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PHP for Beginners - Become a PHP Master - CMS Project (Udemy.com)

PHP for Beginners: learn everything you need to become a professional PHP developer with practical exercises & projects.

Created by: Edwin Diaz

Last updated May 2026

Our take

Based on the ratings of 25,341 students, a sample of their written reviews and the syllabus, as the course stood in May 2026. No course pays to be reviewed.

A long, project-first introduction to PHP from Edwin Diaz, aimed at people who have never programmed before but know a little HTML. The syllabus runs about 40 hours across 332 lectures, last updated in May 2026, with separate setup sections for Windows, Mac and Ubuntu. It starts with variables and loops, moves through forms, file uploads, cookies and sessions, then into SQL, OOP and a PDO-based CMS, and finishes with a small MVC framework. That is a lot of ground, aimed at beginners who want a working app rather than a tour of the language.

Reviewers keep coming back to two things: the teaching is easy to follow, and Diaz and the Coding Faculty team answer questions in the Q&A. Students say they never got bored, and one could debug their own code just by reading the forum. The criticism is consistent too. Low-star reviews say the early modules jump around, repeat some points and skim others, and that the opening drags before real code appears. A five-star reviewer who took both the old and new versions adds that simple points get over-explained while harder logic is waved through with a promise it will make sense later. There are no quizzes or coding exercises, so practice comes only from following the project.

Value depends on patience. Some 25,000 reviews average 4.5 stars, more than half of them five-star, so the crowd is happy, but this is a slow, thorough build rather than a tight one. It sits beside two WordPress courses and a Laravel course, and it is the natural first step if plain PHP is the goal before picking up a framework. Practical PHP is the alternative if you only want the basics. For a beginner with time and a little HTML, it is a solid recommendation.

Best forTotal beginners with a little HTML who want to finish with a working CMS, not just syntax drills.
Skip it ifYou already know PHP basics and want Laravel, or you want a tight course with quizzes and exercises.

Pros

  • Ends with real projects: a todo app, a PDO-based CMS and a hand-rolled MVC framework with routing.
  • Reviewers say Diaz and the Coding Faculty team answer Q&A questions quickly and help students debug.
  • Last updated May 2026, with separate setup sections for Windows, Mac and Ubuntu.
  • Beginners repeatedly say it is easy to follow and never boring, even at 40 hours.

Cons

  • Low-star reviews say the early modules jump around and repeat themselves before real code starts.
  • Simple ideas can be over-explained while harder logic is skimmed, according to one long-time student.
  • No quizzes or coding exercises; all practice comes from following along with the projects.
As a beginner, this course was very easy to follow, never get bored and learnt lot of things. Edwin and Coding Faculty are very supportive and responsive.
Madhura ., a student

Listed as All Levels but written for total beginners; a little HTML is the only prerequisite, and reviewers note simple points get over-explained.

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What you will learn

  • You will learn to create a (CMS) Content Management System like WordPress, Drupal or Joomla
  • You will learn how to use Databases
  • You will learn MySQL
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • You will learn how to launch your application online
  • How to use forms to submit data to databases
  • How to use AJAX to submit data to the server without refreshing the page
  • You will learn about PHP security
  • You will learn about sessions
  • Password hashing
  • Email sending
  • You will learn to use composer (PHP package manager)
  • You will learn to create clean URL's and remove the .php from files
  • You will learn to use bootstrap by getting experience from the project
  • You will learn to debug your code
  • You will learn to create pagination
  • You will code refactoring
  • You will learn to debug (fix your code)
  • You will learn to use an API to bring data from a database to a graphical interface
  • There is so much more and my hands are just tired of typing :)

Course content

30 sections · 332 lectures · 41 hours of video 12 articles

  1. 1The First Steps 1 free preview9 lectures · 1.2 hours
  2. 2NEW. -Windows OS PHP setup 1 free preview14 lectures · 1.5 hours
  3. 3New - MAC OS - PHP setup 3 free previews8 lectures · 1 hour
  4. 4New - Ubuntu OS - PHP setup17 lectures · 2.1 hours
  5. 5New - Big Idea9 lectures · 1.7 hours
  6. 6NEW - Basics - Fundamentals9 lectures · 40 min
  7. 7New - Control Structures - If Statements7 lectures · 41 min
  8. 8New - Custom Functions5 lectures · 21 min
  9. 9New - Loops4 lectures · 15 min
  10. 10New - Arrays5 lectures · 31 min

