PHP File Extension

What is PHP file?

PHP file is a text document that contains source code written in PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) language. PHP file can contain HTML markup, text, and script files.

PHP file applications

PHP files are used to generate HTML files for websites using server’ PHP engine. PHP files are also used to create web applications. Websites commonly utilize PHP files to process online forms, for example, a contact data form, or as means to access databases. WordPress, a well-known content management system, uses PHP scripts extensively.

Processing PHP files

PHP file code is processed by PHP engine residing on remote WWW server that generates a dynamic HTML code. This HTML data containing website content is then sent to user’s web browser and displayed as a web page. This process ensures that actual PHP code cannot be acessed by the user, even by viewing the page source.

Additional information

1. index.php is often the main website file to be loaded in web browser.
2. Other popular file formats that also use PHP code: PHTML, PHP3, PHP4, PHP5, PHP7 and PHPS.

Programs which support PHP file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support PHP files. Files with PHP extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 09/25/2021

How to open file with PHP extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PHP files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with PHP extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PHP files.

Step 1. Download and install Adobe Dreamweaver

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PHP files is that no program that can handle PHP files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe Dreamweaver or different compatible program, such as EditPlus, Zend Studio, phpDesigner. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Adobe Dreamweaver installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Adobe Systems Incorporated website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Adobe Dreamweaver

If you already have Adobe Dreamweaver installed on your systems and PHP files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Adobe Dreamweaver installed, it may not support PHP format. The latest version of Adobe Dreamweaver should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Adobe Dreamweaver to PHP files

If you have the latest version of Adobe Dreamweaver installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage PHP on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the PHP with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Adobe Dreamweaver is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open PHP files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PHP file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with PHP extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the PHP for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the PHP file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the PHP file for viruses or malware

If the PHP is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the PHP file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. PHP file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the PHP file’s structure is intact

If the PHP file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with PHP extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the PHP Source Code Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Adobe Dreamweaver

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PHP extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with PHP Source Code Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the PHP files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PHP file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on PHP file.