Web Development and Database Administration Level-IV

Module Title: Producing server-side script for dynamic web pages

Unit One: Web Document Requiring server-side dynamic interaction
1.1. Dynamic Functionality of a website
To define the dynamic functionality of a website, a website manager should ask the simple question
whether it changes or not. Does the website change or customize itself frequently and
automatically? We’re not talking about rotating banners here, mind you! We’re talking about real
functionality. For instance, a dynamic website could automatically and continually display user
posts, relevant news, and product updates.
Categories for Dynamic Functionality Websites
 Activity – A place for users to find others with common interests who have planned activities
or are interested in creating new events to serve those interests.
 Affiliate – A third-party website whose purpose is to sell or present someone’s product or
service, usually for the purpose of generating advertising revenue.
 Archive – Searchable data, usually pictures or documents, presenting information that is legally
required to be stored or is otherwise valuable to the users.
 Blog – A website journal used to post online diaries from individuals.
 Comedy – Where users can trade or find jokes on specific or a variety of topics.
 Community – This website allows like-minded individuals to participate in newsgroups or
research news and user posts for the common purpose of building interest among its visitors.
 Company – Providing information about a corporation or business that assists customers and
investors in their research.
 Dating – A place for users to find relationships.
 Gambling – A place to speculate on games or make spreads on arbitrary activities where odds
influence the outcome of agreements made between two parties.
 Investing – Website where research is presented with the opportunity to invest in speculative
commodities or instruments that will increase or decrease in value over time, depending on
established markets and their influences.
 News – Exactly what it implies.
 Personal – Often a family or individual website where blogs, pictures or other posts appear for
friends and family.
 Political – Propaganda site produced to influence perspectives on an individual or cause.
 Products – Website for selling items, typically in shopping carts.
 Religious – A place where users can find spiritual and practical inspiration, support and
assistance regarding life’s larger issues, often leading to community involvement.
 Search – A research destination where information is aggregated and presented based on user
queries.
 Social – Networking websites used by individuals to communicate with others who designate
shared interests
1.2. Web Scripting Language
When building an online application or simply adding some additional dynamics to a website, there
is a special resource you need: scripting languages
By: Eyachew T. 1|
Page
Scripting languages are types of programming languages where the instructions are written for a
run-time environment, to bring new functions to applications, and integrate or communicate
complex systems and other programming languages.
A scripting language is a programming language that executes tasks within a special run-time
environment by an interpreter instead of a compiler. They are usually short, fast, and interpreted
from source code or bytecode. Such environments include software applications, web pages, and
even embedded systems in operating system shells and games.
Most modern structures support these languages, which gives them wide support while also being
developed through an open-source process.
Using a scripting language is preferable depending on your goals and environment. As they are a
series of commands executed with no need for a compiler, they are cross-platform and do not
require special software to be installed in order to run except for a web browser, of course.
1.2.1. Types of Scripting Languages
There are two main types of scripting languages: server-side and client-side. They differ on where
the code is run from, which affects not only the actual languages chosen but also the performance
and their capabilities.
I. Server-side scripting language
The term server-side scripting language refers to those that run off a web server. Since it performs
from the back-end side, the script is not visible to the visitor. Because of that, it is a more secure
approach.
They are often used to create dynamic websites and platforms, handle user queries, and generate
and provide data and others. Examples: PHP, Python, Node.js, Perl, and Ruby.
II. Client-side scripting language
Client-side scripting languages run off the user’s browser. It is usually performed at the front end,
which makes it visible to visitors and makes it less vulnerable to exploits and leaks. As such, it is
often used to build user interfaces and lighter functionality such as that.
Since it runs locally, they usually provide better performance and, therefore, do not strain your
server. Examples: HTML, CSS, jQuery, and JavaScript.
1.2.2. Scripting Languages Examples
I. JavaScript
Also sometimes abbreviated as simply “JS”, JavaScript is probably the best-known scripting
language, as it’s a pillar of the web as we know it (right along with HTML and CSS). In fact,
about 98 percent of websites currently on the web use JavaScript.
II. Python
After JavaScript, Python is easily the most popular, best-known scripting language in use
today. Programmers love it for its sheer ease of use and concise syntax systems, as they can create
code significantly more quickly and with less actual typing involved.
Python is also free and open-source, making it a highly accessible scripting language. Features
supported by Python include functional programming paradigms, object-oriented programming, and
more.
III. PHP
PHP is an open-source scripting language commonly used by backend web developers.
The name began as an acronym for “personal home page” a callback to PHP’s origins as a way to
make static HTML pages more functional and dynamic.
However, modern PHP is very much its own standalone scripting language.
PHP features object-oriented programming options and can be easily embedded into HTML
documents of all types. Input is also fairly loose and easy, meaning programmers don’t need to
declare variable data types.
IV. Ruby
Ruby’s claim to fame is its flexibility, making it a favorite among web developers of all types.

