How PHP actually works

[shahzada]

Dear all PHP buddies!
I am new to PHp.I just statrted reading about PHP.Could anyone tell me that how PHp actually works.I mean how it works from request to response.
As when Jsp page is requested, jsp/servlet engines are involved and then a servlet is actually prepared which then served to user.
What is life cycle of PHP?

Also is PHP portable as we seee java?

thanks...

[planetsim]

You only need to post in one forum. You will get answered.