PHP Updates May Send Information Technology Pros Back to School

Originally a tool for building personal home pages, the PHP programming language has quickly become essential in many information technology companies. Until recently, most developers learned PHP on their own or with the help of books, Web sites, and seminars. Because PHP-like Linux, Apache, and MySQL-is open source software, it is both easy and free to download and install on a test server or in a live operating environment. With the latest version of PHP capable of running on both Windows and Linux platforms, information technology analysts expect to see more employers relying on computer training schools to teach PHP to both new and veteran programmers.

PHP Gets Push from Corporate IT

Companies looking to reduce their information technology budgets are eager to implement PHP and eliminate costly proprietary systems. With corporate backing, a growing number of technical schools have added PHP to the information technology curriculum.

Programming in PHP requires dedication to ongoing professional development. Zend, a major corporate backer of PHP, is preparing to shepherd the sixth version of the programming language into release for fall 2007. The latest version improves compatibility with Windows, opening PHP to companies who have already invested in hardware that requires Microsoft's closed operating system.

Technical Schools Can Help Professionals with PHP Security Upgrades

Meanwhile, PHP programmers must let go of features and styles that will be eliminated to comply with strict information technology industry standards. For example, a Washington Post report recently uncovered that Web hosts using old versions of PHP experience frequent security compromises.

Aspiring information technology professionals must not only learn PHP to expand their employment opportunities, but they must prepare to stay current on the latest developments in the PHP community. A recent government survey revealed that programmers with PHP experience can earn $1,300 or more per week in non-supervisory positions. To maintain that kind of earning potential, coders can take advantage of company-based training initiatives or PHP classes at local technical schools.

Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics