Build PHP Proficiency with These PHP Projects

PHP has gained global popularity among developers. It’s sixth on The PYPL Popularity of Programming Language Index [1], and experts anticipate the growth of India's PHP developers may soon surpass that of the United States [2]. Many websites run on PHP, including the popular WordPress, and the language continues to evolve to retain its place as a top choice for developers. 

That can translate to professional opportunities. Enhancing your appeal to potential employers can start with practising with PHP projects like this round-up.

What is PHP?

PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is a web-scripting language that simplifies development. PHP developers typically use this server-side language to write applications that run on web servers rather than depend on the web browser. However, it can also be used for more than just the backend and aids in general programming. 

Developers also enjoy PHP because it offers better loading speed and many options for database connectivity. This flexible language can be combined with HTML and many other programming languages, making development more convenient, quicker, and less costly. Further, you can find many open-source add-ons and reference and educational materials.

Why use PHP

PHP was launched in 1994 as a scripting language to create dynamic web pages. However, two decades later, people use this open-source general-purpose language more often for server-side web development. Two well-known examples of sites using PHP include Meta (formerly Facebook) and WordPress. 

WordPress, a wildly popular content management system, exemplifies the appeal of PHP for many developers. Part of Wordpress’s popularity, after all, derives from the wide range of plug-ins available to help people customise their blogs, photo galleries, online store, and more. These plug-ins are possible, either built-in or from a third party, because PHP combines so effectively with other languages. So, if adding an extension in PHP is challenging, the developer can just write it in C or some other language and increase functionality that way.

Preparing for your PHP project

Given that Meta runs on PHP, it’s obvious that this language supports complex functionality. PHP developers can work behind the scenes and create user interfaces. You might also use PHP to create prototypes of software that might use another language later on. You might also use PHP and SQL for database creation. 

While it facilitates complex projects, PHP is also easy to learn, which is a significant part of its appeal. These projects can help you develop your PHP language skills and build a portfolio to demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. 

PHP project ideas – beginner

Create a chatbot

In this PHP project, you’ll use the language to develop a chatbot that can field queries in a particular subject area. For example, you might develop a chatbot that answers learners’ questions about an educational institution or helps patients learn more about a health care center. You’ll need to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) so that your bot can analyse the questions and provide the proper responses. 

Provide clothes recommendations

Develop a system to suggest clothing choices to a user on an e-commerce site. Think of it like Amazon’s product recommendations. You’ll need to use PHP to capture user data, such as past purchases, browsing history, and wishlist items, and to create suggestions. Since these tools are in high demand on retail sites, this product can boost your marketability to employers.

Predict restaurant success

If you want to know what new restaurant to check out, you can use PHP to help you determine which new ventures are well-liked. You’ll set up a system to mine data about new restaurants and classify their success. You could build a database with chefs, style of food, location, restaurant group, and more to give the system material to forecast whether a restaurant will be successful or close its doors quickly. 

Build a review reviewer

Online reviews are everywhere and can drive the decisions of potential customers. Unfortunately, fake reviews can happen, causing more harm than good. Develop your PHP prowess by setting up a system to review the content of online reviews and identify the false ones. You might program your search to look for certain user IDs or specific filler words and consider many characteristics of inauthentic reviews.

PHP projects – advanced

Mimic LinkedIn

You can take a page from LinkedIn’s book in this advanced PHP project. Set up a job posting platform that requires users to create a profile. Then, give them the option of connecting with others, posting content, reacting to their peers’ content, and adding videos or images. Add complexity by giving an administrator rights to track user activity.

Set up an online blood bank

With this project, you can use your PHP and other computer language skills for a good cause. You’ll need to establish systems for donor registration and inventory management. You could also set up a system to transfer blood from one bank to another based on suitable donor matching.

Develop a transport management solution

In this project, you’ll use PHP to create a portal to register employees and develop a system to reserve pickups and drop-offs. You can let employees create and save their credentials to streamline transport management. This can also help a business track and monitor transport for improved customer communications.

Make an appointment portal

For many small businesses, scheduling appointments is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Make it easier by learning how to build an appointment portal that a masseuse or hairdresser might use. You’ll want to develop a portal where customers can communicate with service providers and vice versa. This means creating profiles for customers and business owners. It will also require setting availability and closing off calendar slots. You might also add a feature letting the service provider keep track of notes related to the appointments.

Becoming a PHP developer

You have several paths available to launch your career. Many web developers choose to get a degree focusing on computer science or related areas like software engineering or information science. That isn’t the only route to this career, though. You might also pursue relevant certifications. Regardless of your choice, real-world experience can make a difference, and that’s where these PHP project ideas will help.

In planning for your PHP developer career, it helps to know that the average base salary for a PHP Developer in India is ₹3,63,346, according to Payscale in December 2024 [3]. Expect your job responsibilities to include:

• Writing desktop and cross-platform applications

• Prototyping software

• Collaborating with team members to translate ideas into function

• Defining web app backend logic

• Building and manipulating databases (using SQL as well)

• Working with front-end developers to integrate applications

• Designing, developing, and modifying back-end architecture

Learn more about PHP 

With PHP’s continued popularity, you have many available options to explore and learn more about this language. For example, on Coursera, you might pursue Building Web Applications in PHP or develop your skills further by Building Database Applications in PHP. Many course offerings can support your skills development and your quest to become a PHP developer.