where can i learn?

[izwar]

where can i learn the basics of PHP programming, ive always tried to start learning a bit but i always stop immediaetley it seems so dam hard, but my new website will be in Php and i thought iwoudl be good if i had some basic knowledge in it. Can someone direct me to a place were i can learn some stuff, or something like that or tips on how to start. Much Appreciated, thank you. I have basic html and DW and stuff like skills but absoultey no programming skill think of me as a programming virgin LOL.

[Emancipator]

best place to start is a php bible at Chapters or Amazon. Its how I started, then start downloading code and tearing it apart.

[izwar]

ahh thos big *** books? ill look into it. Any free alternatives?

[BGray]

There are a lot of books out there and though I don't do much coding myself I've had good luck with my questions at SitePoint forums.

[Nico]

You have a lot of free alternatives if you don't want to buy a book. There are tons and tons of php tutorials and articles on the web, that will get you started.
I suggest that you search in Google for terms like: php tutorial or php basics

You'll have anough info for a couple of months of reading :)

Nicolas

[Emancipator]

i would suggest posting here as well. I read this site daily and be happy to answer php questions. HotScripts is a good place to learn that is FREE. and as Nico pointed out hit GOOGLE.

[KelliShaver]

Picking apart other people's scripts is a great way to learn, except there are a lot of poorly written PHP scripts out there, so if you don't know any better, you can fall into some bad habits. I'd suggest picking up a good beginning book on PHP (sorry, don't know of any off-hand) and maybe just on programming in general, i.e. object-oriented programming, etc. and then tearing into the scripts/tutorials of other people.

[Mike]

Beginning PHP4 is a good book that I learnt from. There's probably an updated one by now, though.

[Masetek]

* buy a bible and learn basics, ie strings, printing, forms, arrays etc
* Learn how to do basic stuff like form pocessing, calculating, etc
* Then pull apart some sricpts
* Anything else, Just ask Emancipator :)

Whatever you do, a bible is really handy for a reference no matter how good you are at php, you should def invest in one.

Also, php.net is your friend.

[Emancipator]

Masetek hit on a great point. php.net is an excellent resource. First though as he rightly points out you have to learn the basics. If your serious about programming you should invest the money in it. Free tutorials online are great but wont top the php bible.

Masetek hit it bang on for a great method of learning to follow. And yes you can ask me on the boards and i will try and help :P

[Giles]

I have some php ebooks, send me a PM if you're interested.

I'm planning on learning but I have so little time these days.

[Emancipator]

Where did you buy php ebooks? I would be interested in buying some myself.

[Nico]

I bought one on PHP | architect: php|architect's Guide to PHP Security PDF.

Although they don't have a lot, just 3 or 4 pdf's.

Nicolas

[Emancipator]

im always interested in good ebooks :)

[izwar]

well i did a small tutorial online and i learned about If, else statements, php info command, printing, email forms, variables. I have to say its pretty dam hard, i dont full understand all the variable strings and all that stuff i got prett discouraged gotta see if i buy a book.

[Emancipator]

its actually not that hard at all izwar once you get the hang of it. Best thing you can do is some simple projects. And when you get stuck do a post on the programming board and I will help you, as will others I am sure.

PHP is a very easy language once you get around the basics. A book is honestly the best start, that with php.net will save you tons of time.

[izwar]

i cant take relying on programmers and designers to do every little change on my dam website anymore im dedicating all summer to learn PHP, i hope i can learn it good enough to edit my site and add stuff.