes.
Second area will be the command line scripting. With command line scripting, PHP script able to run without any web server or Internet browser. Unlike the server-side scripting where it required the web server and Internet browser. It only needs the PHP parser and usually command line scripting is suitable for environment such as Linux or task scheduler in Window. Simple processing task are also able to be use in this area of command line scripting.
Final area will be writing desktop application. For writing desktop application, PHP is not really an idea way to write an application for desktop. This is because there are much better languages that are suitable to writing application for desktop, such as JAVA and Visual Basic.
ReferenceThe PHP Group (2007), "PHP: What can PHP do? - Manaul", http://my2.php.net/manual/en/intro-whatcando.php