By: Eyachew T. 2|
Page
Among other things, it takes so much of the guesswork out of creating truly innovative software.
It’s also incredibly easy to learn, thanks to its clean syntax, making Ruby an especially popular pick
for beginning coders.
Ruby is a strictly object-oriented scripting language, so everything becomes an object when
working with it. This is even the case for factors like integers or Booleans which are usually more
primitive.
V. Perl
Perl is a general scripting language that’s been around a very long time since December of 1987, to
be exact. It started out as a UNIX language primarily used to process reports. (Its name even
originates from the phrase “practical extraction and reporting language”.)
Perl really began to gain traction throughout the 1990s when coders used it heavily for CGI
(common gateway interface), a specification most often seen today on legacy websites.
However, it remains fairly popular because of its innovation and suitability for text manipulation
tasks.
1.2.3. Advantages of Using Scripting Languages

By: Eyachew T. 3|
Page
  Easy to learn and use  Portable and cross-platform
 Open-source and free  Lighter memory requirement
1.2.4. Disadvantages of Using Scripting Languages
 Lack of optimizations  Organization requirements
 Slower execution  Time commitment on updates
1.3. Web Document Requirement
A website requirements document is an essential pioneer to initiating any website design project
for business owners. It serves as a comprehensive outline detailing the precise needs of the new
website. Providing a clear roadmap ensures that the website designer or developer constructs a
site that aligns with the owner’s objectives.
Having worked with several clients over the years, we believe the website requirements
document holds paramount significance in the web design process. It facilitates effective
communication of the owner’s vision to the designer, establishing mutual understanding
regarding the website’s overall objectives and essential features.
To ensure a comprehensive website requirement document, you must ensure you have these five
points checked off:
1. Outline a clear purpose and goals for the website.
2. Define your target audience.
3. Determine technical requirements and specifications.
4. Define content requirements.
5. Include wireframes and site maps.

Unit Two: Server-Side Scripts

2.1 Development Environment
PHP is a commanding language widely utilized in web development. To fully harness its
potential, it's essential to set up a robust, reliable PHP development environment on Windows.
This process provides the necessary PHP development tools for Windows it can help in efficient
coding, testing & debugging applications, and ensuring streamlined efficiency during the
transition from development to production.
To set up PHP on Windows, XAMPP proves to be an excellent solution. This free, open-source
software offers an easy-to-navigate platform for PHP development. Bundling essential core
components like PHP, Apache, and MySQL XAMPP's accessibility makes it ideal for beginners,
yet its comprehensive toolset caters to the needs of experienced PHP developers. This guide
outlines the necessary steps to set up a PHP development environment in Windows using
XAMPP, aiming to simplify your coding journey.
Configuring XAMPP for PHP Development
Whether you're an established developer or a beginner venturing into PHP, setting up an
efficient development environment is critical One of the most recommended and popular
solutions is XAMPP - a free and open-source software that stands as a beacon for setting up a
local web server for developers worldwide
In the process of configuration, the next steps are opening XAMPP Control Panel and setting-up
local development server.
Apache: Core of Server-Side Processing
Apache HTTP Server, commonly referred to as Apache, is a highly customizable and robust
open-source web server software It interprets and executes the PHP code embedded in your
HTML and sends the resulting data to the client in other words, Apache in the bridge that
connects your PHP scripts to the user's browser.
Apache is on indispensable tool in a PHP development environment, providing sever-side
processing capabilities that empower developers to build dynamic web application.

