PHP script basics

PHP is a server‑side scripting language that allows you to create dynamic web pages. On ruachost.com, PHP is preinstalled on all hosting accounts, making it easy to run scripts without additional setup.

Key Concepts

File Permissions

PHP script files should be set to 755 permissions.
This ensures the user has read, write, and execute permissions, while the group and world have read and execute permissions.
Incorrect permissions may cause errors or prevent scripts from running.

Shebang Header

Unlike Perl or Python, PHP scripts do not require a shebang line (#!/usr/bin/php).
You can run PHP scripts without adding this header.

Short Tags

Ruachost servers support PHP short tags.
Example:
```
<? echo "Hello world"; ?>
```
Equivalent to:
```
<?php echo "Hello world"; ?>
```

Path to PHP Executable

The absolute path to PHP on Ruachost servers is:
```
/usr/bin/php
```
Since /usr/bin is in the default path, you can usually run scripts with:
Terminal window
```
php filename.php
```

PHP Versions

Ruachost supports multiple PHP versions (5.6, 7.1–7.4, 8.0–8.4).
To check the command‑line version:
Terminal window
```
php -v
```
To check the web server version, log in to cPanel → Software → Select PHP Version.

File Extensions

Default extension: .php
You can define additional extensions (e.g., .html) in .htaccess:
```
AddHandler application/x-httpd-lsphp .html
```

Safe Mode

PHP safe mode is not enabled on Ruachost servers.
Safe mode was deprecated in PHP 5.3 and removed in PHP 5.4.

Example Script

<?php
echo "Welcome to Ruachost!";
?>