PHP Developer Job Description: Roles & Responsibilities Guide
Did You Know? 🔍
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for web developers and designers will grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033.

Considering the above mentioned figures and various factors, such as an increase in the number of startups, the progress of MNCs, and more, web developers can expect a promising job market—however, the question of which language-based web development to pursue remains.

Assisting you in the endeavor, we offer insights into the job role of a PHP developer. Have a walkthrough of the roles and responsibilities, eligibility requirements, and PHP Developer job description to make your own decisions. If you still need clarification, we have recommendations for you, too, waiting at the end of the article.

What is a PHP Developer?

Hypertext Preprocessor, commonly called PHP, is the scripting language widely used for web development. It is used to generate dynamic content on websites. PHP developers are professionals working on the language to create and maintain web applications. They write server-side web applications and also create and integrate plugins. While working on PHP, they also deal with SQL databases. PHP developers specialize in programming using PHP. These professionals can work both at the front and back end as per the demands of the PHP developer responsibilities.

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Why Are PHP Developers Important?

PHP developers play a key role in website development, contributing to both the back end and front end. They incorporate interactive features, manage databases, and add dynamic aspects to the website through the globally used scripting language. Their responsibility to ensure smooth flow, seamless scalability, security and functionality of websites makes them in-demand professionals. Their expertise in PHP and its frameworks and their ability to develop customized web solutions further contribute to their presence in any business.

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Roles and Responsibilities of PHP Developer

The PHP developer roles and responsibilities can be enlisted as follows:

  • Create website and application designs and layout
  • Work on developing plugins and extensions
  • Work in coordination with front-end developers for code integration
  • Create and maintain a database or deal and integrate with common existing ones
  • Resolve challenging issues and architectural problems
  • Generate reusable, scalable and efficient PHP code
  • Optimise, maintain and deploy the code
  • Deal with Application Program Interface (API)
  • Integrate payment gateways on e-commerce portals while ensuring security
  • Work with the User Experience (UX) team to know the requirements and deliver the same
  • Develop internal coding standards and project workflow

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PHP Developer Job Description Template

Here is what a PHP Developer JD looks like:

Location: (Specific location or remote)

Job Type: (Full time/Part time/Contract)

About Us:

Our company is a leading shopping platform for branded cosmetic products. With a broad customer base and loyal customers, we are dedicated to constantly enhancing their experience. To further ensure this, we seek a skilled and experienced PHP developer to join our dynamic development team.

PHP Developer Job Description:

The prime responsibility will be to ensure the creation of high-quality, efficient, time-effective and scalable web applications. The potential candidate will develop server-side logic, maintain and develop databases, and interact with the front-end team.

Responsibilities:

  • Analyze the web application requirements
  • Develop and test PHP modules for efficiency
  • Reuse PHP modules
  • Integrate front-end elements and data storage  solutions such as key-value stores and databases
  • Troubleshoot code and application issues
  • Finalize the tests, features and other components
  • Handling challenges in alignment with the team’s goals

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
  • Familiarity with PHP, its frameworks and associated technologies such as JavaScript, CSS and others
  • Ability to write programs in PHP
  • Efficiently deal with code versioning tools such as SVN, Git, CVS and others
  • Working knowledge of SQL/NoSQL database
  • Experience in project management

Did You Know? 🔍
Google’s PHP developer jobs offer a salary of nearly $200,000 a year.

Qualifications Required to Become a PHP Developer

Here is the flow of steps that need to be followed to become a PHP developer:

Earn Bachelor’s Degree

This is one of the key prerequisites for applying for a job. It also offers insights into the field of computers and associated requirements for performing the responsibilities of a PHP developer. The Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science or Computer Applications is recommended for effective familiarity with important concepts. A diploma in the field is also fine, but it will require considerable experience.

Gain Familiarity With PHP 

To work as a PHP developer, the ability to program and develop web applications must be known beforehand, apart from knowledge of PHP. Here is what to focus on:

  • Front-end languages such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS
  • Database systems like SQL, MySQL
  • PHP

Work on Projects

Working knowledge of PHP is desirable wherever you apply. Hence, proceed to gain experience while applying the knowledge you learned. Internships or working on projects that offer certificates are recommended in this step. While gaining experience, you must focus on enhancing your concepts and learning practical challenges with their application. There are multiple projects to work on to learn PHP.