By: Eyachew T.
4|Page
MySQL: Core of Data Management
MySQL, on the other hand, is a relational database management system. It allows you to store,
retrieve, and manipulate databases with which your PHP scripts interact. Whether building a
simple website or a complex web application, data management is a core function, making
MySQL an essential part of the PHP development process.
2.2Basic syntax of Server-side scripts
When we talk about popular programming languages, usually at the top of the list is PHP, a
favorite among developers and software engineers who use frameworks based on this language
to build modern and multifunctional web pages and applications.
PHP is one of the most popular scripting languages and works on the server side. Its acronym
means “Hypertext Preprocessor” in Spanish and it is embedded in HTML. It allows: creating
personalized web content, sending and receiving cookies, evaluating form data sent from a
browser, etc.
In addition to its features, it has integration with several popular databases like Postgre SQL,
Oracle, Sybase, SQL, and MySQL. It also handles forms, saves data to files, and collects data
from files.
II.1.1. Basic PHP Syntax
A PHP script can be placed anywhere in a document. This script starts with <?php and ends
with?>. We present an example:

The default extension of PHP files is: .php. A PHP file usually contains HTML tags and some
PHP script code.
The following is an example of a simple PHP file, with a script that uses a built-in echo function
to output the text "Hello world!" On a website:

II.1.2. PHP Variables

In PHP, a variable is declared using a $ sign followed by the variable name. Here, some
important points to know about variables:
 As PHP is a loosely typed language, so we do not need to declare the data types of
the variables. It automatically analyzes the values and makes conversions to its
correct datatype.
 After declaring a variable, it can be reused throughout the code.
 Assignment Operator (=) is used to assign the value to a variable.
Syntax of declaring a variable in PHP is given below:
$variablename=value;
Rules for declaring PHP variable:
 A variable must start with a dollar ($) sign, followed by the variable name.
 It can only contain alpha-numeric character and underscore (A-z, 0-9, _).

By: Eyachew T.
5|Page
  A variable name must start with a letter or underscore (_) character.
 A PHP variable name cannot contain spaces.
 One thing to be kept in mind that the variable name cannot start with a number or special
symbols.
 PHP variables are case-sensitive, so $name and $NAME both are treated as different
variable.
A. PHP Variable: Declaring string, integer, and float

Let's see the example to store string, integer, and float values in PHP variables.
File: variable1.php

Output:
string is: hello string
integer is: 200
float is: 44.6

B. PHP Variable: Sum of two variables

File: variable2.php

Output:
11

C. PHP Variable: case sensitive

In PHP, variable names are case sensitive. So variable name "color" is different from Color,
COLOR, COLor etc.
File: variable3.php

Output:

By: Eyachew T.
6|Page
My car is red
Notice: Undefined variable: COLOR in C:\wamp\www\variable.php on line 4
My house is
Notice: Undefined variable: coLOR in C:\wamp\www\variable.php on line 5
My boat is

D. PHP Variable: Rules

PHP variables must start with letter or underscore only.

PHP variable can't be start with numbers and special symbols.
File:variablevalid.php

Output:
hello
hello
File: variableinvalid.php

Output:
Parse error: syntax error, unexpected '4' (T_LNUMBER), expecting variable (T_VARIABLE)
or '$' in C:\wamp\www\variableinvalid.php on line 2
II.1.3. PHP Data Types
PHP data types are used to hold different types of data or values. PHP supports 8 primitive data
types that can be categorized further in 3 types:
i. Scalar Types (predefined) iii. Special Types
ii. Compound Types (user-defined)
PHP Data Types: Scalar Types
It holds only single value. There are 4 scalar data types in PHP.
i. Boolean iii. float
ii. integer iv. string
PHP Data Types: Compound Types
It can hold multiple values. There are 2 compound data types in PHP.
i. array ii. object
PHP Data Types: Special Types
i. resource ii. NULL
II.1.4. PHP Operators
Operators are used to performing operations on some values. In other words, we can describe
operators as something that takes some values, performs some operation on them, and gives a
result. From example, “1 + 2 = 3” in this expression ‘+’ is an operator. It takes two values 1 and
2, performs an addition operation on them to give 3.

