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Why Your Web Host Should Support PHP and MySQL
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A recent study showed that as of February 2008, there were over 112 million blogs currently operating on the Internet. While not every one of these blogs uses free content management programs like Wordpress, that, in turn, make use of PHP and MySQL, an overwhelming majority of them do, so it is surprising to learn how many web hosts out there don’t support PHP and MySQL. Thankfully, the number of web hosts that exclude PHO and MySQL is dwindling, but you should definitely make a point of asking any prospective host about their PHP and MySQL capabilities before signing on to host your blog. Why should your web host support PHP and MySQL? Let’s take a look at the answer to that question and learn exactly what PHP and MySQL is, as well.
One of the great things about today’s Internet is that you may be currently using PHP and MySQL on a daily basis and not even know it. Programs like Wordpress, that allow you to change, manage, move, alter and lay out content on your blog or website, use these two programs through templates, plugins and themes so you don’t have to learn to write code. PHP is a scripting language that speeds up HTML writing so that websites can be created in days, not months. Even though PHP is an efficient way of writing HTML code, it can still take a while to learn, which is why CMS software uses templates and other shortcuts so you can get your blog or website designed and uploaded fast.
MySQL works with PHP to help make websites dynamic. MySQL is a database management system that allows for new and user specific content to be fed to your website based on what each individual user does. To be able to run a blog or website that features these two programming tools, your web host will need to be running versions of PHP and MySQL. All major web hosts offer these programs, but some small time, regional web hosts don’t.
So, why should your web host support PHP and MySQL? The most obvious reason is that it is good for business. With over 100 million blogs currently in operation, there is a good chance that every web host that doesn’t offer PHP and MySQL is kissing goodbye to a huge chunk of business. Think of it as a video store that still only rents VHS tapes and refuses to switch over to DVD. They simply aren’t giving the general public the tools they need to make their web hosting experience all that it can be. There is a reason why the number of web hosts that don’t offer PHP and MySQL is dwindling fast: they are all likely feeling the pinch as other, better prepared web hosts take their business.
In addition, you can also use your support of PHP and MySQL in your advertising to attract prospective bloggers who are looking for reliable, affordable hosting.
If you browse a master list of the most popular content management systems currently available, you notice that 90 percent of them make use of PHP and MySQL. Why should your web host support PHP and MySQL? If you don’t, your web hosting service likely won’t be around much longer.
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