How does PHP actually work? [closed]

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Is there some guide out there that describes how the PHP internals?

• How files are loaded (required, included)?
• How they are parsed and executed?
• How memory is allocated?
• How objects are created/destroyed?
• How external modules are loaded开发者_运维知识库?
• How the stack/heap works?
• How opcode caching actually work?
• Common hacks and performance tips?

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Sounds to me like you're you should look for resources on PHP Internal development. Looking for this information elsewhere will be really scattered.

I suggest picking up a PHP Core development book from your local book store and giving it a read. PHP.net has an underdeveloped beginners reference if you wanted to start there.

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This excellent although somewhat outdated book by Sara Golemon has answers to the most of your questions. Otherwise, the best way to learn php internals is to compile a debug version of it and run it step by step under a debugger. I did it once and it was an exciting experience.