Certifications

With proficiency in PHP, aiming for certifications should be your next step. It shows you are well-versed in the field and helps you stand out during job applications. Again, there are different certifications to choose from. Seek the one that matches your experience, skills and goals and go for it.

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Essential Skills Needed to Become a PHP Developer

The common skills mentioned in the PHP developer job description and hence required from the candidates include the following:

Core PHP: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), syntax, function, error handling and control structures.

PHP frameworks: Symfony, Larvel, CodeIgniter and others.

Front-end technologies: JavaScript, database and Object Relational Mapping (ORM) tools.

Advanced skills: Software testing, RESTful APIs, test-driven development, containerization, virtualization, API testing, CI/CD knowledge, DevOps and Version Control Systems.

Others: Graphic design software, content management systems, and MVC design patterns.

Soft skills: Project management, innovation, problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.

Types of PHP Developer

PHP developers can be categorized based on experience, which involves junior and senior PHP developers. The roles are also categorized based on the PHP Developer’s responsibilities. The different types of PHP developers are:

PHP Technical Architect

It involves handling and guiding technical projects, designing system structures and solving complex problems concerning development in PHP.

PHP Lead Developer

The leadership role includes guiding juniors in technical teams, handling project flow and team progress and communicating with stakeholders to meet project goals. The leader is also accountable for the team's technical output.

PHP Full stack Developer

The role bridges the gap between front-end and back-end by exhibiting the ability to handle both aspects of web development. These professionals handle frameworks, coding, databases, and front-end technologies such as JavaScript, CSS, etc.

Director of Technology 

The position requires years of experience and the ability to lead the organization at a high level. It involves overseeing multiple teams working on major projects and driving the organization toward progress and success.

In addition, there are further classifications based on specialization, such as WordPress PHP Developer, eCommerce PHP Developer, Framework Specific PHP Developer and others.

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Career Path for a PHP Developer

Beginning from the base, the career trajectory of a PHP developer goes as follows:

  • Intern PHP Developer who are fresher and do not hold any experience
  • Junior PHP Developer with 0 to 2 years of experience
  • Mid-Level PHP Developer with 2 to 5 years of experience
  • Senior PHP Developer with 5 to 7 years of experience
  • Lead PHP Developer with over 7 years of experience

Conclusion

With the high significance of web developers in the current market, the role of a PHP developer will certainly remain. If you aim for a career in the field, the current step will be to check around different steps. We recommend starting from the basics to help you with the same. If you are new to programming and web development, learning and gaining skills and hands-on experience simultaneously with certification will boost your career progress.

Therefore, we present the Full Stack (MERN Stack) Developer Masters Program. This course is designed to elevate your career as a MERN Stack Developer. You’ll master key technologies like MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js (MERN), GIT, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills to build and deploy dynamic, interactive applications and services using the MERN stack.

FAQs

1. What is the role of PHP?

Hypertext Preprocessor or PHP is used in web development, server-side tasks and database management.

2. What is the objective of a PHP developer?

PHP developers' objectives include web development and modifications in PHP. The professionals deal with both back-end and front-end aspects to deliver user-friendly, scalable and efficient products.

3. Is PHP developer a good job?

A PHP developer is a good job owing to high demand, competitive salary and future opportunities.

4. What is the qualification for a PHP Developer?

A bachelor’s in the computer field and knowledge and application skills in PHP, its frameworks, front-end technologies, and databases are among the primary requirements for gaining the role.

5. What are the skills required for a backend developer?

Backend developers must be familiar with programming languages, APIs, version control systems, backend architectures and other related aspects necessary for completing the task.

About the Author

Haroon Ahamed KitthuHaroon Ahamed Kitthu

Haroon is the Senior Associate Director of Products at Simplilearn. bringing 10 years of expertise in product management and software development. He excels in building customer-focused, scalable products for startups and enterprises. His specialties include CRM, UI/UX and product strategy.

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