By: Eyachew T.
7|Page
Just like any other programming language, PHP also supports various types of operations like
arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, etc), logical operations (AND, OR etc),
Increment/Decrement Operations, etc. Thus, PHP provides us with many operators to perform
such operations on various operands or variables, or values. These operators are nothing but
symbols needed to perform operations of various types. Given below are the various groups of
operators:
 Arithmetic Operators  Assignment Operators
 Logical or Relational Operators  Array Operators
 Comparison Operators  Increment/Decrement Operators
 Conditional or Ternary Operators  String Operators
II.1.5. PHP Comments
PHP comments can be used to describe any line of code so that other developer can understand
the code easily. It can also be used to hide any code.
PHP supports single line and multi line comments. These comments are similar to C/C++ and
Perl style (Unix shell style) comments.
A. PHP Single Line Comments
There are two ways to use single line comments in PHP.
 // (C++ style single line comment)
 # (Unix Shell style single line comment)

Output:
Welcome to PHP single line comments

B. PHP Multi Line Comments

In PHP, we can comment multiple lines also. To do so, we need to enclose all lines within /*
*/. Let's see a simple example of PHP multiple line comment.
II.1.6. Control Structures in PHP
Control structures are an essential part of any programming language and PHP is no exception.
They provide the ability to control the flow of execution in a program based on certain
conditions. In other words, they allow you to make decisions in your code and execute
different blocks of code based on those decisions. This helps to simplify complex tasks,
making it easier to write and maintain the code.
These statements are mainly categorized into following:
 Conditional Statements
 Loop Statements
 Jump Statements
I. Conditional Statements
Conditional Statements performs different computations or actions depending on conditions. In
PHP, the following are conditional statements
 if statement  if - elseif - else statement
 if - else statement  switch statement

By: Eyachew T.
8|Page
 II. Loop Statements
Sometimes we may need to alter the flow of the program. If the execution of a specific code may
need to be repeated several numbers of times then we can go for loop statements.
In PHP, the following are loop statements
 while loop  for loop
 do - while loop
III. Jump Statements
Jump statements in PHP are used to alter the flow of a loop like you want to skip a part of a loop or
terminate a loop.
In PHP, the following are jump statements
 break statement  continue statement
 II.1.7. Differences between PHP and JavaScript
JavaScript is, like PHP, one of the most popular programming languages. It can be defined as a high-level,
dynamic, interpreted language used with HTML web applications. It is also used for non-web documents
such as PDFs and desktop widgets.
Among the main differences between both programming languages are:
 PHP is a server-side scripting language while JavaScript is a client-side scripting language.
 PHP does not run inside the browser, while JavaScript runs inside the browser.
 PHP supports databases while JavaScript does not support databases.
 PHP accepts variables in upper and lower case, while JavaScript does not.
 When we compare PHP and JavaScript, PHP does not support swapping objects and arrays, while
JavaScript supports swapping objects and arrays.

Unit Three: Produce Web Documents

3.1. Introduction to XHTML
XHTML is HTML markup that follows a more rigorous XML-style formatting and is the standard for
HTML development going forward. Today, most browsers still display old or poorly applied HTML.
Because it has stricter rules for applying markup, XHTML will, in the long run, provide better performance
than HTML, especially for a wider variety of Web-connected devices, including cell phones and handheld
devices. Although browser support for HTML will probably not disappear overnight, with a few
modifications, you can start applying the XHTML standards in your Web pages right away.
A. The use of XHTML
 XHTML documents are validated with standard XML tools.
 It is easily to maintain, convert, edit document in the long run.
 It is used to define the quality standard of web pages.
 XHTML is an official standard of the W3C, your website becomes more compatible and accurate
with many browsers.
B. Difference Between HTML and XHTML

HTML XHTML
XHTML (Extensible HyperText Markup Language) is a family of
HTML or HyperText Markup Language is the
XML markup languages that mirror or extend versions of the widely
main markup language for creating web pages
used Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
Flexible framework requiring lenient HTML Restrictive subset of XML which needs to be parsed with standard
specific parser XML parsers
Proposed by Tim Berners-Lee in 1987 World Wide Web Consortium Recommendation in 2000.
Application of Standard Generalized Markup
Application of XML
Language (SGML).
Extended from SGML. Extended from XML, HTML

