PHP, short for Hypertext Preprocessor, is a popular open-source scripting language used for web development. It was created in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf, a Danish-Canadian programmer, as a personal project to manage his personal website. Originally, it was called “Personal Home Page Tools” but was later renamed to “PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor” to reflect its purpose of processing hypertext on the web. Over the years, the language has evolved and gained popularity, becoming one of the most widely used languages for web development. One of the key factors contributing to its popularity is its ease of use and simplicity. Unlike other programming languages, PHP is relatively easy to learn, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced developers alike. It also has a large and active community, providing support and constantly updating the language with new features and improvements. Another reason for PHP’s popularity is its compatibility with various platforms and databases, making it a versatile language for building dynamic websites and web applications. Additionally, PHP is free to use and can be easily integrated with other technologies, making it a cost-effective option for businesses. As a result, it has been widely adopted by major companies and organizations, including Facebook, Wikipedia, and WordPress. In conclusion, PHP has come a long way since its creation and has cemented its place as a leading web development language, thanks to its user-friendly nature, strong community support, and flexibility.