In web development, why was PHP originally developed, what is it commonly used for today, and where can developers obtain it?

Introduction / Context:
PHP is one of the best known server side scripting languages in web development. It powers many content management systems and custom web applications. Interviewers often ask about the origins and typical use cases of PHP to see whether a candidate understands its role in the web stack. This question also checks whether you know that PHP is freely available as open source software.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• PHP runs on the server and generates HTML or other responses for clients.
• It was developed to help create dynamic content rather than static pages.
• Developers can download PHP from its official site and use it under an open source licence.

Concept / Approach:
PHP was initially created to manage personal web pages and then evolved into a full server side scripting language. Today it is used to build everything from simple contact forms to complex content management systems and large scale web applications. It integrates with web servers such as Apache and Nginx and can connect to many databases. The language is maintained by a community and distributed freely from the official PHP site, which provides source code, binaries and documentation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that PHP is not an operating system or hardware tool, but a server side scripting language.Step 2: Recognise that it is mainly used for dynamic web pages, web applications and APIs.Step 3: Remember that PHP is open source and can be downloaded without cost from the official php dot net website.Step 4: Option A summarises these three points: original purpose, common use and source of distribution.Step 5: Options B, C and D misclassify PHP as a kernel, game platform or proprietary database, so option A is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Popular platforms such as WordPress, Drupal and many e commerce systems are written in PHP, illustrating its strong presence in web application development. Documentation and installers for PHP are available from the official site together with source code that can be compiled on different operating systems. This aligns with the statement that PHP is a free server side scripting language used for dynamic websites and obtained from the official distribution site.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B describes PHP as an operating system kernel for device drivers, which is completely unrelated to its real purpose. Option C constrains PHP to desktop games and physical media, which ignores its web focus and digital distribution. Option D claims it is a proprietary database engine, but PHP is not a database technology and is open source rather than locked to a single vendor.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates confuse PHP the language with PHP based applications or with web servers themselves. Others may not be aware that PHP is cross platform and can run on different operating systems. When answering exam questions, clearly state that PHP is a server side scripting language created for dynamic web pages and widely used today for web applications, and that it is freely downloadable from its official site.

Final Answer:
PHP was developed as a server side scripting language for creating dynamic web pages, is widely used for web applications and APIs, and can be downloaded freely from the official PHP website.