Learn PHP for Free
PHP powers a large portion of the web, including most WordPress sites and countless backend applications. It is unglamorous and often underrated, but it is also one of the most practical languages for web development: it runs on nearly every hosting provider, it has a huge job market, and Laravel is one of the most productive web frameworks in any language. This path is for aspiring web developers and anyone targeting PHP or WordPress roles. Plan for 2 to 4 months of part-time study to reach a working level.
Yes, PHP is free to learn, and it remains one of the most practical languages for web development jobs. PHP powers a large share of the web and is the language behind most WordPress sites, which creates a steady demand for PHP developers. Start with web fundamentals (HTML and CSS), then work through freeCodeCamp's PHP Handbook to learn the core language, then move to Laravel, the dominant PHP framework. Most PHP job postings list Laravel experience alongside PHP itself. A focused beginner can reach a job-relevant level in 2 to 4 months of part-time study.
PHP is used by approximately 77% of websites with a known server-side programming language, according to W3Techs (source: W3Techs Web Technology Surveys, https://w3techs.com/technologies/details/pl-php).
Your Step-by-Step Path
Step 1: Web Fundamentals
PHP is a server-side language for the web, so you need HTML and CSS before diving in. freeCodeCamp's Responsive Web Design certification covers both, and the skills transfer directly to PHP templating where you embed PHP inside HTML pages.
Responsive Web Design
300h · Free
Step 2: PHP Fundamentals
freeCodeCamp's PHP Handbook is an 8-hour beginner course covering variables, arrays, functions, forms, and how PHP handles HTTP requests. After this step, you can write PHP scripts that process form data, read and write files, and interact with a MySQL database.
The PHP Handbook — Learn PHP for Beginners
8h · Free
Step 3: Laravel (Build a Real App)
Laravel is the most popular PHP framework and the one most PHP job postings mention. freeCodeCamp's 6-hour Laravel course teaches it by building a working web application, covering routing, models, views, authentication, and deployment. Finishing this gives you a portfolio project and a skill that is directly hirable.
Learn Laravel by Building a Medium Clone
6h · Free
More Courses to Explore
freeCodeCamp's free PHP handbook by Flavio Copes. A complete written introduction to PHP — syntax, control flow, functions, arrays, OOP, and working with databases. A solid foundation in one of the web's most widely-deployed server languages.
freeCodeCamp's in-depth Laravel course by The Codeholic. Takes you from setting up your Laravel environment to building a complete Medium-style blogging platform — routing, Eloquent ORM, Blade templates, authentication, and deployment. Free on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PHP worth learning in 2026?
For web development jobs, yes. PHP powers most of the web (WordPress, Drupal, major e-commerce platforms) and Laravel is highly productive. It is not trendy, but the job market is real and salaries are competitive.
Should I learn PHP or Python for web development?
PHP if you want to work with WordPress, build shared-hosting web apps, or target the Laravel ecosystem. Python (Django/FastAPI) if you want broader data and AI applications alongside web work. Both have solid job markets.
How long does it take to learn PHP?
The basics take 2 to 4 weeks. Reaching a level where you can build a Laravel app and could apply for junior PHP roles usually takes 2 to 4 months of consistent part-time study.
Do I need to know HTML and CSS before learning PHP?
Yes. PHP generates HTML, so you need to understand what HTML is before you can write PHP that produces it. This path starts with HTML and CSS for that reason.
What is Laravel and why does this path end with it?
Laravel is PHP's dominant web framework, similar to Ruby on Rails or Django for Python. Most PHP job postings list it alongside PHP, and building an app in Laravel is the fastest way to reach an employable level.