How to Use PHP in an HTML File
PHP is a type of scripting language used to produce dynamic websites. It is highly useful when building pages that are meant to be interactive because it can take input from a user and use that information to create a variety of different outputs. There may be times when working with PHP that you will want to modify an existing HTML page rather than completely recreating it in PHP. You can embed PHP in an HTML file by following a few simple steps.
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Instructions
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Use PHP in areas of your website where you require input from your visitors. Common uses of PHP include online order forms and surveys.
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Add the line "AddType application/x-httpd-php .html" to any line of your website's ".htaccess" file to inform the server it will need to execute PHP when processing your HTML files. Include the name of your HTML file before the ".html" in this line. This will point your ".htaccess" file to that specific page on your site.
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Avoid overwriting an existing ".htaccess" file with incorrect changes by modifying the file on your local computer and testing it before uploading it. The ".htaccess" file is a fundamental part of a website's operation, so be careful not to break any of the existing code or the website may not function properly.
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Use the "PRINT" or "ECHO" PHP commands when using HTML inside the PHP tags. This method is useful when you have a few short lines of HTML that need to be included in the code but would rather not take the time to create a new set of opening and closing PHP tags. The "PRINT" and "ECHO" commands tell the server to relay the HTML code without breaking the existing PHP command.
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End each statement of PHP code with a semicolon. If your page's code does not seem to be functioning properly, always check to see whether you have accidentally forgotten to include a semicolon. Leaving out the semicolon is one of the most popular syntax errors when working with PHP.
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Include comments in the PHP code to remind yourself and other web developers who may be working on your website of the purpose of specific lines of code. This is a good way to add another layer of reference to your code that will not be displayed to regular visitors of your site. Enclosing your comments inside "/*" and "*/" tags will prevent the comments from being displayed in the web browser.
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Tips & Warnings
Enclose the PHP code with an opening and closing tag. The opening tag should always read "" or the PHP function may not work properly.