Who it is for

The instructor says it suits

  • This course is meant for TOTAL beginners in PHP
  • No programming experience is needed at all

What you need before you start

  • Some HTML is needed for this course (You can get my free HTML course on that)

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Quality Score

Content Quality
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Video Quality
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Qualified Instructor
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Course Depth & Coverage
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Overall Score : 90 / 100

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Course Description

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Php Awards Sponsored

Are you new to PHP or in need of a refresher? This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Procedural PHP, Object-Oriented PHP, and MySQLi, culminating in building a CMS system similar to WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal.

Learning PHP has enabled me to create a successful career from home, developing courses like this one for students around the world. Becoming a PHP developer can open doors to lucrative opportunities both online and offline, allowing you to create dynamic applications.

Mastering PHP will empower you to build web applications, websites, and content management systems like WordPress, Facebook, Twitter, or even Google.

The possibilities are endless. PHP remains one of the most essential programming languages in web development. Acquiring this skill will give you a significant advantage in the web development world and job market.

Why?

Because millions of websites and applications (a majority) are built using PHP. Whether you're seeking employment or looking to work independently on platforms like Freelancer or Upwork, mastering PHP can significantly boost your earning potential.

Here’s what some of my students are saying about this course and others:

"Holy cr

I’ve read books about PHP, but they were so boring that I never finished one. This course changed everything for me. After watching a free tutorial on YouTube, I signed up, and I’m so glad I did. The instructor, Edwin Diaz, has an incredible teaching style—engaging, fun, and easy to follow. This course is so good, it’s even keeping me up at night! One word to describe this course: Epic! Looking forward to more content. Greetings from a Dutchy.

"Best PHP course

This course is just amazing. You start with the basics and then quickly progress to building your own CMS. Every line of code is clearly explained, so you always know what you’re doing. After completing this course, I felt ready to build my own social networking site. And let’s not forget about the instructor—he’s always there to help with any issues. This is, hands down, the best course I’ve ever taken.

"The Best PHP Course Made FUN and EASY - Worth the Money!!!"

Hi Edwin, you’ve made learning PHP both fun and easy to follow. I’ve had so many project ideas but struggled for years to find the right course and instructor to help me achieve them. Now, thanks to you, I’m halfway through your course and still excited to keep learning. Your motivation and encouragement keep me going. I believe your course is the key to fulfilling my dreams. The best part? You’re always quick to respond to questions. Thank you!

"The best course I’ve taken so far

Every other programming course I’ve taken was boring, and I found it hard to stay focused. But this course was different—it was clear, engaging, and kept me interested from start to finish. I not only learned PHP, but I now understand concepts that previously seemed impossible. Thank you for creating such a great course.

My Promise to You

I created this course not just to earn money but to truly teach you PHP because I was once in your shoes. If you need support, I’m just a message or email away. I love what I do, but more importantly, I love seeing my students succeed. Your success is my success, and I’ll be here to help whenever you need it.

You won’t be bored :)

I take my courses seriously, but I also strive to make them fun. I know how hard it can be to learn from a monotone instructor, so I make sure to keep things lively and engaging. When you need motivation, I’ll be there to give it to you.

My Approach

Practice, practice, and more practice. Every section of this course ends with a practical lecture to reinforce the concepts. I’ve even created a small application for you to download and practice with. To cap it all off, we’ll build an impressive CMS, similar to WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal.

Your Investment Will Pay Off

With over 176 lectures and 20 hours of real-world PHP knowledge, you can be confident that your money is well spent.

100% Money-Back Guarantee

If for any reason you don’t like the course or my teaching style, Udemy offers a 100% refund within 30 days. You have nothing to lose and a world of opportunities to gain.

Common Questions

Q: Is learning PHP worth it?

