Course Overview:

“Building Database Applications in PHP” is a practical, hands-on course designed to teach students how to develop robust and efficient database-driven web applications using PHP. This course covers essential concepts in database design, SQL, and PHP integration, enabling students to create dynamic, data-driven websites and applications. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to build, maintain, and optimize database applications.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of relational databases and SQL.
2. Design and implement efficient database schemas.
3. Connect PHP applications to databases using MySQL and PDO.
4. Perform CRUD operations using PHP and SQL.
5. Implement advanced querying techniques.
6. Secure database applications against common vulnerabilities.
7. Optimize database performance for scalable applications.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to Databases and SQL

• Overview of relational databases
• Understanding tables, records, and fields
• Introduction to SQL
• Setting up a MySQL database
• Basic SQL operations: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE

Module 2: PHP and MySQL Integration

• Setting up a PHP development environment
• Connecting PHP to MySQL using MySQLi and PDO
• Executing SQL queries from PHP
• Handling query results
• Error handling and debugging

Module 3: Designing Database Schemas

• Principles of database design
• Normalization and denormalization
• Creating and managing tables
• Defining primary keys and foreign keys
• Indexing for performance

Module 4: CRUD Operations in PHP

• Creating records with PHP and SQL
• Reading data from the database
• Updating existing records
• Deleting records safely
• Building a simple CRUD application

Module 5: Advanced Querying Techniques

• Complex SQL queries (JOINs, subqueries, unions)
• Aggregate functions (COUNT, SUM, AVG, MAX, MIN)
• Grouping and filtering data
• Using prepared statements
• Pagination techniques

Module 6: Security in Database Applications

• Understanding SQL injection
• Preventing SQL injection with prepared statements and parameterized queries
• Implementing user authentication and authorization
• Data validation and sanitization
• Secure session management

Module 7: Working with Data in PHP

• Handling form data and user input
• File uploads and handling binary data
• Working with JSON and XML
• Exporting and importing data (CSV, Excel)
• Generating dynamic reports

Module 8: Optimizing Database Performance

• Analyzing and optimizing queries
• Using indexes effectively
• Database caching strategies
• Optimizing PHP code for database interactions
• Monitoring and troubleshooting database performance

Module 9: Advanced Features and Tools

• Using transactions for data integrity
• Implementing stored procedures and triggers
• Managing database migrations
• Introduction to database management tools (phpMyAdmin, Adminer)
• Integrating third-party libraries and APIs

Module 10: Final Project

• Planning and designing a database-driven application
• Implementing core features and functionalities
• Ensuring security and performance optimization
• Testing and debugging the application
• Deploying the application to a production environment

Course Materials:

• Recommended Textbooks:
  • “PHP & MySQL: Novice to Ninja” by Kevin Yank
  • “Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript” by Robin Nixon
• Online Resources:
  • PHP official documentation (php.net)
  • MySQL official documentation (dev.mysql.com)
  • W3Schools SQL Tutorial
  • Stack Overflow for community support

Assessment and Certification:

• Quizzes and assignments after each module
• Mid-term project focusing on specific database features
• Final project showcasing a complete database-driven application
• Certificates awarded upon successful completion of the course

Prerequisites:

• Basic understanding of PHP and web development
• Familiarity with HTML and CSS
• Basic programming concepts (recommended)

Who Should Attend:

• Aspiring web developers and programmers
• Students and professionals looking to enhance their database development skills
• Anyone interested in learning how to build data-driven web applications using PHP