Why Doesn\'t PHP Code Execute on Button Click in a Web Browser?

Why is PHP Script Not Functioning in a Web Browser?

PHP, unlike JavaScript, is a preprocessor that operates before the page is sent to the browser. This distinction can cause confusion for those who assume PHP works similarly to JavaScript.

One common misconception is that PHP code can execute when a user clicks a button on a web page, as seen in the following example:

<a href="<?php runCommand(); ?>'">Click Me!</a>

This code does not behave as intended because PHP preprocesses the page before the button is clicked. To execute code on the client-side, JavaScript must be used instead.

Resources for Understanding PHP Workflow

For a detailed explanation of how PHP works, consider referring users to the following resources:

• Wikipedia - Server-side vs Client-side Scripting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server-side_scripting#Server-side_and_client-side_scripts
• PHP Manual - Preprocessing vs Interpretation: https://www.php.net/manual/en/intro-whatiszend.php

These resources provide a comprehensive understanding of PHP's workflow, distinguishing it from client-side technologies like JavaScript.

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