A: Absolutely YES! PHP is one of the top web programming languages used by major companies like Google, Apple, Facebook, Yahoo, and Wikipedia.

Q: Can I make money with PHP?

A: A LOT of it! Just check freelance platforms like Freelancer or Upwork, and you’ll see hundreds of PHP projects waiting to be completed. In fact, PHP is in higher demand than most other programming languages.

This PHP Course Covers:

  • Databases in PHP

  • Object-Oriented PHP

  • CMS Project (similar to WordPress)

  • Form Submissions in PHP

  • Security in PHP

  • Variables in PHP

  • Math in PHP

  • Arrays in PHP

  • Control Structures in PHP

  • Comparison Operators in PHP

  • Major Loops in PHP

  • Functions in PHP

  • Constants in PHP

  • Super Globals in PHP

  • Sessions in PHP

  • Cookies in PHP

  • Working with Files

  • Custom Search Features

  • Authentication

  • jQuery + Bootstrap

  • Real-time Notifications with JavaScript

  • Protecting Credentials with .ENV

  • Using Composer (PHP Dependency Manager)

  • Sending Emails (from PHP or using third-party packages)

...and much, much more.

With the incredible project we’ll build, you’ll acquire the skills needed to land that job or project. This is a real-world project, and I’ll walk you through every step from scratch.

Take a look at the full curriculum to see everything covered!

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Instructor Details

Edwin Diaz

Edwin Diaz: A Leading Engineer, Life Coach, and Serial Entrepreneur


Transforming Lives Through Programming Courses

Edwin Diaz is not just a name in the world of software development and web technologies—he is a powerhouse of knowledge and experience, a life coach, and a successful serial entrepreneur. His journey is a testament to the incredible impact that one person can have through dedication, passion, and the desire to empower others. With expertise spanning numerous programming languages and frameworks, Edwin has become a beacon for those looking to break into the tech industry or enhance their existing skills.

A Multifaceted Professional: Combining Technology with Life Coaching

Edwin Diaz’s career is a perfect blend of technical expertise and a passion for teaching. As a software and web technologies engineer, he has mastered many programming languages, including PHP, JavaScript, and Python. His deep understanding of these languages enables him to teach complex concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging.

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Reviews

4.5

25,341 ratings on Udemy

Select a bar to show only those reviews.Select the bar again to show every rating.

By Jason Thiel on 6/4/2026

He jumps all over the place. He talks about "We'll install that later" when we installed it in a previous module already. The first several modules just seem to jump all over the place with no rhyme or reason. He goes on and on about something and repeats himself over and over, and other times he'll just skim over things. Hopefully it gets better.

By Carlos Carvalho on 2/10/2025

Well this an outstanding mind-blowing course. It is so well explained and so well taught by the teacher/lecturer. Edwin Diaz is one of a few teachers who know what a pupil goes through when taking these courses. He is there for you, always sending his feedback when one has an issue. Loved this course. Highly recommend this course and all by Edwin Diaz. Thank you Edwin Diaz for all your time and help spent on my behalf. Wishing you all the best on this journey of life, you deserve it. Keep Well and Stay Safe

By Abdullah Javaid on 11/19/2022

Hi, I am editing my review! I for one would like to say that i took the full previous course as well and now i have taken the new updated one as well. Considering what the content is in current course, i would say the previous course was nothing near compared to state of the course now. I would also like to suggest and notify that sometimes a simple thing is over-explained and sometimes a bit complex logic for new learner is under-explained with the words "You will understand" or "You should understand". Though i appreciate the effort by Instructor and am going to take the new Laravel course by Instructor, InshaAllah.

By Madhura . on 9/7/2020

Edwin you are an outstanding instructor, great motivator, very helpful and an amazing human being. As a beginner, this course was very easy to follow, never get bored and learnt lot of things. Edwin and Coding Faculty are very supportive and responsive. I could debug myself reading the forum and could apply in future projects as well. I have completed this course and already bought PHP e-commerce, OOP and PHP with Laravel courses, so that I could learn advanced PHP with Edwin. I just love the way you teach the course.:) I did benefit from taking this course. Highly recommended for beginners like me. Thank you Edwin and your team. God bless you!!!

