A PHP tutorial is outside the scope of this talk. However, to get anyone unfamiliar with PHP started, here are a few basics:

• PHP is a server-side scripting language.
• PHP is similar to Perl - variable names start with '$', etc.
• Variables are loosely typed but can be cast and tested for their actual type.
• Code blocks start with <?php and end with ?>.
• Assume the language is case sensitive and it won't bite you.
• The object model provides inheritance and data encapsulation, but no data protection.
• Built-in functions or extensions are available for everything from Oracle to Corba.
• The PEAR project (http://pear.php.net/) provides a good base class library.
• The PHP Manual at http://www.php.net/manual/ is very good.