To start working with PHP you must first have access to either of the following:
1. A web hosting account that supports the use of PHP web pages and allow you access to MySQL databases.
2. Have PHP and MySQL installed on your own computer.
Though MySQL is not entirely necessary to use PHP, MySQL and PHP are amazing complements to one another.
Installing PHP
For those who are experienced enough to download php by themselves, simply head over to PHP.net – Downloads and download the most recent version of PHP.
However, if you are not aware with this, you will most likely want to follow a guide to installing PHP onto your computer. These guides are kindly provided by PHP.net based on the operating system that you are using.
PHP – Windows – Windows Installation Guide
PHP – Mac – Mac Installation Guide
PHP – Linux – Linux Installation Guide
Installing MySQL
As we mentioned above, MySQL is not a necessity to use PHP.