By Kishan Shaw on 8/26/2020

I really liked this course, it matched my expectation and this course really taught me, how PHP works and also this course gives you an application which is a Content Management System(CMS).This course is little old but it has everything which a beginner need. And Edwin sir is a great knowledgeable person, he beautifully explain all the things and most importantly you never get bored in this course. And he has very responsive nature and always ready to help the students whenever you need his help. Thank you Edwin sir for helping me always :).

By Patrick Williams on 5/23/2018

I found this to be an excellent, challenging and in depth course that has taught me all the fundamentals of procedural php. In my opinion Edwin is a brilliant teacher who explains the programming concepts of php in an easy to understand way. He is very quick at responding to any questions or issues you may have. Currently I am in the final sections of the course and I can say building the CMS project has been a lot of fun as well as a challenging experience. I feel I have gained a sound knowledge of procedural php through the building of this real-life project. I would highly recommend this course to those wanting to learn php and I will definitely be taking more of Edwins courses when I have completed this one. Thanks Edwin!

By Nebojsa Stankovic on 1/3/2017

I am highly satisfied with the approach and the course. The only problem I personally have is that many of the steps are not theoretically explained and they are just "being done". It is all happening so fast that sometimes I have trouble understanding why I do what I do, even though I frequently use google, stackoverflow, w3, php.net, etc.. Sometimes I feel a bit lost along the way.. Anyway, I hope I'll get it all in the end, because I'm working hard. Thank You for the experience and the positive energy You share with the world, Edwin. God bless.

By Selvin Sahn on 7/19/2016

I have comprehensive knowledge on many programming languages including, Java, JavaScript, PHP, and Python. My knowledge in PHP wasn't this great when I started taking this course. This course taught me a lot of new things. I enjoyed every section of this course partly because the instructor is such of great person who articulately explains the material. I hope in the instructor other classes, he will adopt to programming best practices such as indentation and commenting code blocks.

By JEFF TUCKER on 2/21/2016

Hi Edwin What can I say, I'm up to lecture 262 of 265 on your PHP for Beginners and it has been some journey and I've enjoyed every step of the way. It is truly a fantastic course and I would really recommend it to anyone. My question is 'WHAT NOW????'; I want to do another one of your courses can you suggest one please. Thanks again for giving me such an awakening to this new world. Cheers Jeff.This course is simply compelling.

By jeremy stone on 11/16/2015

I regularly take some of my spare time to learn PHP and coding in general. I mostly use this course as a reference and have watched the lectures several times. The instructor, Edwin is a decent tutor with a good amount of knowledge when it comes to PHP. At the beginning of the lectures he often greets the student and constantly reminds you to stay motivated, both at the beginning and at the end of the videos and he keeps pushing you to keep going, which is good :) I have given this course 3 and a half stars because I notice when watching the lectures he is making simple spelling mistakes and not writing very simple PHP syntax especially when it comes to the beginning of the real world project (CMS) that you learn to make, once you have learned the basics of coding PHP. Overall the instructor (Edwin) constantly gives me the impression that he is maybe guessing/learning PHP as he is going along rather than knowing it off by heart. This is all good PHP knowledge when it comes to the novice programmer e.g. someone who doesn't even know what programming is in the first place. When you visit forums and blogs on the internet and people say they have "expert" knowledge of such an extensive and broad language, you should not be making simple mistakes in your code such as adding .php extension to paths and filenames, and indenting also. When it comes to computers and technology these days, basic things like this should be of second nature like riding a bike. I can understand that English is not the instructor's first language but if I was taking this course as a complete beginner knowing what I know now I probably would not take this course and would say "go away and learn PHP in your own time" rather than relying on this course. Last note: If you are thinking about taking this course or are about to and you do not have any previous knowledge of PHP or HTML, I recommend you spend some time reading a book on PHP learning the basics and fundamentals of PHP. I would recommend one called Visual QuickPro Guide. Otherwise you are really going to struggle with the project in the beginning because of how it is taught and you won't grasp the tutor's way of teaching.

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