PHP

Server-side scripting is the use of a high-level language developed specifically for use in a web environment. It addresses issues not present in client-side scripting or normal application development. Any site that constantly updates information has user logins, a blog, or basically any functionality other than displaying static content, is most likely using server-side scripting. There are a wide variety of languages to choose from; some are developed by companies and their inner workings are kept a secret.

LAMP is an acronym for the common web development environment consisting of Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. Sometimes the P refers to other languages, such as Perl or Python, but most often PHP.

First off, let me say that I am a huge proponent of free and open source software. With that said, I am also very much a capitalist. I do not feel these are mutually exclusive characteristics, although some would disagree with me.

A while back when I was doing some work at my mother's house, my sister walked up behind me and looked at what I was doing. I wasn't programming anything too difficult, just a form submission page or something. She said, "I can't believe you do that for a living, I would never be able to do that!" Actually, that comment has been said to me more than several times, but the truth is, it appears a lot harder than it actually is. Look at this statement:

There are many template engines freely available for php, so many in fact that it can be overwhelming figuring out which one to use. During my journey of trying to find a template engine that I liked, I found a lot of debate about the usefulness of template engines that use their own template languages. After researching this for a while, I decided the best course of action would be to write my own that was template language free.