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Coding questions to ask a PHP developer


a guide on hiring PHP developers

At Bluehill Devs, we're dedicated to helping IT recruiters and hiring managers navigate the complex landscape of tech recruitment. Today, we're focusing on the role of a PHP developer. Let's explore what they do, some real-world applications of PHP, and how you can find the best talent.


What Does a PHP Developer Do?

A PHP developer is responsible for writing server-side web application logic. They develop back-end components, connect the application with other web services, and support the front-end developers by integrating their work with the application.


Real-World Applications of PHP

PHP is a versatile language used in various types of applications. Here are a few examples:

  • WordPress: WordPress, the world's most popular content management system, is built on PHP. It powers over 30% of all websites on the internet.

  • Facebook: Facebook, the largest social media platform, was initially built using PHP.

  • Wikipedia: Wikipedia, the world's largest free online encyclopedia, also uses PHP.


5 Key Interview Questions for a PHP Developer

  1. What is the main difference between PHP4 and PHP5? PHP5 introduced many new features, including improved support for object-oriented programming, the introduction of exception handling, and several new extensions.

  2. What is PEAR in PHP? PEAR (PHP Extension and Application Repository) is a framework and repository for reusable PHP components. It provides a command-line interface to install "packages".

  3. Can you explain what a PHP session is and how it works? A session is a way to store information to be used across multiple pages. Session variables hold information about one single user and are available to all pages in one application.

  4. What is the difference between "echo" and "print" in PHP? Both are used to output data to the screen. The differences are small: echo has no return value while print has a return value of 1 so it can be used in expressions. Echo can take multiple parameters, while print can take one argument.

  5. Can you explain what is meant by 'escaping to PHP'? The term 'escaping to PHP' refers to the way PHP code is entered within the HTML. This is done by using the <?php...?> tag.


Finding Qualified Candidates on LinkedIn Using Boolean Search

Boolean search is a powerful tool that can help you find qualified candidates on LinkedIn. Here's an example of how you can use it:

  • "PHP Developer" AND ("PHP4" OR "PHP5" OR "PEAR" OR "PHP Session" OR "Echo and Print" OR "Escaping to PHP")

This search will return profiles of PHP developers who have mentioned any of these key skills in their LinkedIn profiles.


At Bluehill Devs, we're here to empower IT recruiters and hiring managers with the knowledge they need to make informed hiring decisions. We hope this guide has given you a deeper understanding of the role of a PHP developer and how to find the best talent.


If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your colleagues or connect with us on LinkedIn for more insights.




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