3.2. Server-Side Scripts to XHTML Standards

The reference to "Server-Side Scripts to XHTML Standards" likely suggests using server-side scripting
languages (e.g., PHP, Python, Ruby) to generate XHTML-compliant markup on the server before sending
it to the client's browser. XHTML (eXtensible HyperText Markup Language) is a stricter and more XML-
compliant version of HTML. Here are some considerations for adhering to XHTML standards when using
server-side scripts:
1. Proper Document Structure: Ensure that the generated markup follows the proper XHTML
document structure, including a DOCTYPE declaration, html, head, and body elements.
2. Well-Formed XML: XHTML requires well-formed XML syntax. Ensure that all tags are
properly nested, closed, and that attribute values are enclosed in double quotes.
3. Content-Type Header: Set the correct Content-Type header in the HTTP response to indicate
that the content is XHTML.
4. Character Encoding: Specify the character encoding using the Meta tag or the HTTP Content-
Type header to ensure proper rendering of special characters.
5. Separation of Concerns: Encourage a separation of concerns by keeping server-side logic (e.g.,
PHP code) separate from XHTML markup. Use templates or a similar approach to organize code.
 6. Conditional Comments: Use conditional comments or other techniques to serve different
versions of XHTML or HTML based on the browser's capabilities. Older browsers may not fully
support XHTML.
7. Error Handling: Implement proper error handling in your server-side scripts to catch any issues
that may cause malformed XHTML and provide appropriate feedback or logging.
8. CDATA Sections: If including script or style content within XHTML, use CDATA sections to
avoid conflicts with XML special characters.
9. Client-Side Scripting: If including client-side scripts, ensure that they are compatible with
XHTML. Some scripts may need adjustments to work seamlessly with XHTML.
10. Validation: Regularly validate your XHTML markup using tools like the W3C Markup
Validation Service to catch any issues and ensure compliance with standards.
11. Progressive Enhancement: Consider using a progressive enhancement approach. Serve a
baseline of functionality to all users, and then enhance the experience for those with modern
browsers that fully support XHTML.
Remember that the choice of XHTML over HTML depends on specific project requirements and browser
support considerations. In many modern web development scenarios, HTML5 is widely adopted and
provides a more flexible and forgiving syntax compared to XHTML.
Unit Four: Test scripts and debug
4.1. Iterative Testing for Functionality
Iterative testing for functionality in PHP is a crucial practice that involves continuous validation of code at
different stages of development. This approach ensures that the software is reliable and functional as it
evolves. Let's explore key considerations for implementing iterative testing for functionality in PHP
through various testing levels.
1. Unit Testing:
Unit testing is the foundation of iterative testing in PHP, focusing on verifying the correctness of individual
functions or methods. Using tools like PHPUnit, developers write test cases for each function, targeting
different scenarios and edge cases. Executing these unit tests frequently during development provides
immediate feedback on the accuracy of specific code components.
2. Integration Testing:
Integration testing is essential for ensuring that different components or modules of the application work
seamlessly together. Automation of integration tests helps maintain consistency and identifies integration
issues early in the development process.
3. Functional Testing:
Functional testing takes a broader view, validating the functionality of larger parts of the application, such
as modules or features. PHPUnit and Behat, a behavior-driven development tool, can be used for writing
tests that simulate user interactions. These tests cover end-to-end functionality, ensuring that the
application meets specifications and performs as expected under various use cases.
4. Regression Testing:
Regression testing is critical for detecting and preventing the introduction of new bugs as code evolves.
This practice ensures that new changes do not break existing functionality, and version controls systems
help identify changes that may impact testing.
5. Continuous Integration (CI):
Continuous Integration (CI) automates the process of running tests whenever code changes are committed.
Using CI tools such as Jenkins, Travis CI, or GitHub Actions, developers set up pipelines to execute tests
automatically on each code push. Immediate feedback on the impact of code changes facilitates early bug
detection and promotes a reliable and continuously validated codebase.
6. Test-Driven Development (TDD):
Test-Driven Development (TDD) encourages developers to write tests before implementing the actual
code. By defining tests based on expected functionality and incrementally building the code to pass these
tests, developers ensure test coverage from the outset. TDD promotes a robust testing culture and facilitates
iterative improvements.
7. Data Driven Testing:
Data-driven testing involves testing a function or method with multiple sets of input data to ensure
comprehensive coverage. Developers define test cases with different input values and execute the same test
logic with each set of data. These approaches helps validate the function's behavior under various
conditions, contributing to a more resilient and adaptable codebase.
 8. Monitoring and Logging:
Implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms is crucial for gaining insights into the application's
behavior in a live environment. By recording relevant information during runtime, developers can identify
issues and track performance. Logs and monitoring data contribute to an iterative improvement process,
allowing developers to refine functionality based on real-world usage.
Incorporating these testing strategies into PHP development ensures that each iteration is thoroughly tested
for functionality. This iterative testing approach reduces the risk of introducing bugs, enhances software
quality, and promotes a more reliable and maintainable codebase.
4.2. Documentation and Submission for Approval
Documentation and submission for approval are essential steps in the software development process,
ensuring transparency, maintainability, and stakeholder alignment. Here's a guide on how to handle
documentation and submission for approval in a PHP project:
1. Code Documentation: Use PHPDoc comments to document functions, methods, classes, and variables.
Provide details on parameters, return types, and a brief description of functionality.
Example:

