Interview questions aim to check if applicants possess the skills to fulfill their responsibilities as PHP developers. Hence, you need to prepare questions that will allow the applicants to highlight their technical and behavioral skills. Here are some of the most asked PHP interview questions and sample answers:
1. Explain static and dynamic websites. What are their differences?
Everything in static websites is predefined. That is why you cannot change the content after running the script. On the other hand, while running dynamic websites’ scripts, the script is changeable. As a result, every time a user visits the site, the contents get regenerated.
2. Does PHP support multiple inheritances?
No. PHP only allows one class extension from a single class when using the keyword “extended.”
3. What are ECHO and PRINT in PHP? What are their differences?
Both are PHP functions. We use these functions to output or display data on the screen. However, they have differences. For instance, ECHO can take multiple parameters and is faster than PRINT. However, it has no return value.
On the other hand, the PRINT return value is one. This means that the function is okay to use in expressions. However, PRINT can only support one argument.
4. Does PHP interact with JavaScript? If yes, explain.
Since PHP is a server-side programming language and JavaScript is client-side, they cannot interact directly. However, we can still exchange variables between the two languages. This is because PHP can generate JavaScript code that a browser will execute. In addition, it is also possible to pass variables back to PHP via the URL.
5. Why use PHP?
PHP provides many benefits to any business enterprise. For example, it is an open-source language. This means anyone can use it without much cost.
The programming language also supports different databases. Most developers use PHP with MySQL as it is also free to use. Aside from these, PHP frameworks are used for web development.
6. What are the disadvantages of PHP?
Although PHP is a flexible programming language, it still has limitations. Firstly, security can be a problem because it is an open-source language. Also, it does not allow modification of the online applications’ core behavior. Another disadvantage of using PHP is that it has fewer debugging tools compared to other programming languages.
7. Have you used “@” in PHP? What is its function?
Yes. We use “@” to suppress error messages in PHP. This means that PHP will take care of the runtime errors of the lines using the symbol “@” at the beginning.
8. Are there rules in naming variables in PHP?
Yes. There are defined rules when naming variables in PHP. First, variables must always start with a dollar symbol ($) followed by the variable name. For instance, $price=10; price is the variable name.
The next rule is that all variable names should start with a letter or an underscore. And, variable names should only contain letters, numbers, or underscores. There should be no spaces and other characters. Lastly, PHP variables are case-sensitive. Hence, $SIZE is different from $size.
9. Discuss your experience in PHP development.
In my previous company, I created a portal for online customers. I programmed my PHP scripts to generate JavaScript when executed. Thus, I was able to access JavaScript by a browser.
I was able to create front-end features to help customers shop online in a reliable and cross-platform way.
10. How do you keep yourself updated?
I understand that PHP development is constantly changing, like everything else in the software development industry. I usually go to online forums to read about the latest developments. Also, I research new PHP development techniques and try them during my free time.
These are just the common PHP interview questions. Your hiring team can use the experience of your current PHP developers to come up with more specific questions that relate to your projects and other business needs.
How to Conduct the Interview
Companies have their take on the interview process. However, there are usually two types of interviews: Standard and Remote or Take-Home.
Standard Interview
This is the most common interview process. It starts with your recruiter or hiring manager calling the applicant. During the initial interview, your recruiter will check if they are interested in the job position. They will also gauge if the applicants are fit for the said position. Also, during this call, they will do a simple background check by asking applicants about themselves and job experiences.
If they pass the initial interview, your recruiters will then schedule them for both technical tests and interviews. The test will be there to check each candidate’s PHP aptitude in this field. Once done with the test, the developer candidates will have an interview with a senior PHP developer or a team leader from your organization.
Unlike the initial interview, your team will focus more on the candidates’ technical skills. Your hiring team should also ask applicants to perform specific and situational PHP developer tasks.
Lastly, your hiring team should invite the candidates for another in-house interview after passing the second stage. This will be their final interview. During this stage, once again, go over each job applicant’s portfolio and check if their skills fit your business needs.
Remote or Take-Home Interview
This type of interview is similar to the standard ones, except that they are done remotely. It has become more common due to social distancing restrictions brought about by the COVID pandemic.
First, the initial interview will be via phone call. After that, your hiring manager will give the job applicants a take-home PHP development exam. Some companies may set a timeframe to finish the assignment.
After the technical test, applicants should have an online interview. For the technical interview, form a panel composed of senior developers and a team leader. They will be in charge of checking the applicant’s qualifications through your prepared PHP interview questions.
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