README File:
Create a README file to provide an overview of the project. Include information on installation,
configuration, usage, and any dependencies.
2. Version Control: Use version control (e.g., Git) to track changes and collaborate with a team. Commit
regularly with meaningful commit messages. Utilize branches for feature development and bug fixes.
3. Testing Documentation: Write PHPUnit tests for functions, methods, and classes. Document test cases
with clear descriptions and expected outcomes.
4. Deployment Documentation: Document the deployment process, including server requirements and
configurations. Specify any environment variables or settings needed for deployment.
5. API Documentation: If your project involves APIs, use Swagger or OpenAPI to document API
endpoints. Include details on request and response formats, authentication, and usage examples.
6. Submission for Approval: Address any issues or concerns raised during the review process. Clearly
define the approval workflow within your team or organization. Specify who needs to review and approve
changes before deployment.
7. Continuous Integration (CI): Integrate CI tools to automate checks for coding standards, tests, and
other quality measures. Ensure that CI passes before submitting code for approval.
8. User Manuals (if applicable): If your project has end-users, create user manuals or guides. Provide
clear instructions on how to use the application.
9. Communication: Communicate changes and updates to stakeholders, particularly if they involve user-
facing features. Provide demonstrations or walkthroughs if necessary.

Unit Five: Set up Security

5.1 Permission management for error prevention
Handling permissions properly in PHP is crucial for preventing error messages and ensuring the security
and stability of your web application. Permissions control access to files, directories, and resources on the
server, and improper settings can lead to security vulnerabilities and expose sensitive information. Let's see
the key aspects of managing permissions in PHP to avoid error messages.
File and Directory Permissions: When your PHP application interacts with files or directories, it's
essential to set appropriate permissions. The common permissions are read (‘r’), write (‘w’), and
execute (‘x’). These permissions can be assigned to the owner of the file, the group associated with the
 file, and others. For instance, if PHP needs to write to a file or directory, the web server user (e.g.,
‘www-data’ for Apache) should have write permissions.
Improper permissions can result in errors such as "Permission Denied" or "Access Forbidden." To mitigate
this, execute the following command to grant write permissions to the web server user:
Database Connection Permissions: PHP applications often connect to databases, and managing
database permissions is crucial. Incorrect permissions may lead to connection errors or expose sensitive
information in error messages. When configuring database users for your PHP application, follow the
principle of least privilege. Only grant the necessary permissions for the application to function
correctly, avoiding overly permissive settings.
Error Handling and Display: PHP provides settings to control how errors are handled and displayed.
While developing, it's common to display errors to aid debugging, but this should be disabled in a
production environment to prevent sensitive information leakage.
In your ‘php.ini’ configuration file or within your PHP code, set the following directives:
display_errors = Off
log_errors = On
By turning off ‘display errors’, you prevent error messages from being shown to users, while ‘log errors’
ensure that errors are logged for later analysis.
Secure File Inclusions: If your PHP application uses file inclusion functions like include or require,
be cautious about user input. Only include files from trusted sources, and avoid dynamically
constructing file paths based on user input to prevent directory traversal attacks.
Verify that the files you include have appropriate permissions to be read by the web server user.
Insufficient permissions can lead to "File Not Found" errors or unauthorized access.
Web Server Configuration: The web server itself plays a role in enforcing permissions. Ensure that
the web server runs with the minimum necessary privileges.
Check and update your virtual host or server block configurations to set the appropriate permissions. For
Apache, this might involve using the Allow and Deny directives, while Nginx relies on the ‘location’
block and ‘try_files’ directive.
Regular Security Audits: Regularly audit your application's security, including permissions. Conduct
security reviews and penetration testing to identify and address any vulnerability. Automated tools and
manual inspection can help ensure that permissions are correctly configured and that your PHP
application is robust against potential exploits.
5.2Server security for database attack prevention
Securing your server software is a critical step in minimizing the potential for database attacks. Database
vulnerabilities often exploit weaknesses in the server environment, so it's crucial to configure your server
securely. Here are key practices to follow in order to configure your server software and reduce the risk of
database attacks:
 Update and Patch: Regularly updating your server software, including the operating system, web
server (e.g., Apache, Nginx), and database server (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL), is a foundational
practice in security. Ensure that security patches are applied promptly to address known
vulnerabilities and enhance overall system resilience.
 Firewall Configuration: Configure a firewall to control incoming and outgoing traffic. Limit
access to only necessary ports, blocking unused ports to reduce the attack surface. Implement rules
to restrict access to the database server to trusted IP addresses, enhancing network security.
 Secure Database Configuration: Enhance the security of your database by changing default
credentials and usernames. Disable unnecessary database services and features, reducing potential
attack vectors. Implement strong password policies for database users to mitigate the risk of
unauthorized access.
 Encryption: Enable encryption for data in transit by implementing protocols like TLS/SSL. Ensure
that database connections are encrypted to protect sensitive information during transmission,
making it more challenging for attackers to intercept or manipulate data.
 Access Controls: Implement robust access controls and permissions for database users. Adhere to
the principle of least privilege, granting users only the minimum necessary permissions for their
tasks. Regularly review and update user permissions to maintain a secure environment.
 Database Auditing: Enable database auditing features to log and monitor activities within the
database. Regularly review these logs to detect and respond to suspicious or unauthorized activities.
Set up alerts for anomalous events to enhance proactive threat detection.
 Backup and Recovery: Establish regular backup procedures for your databases. Store backups
securely and regularly test the restoration process to ensure data recovery in the event of a
successful attack or data loss.
 Security Headers: Configure security headers in your web server to bolster overall security.
Implement headers such as HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to enforce secure connections
and protect against certain types of attacks.
 Limiting SQL Injection Risks: Protect against SQL injection attacks by using parameterized
queries or prepared statements. Avoid constructing dynamic SQL queries based on user input, as
this can expose vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit.
 Web Application Firewall (WAF): Consider implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to
filter and monitor HTTP traffic between your web application and the internet. WAFs can detect
and prevent common web application attacks, including those targeting databases.
 Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify
potential weaknesses. Utilize security scanning tools to assess the system's integrity and promptly
address any identified vulnerabilities.
 Secure File Permissions: Set appropriate file permissions for configuration files and sensitive
directories. Limit access to critical files, ensuring that only authorized users have read and write
permissions. Proper file permissions are crucial for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive
information.
 Server Hardening: Follow server hardening best practices, such as disabling unnecessary services
and limiting the use of root or administrator accounts. Server hardening measures contribute to a
more secure server environment and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
 Monitor and Respond: Establish monitoring systems to detect unusual or suspicious activities on
your server. Implement an incident response plan to respond swiftly to security incidents,
minimizing the potential impact of an attack.
 Educate and Train Users: Educate database users and administrators on security best practices.
Raise awareness about social engineering threats and emphasize the importance of safeguarding
credentials. A well-informed user base contributes to the overall security posture of your server
environment.