I need to learn PHP

Nitro · 06-27-2003, 02:58 AM

I've been trying to learn PHP for a while now. I started trying to learn php about a year ago, and since then have been learning off and on, however have never really got into it. I get confused, and then stop learning. This time I am really gonna go for it, and try to learn PHP, in order to make an online RPG, which I am told is quite advanced programming. I am familiar with the basics of PHP. I found this forum on vBulletin.com, and when I saw it had over 700 members, I registered straight away. I'm sure there are lots of people, even professional programmers here who will be able to help me learn PHP, and know all the best secrets about PHP, and the best ways to learn it, and everything else.

I was wondering whether there was anyone who could help me learn PHP, or let me know about the best ways to learn.

Thanks,

Admin · 06-27-2003, 06:49 AM

www.php.net

sde · 06-27-2003, 07:44 AM

i agree wtih admin .. php.net is an endless resource .. the function search is specifically what i'm referring too.

other than that, just start writting code, .. maybe buy a book to follow along .. read tutorials, and ask questions. ask lots of questions.

when you ask a question here, be sure to include an example of some code you are working on... or be as specific as possible with your questions.

i've been coding php for few a while now and i am still learning new things about it nearly every day.

have fun =)

Epsilon · 06-27-2003, 10:15 AM

I prefer books for learning. I've been coding Perl for years, totally self-taught from 4 or 5 books I bought.

I just started getting into PHP a few months ago, and I'm learning from "PHP 4 Bible" written by Tim Converse. So far I think it's been a great book for a PHP beginner. There may be better or newer ones, too, this is the only one I've bought so far.

PHP.net documentation is, of course, the ultimate PHP resource, but it's structured more as a reference than a learning guide. I'd say start with a good book, get a firm understanding of all the basics, then use the PHP docs to learn stuff that's not in your book.

Nitro · 06-27-2003, 10:47 AM

Does it have a function referance, like the one on PHP.net?

sde · 06-27-2003, 12:25 PM

i learned a lot in the beginning from a php book by WROX called 'beginning php' .. a good function reference is a book called 'core php' .. or 'php cookbook'

then for more advanced php programming, another book by WROX called 'professional php'

i like books too =)

Nitro · 06-27-2003, 12:54 PM

Idealy, I prefer books, because reading text from a screen for ages give me a head ache, however I find that the info on the net isnt as good as whats in the books. At the moment I am reading a book called 'PHP for the world wide web', by Larry Ullman. It's a visual quickstart guide.

Admin · 06-27-2003, 12:54 PM

php pocket reference is pretty decent

Epsilon · 06-27-2003, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nitro
Does it have a function referance, like the one on PHP.net?

It has handy function references and summaries at the end of each chapter, but it's certainly not as complete as the official PHP docs. You can't cover the entire language in only 650 pages.

However, the PHP Bible book (and others too, I would imagine) should be far easier for a beginner to start learning from. For one thing, a well written book is organized to teach basic concepts first, then basic commands, and gradually move through subject areas in a logical learning order.

But by far the largest section of the PHP docs is the function reference, which just categorizes all functions into groups, lists the groups alphabetically, then each group has a list of functions, also alphabetical. This is perfect for use as reference material, but it's not at all friendly to a beginner trying to learn.

That's why I say use both, but start with the book.

MiLady Mirlyn · 06-28-2003, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nitro
I've been trying to learn PHP for a while now. I started trying to learn php about a year ago, and since then have been learning off and on, however have never really got into it. I get confused, and then stop learning. This time I am really gonna go for it, and try to learn PHP, in order to make an online RPG, which I am told is quite advanced programming. I am familiar with the basics of PHP. I found this forum on vBulletin.com, and when I saw it had over 700 members, I registered straight away. I'm sure there are lots of people, even professional programmers here who will be able to help me learn PHP, and know all the best secrets about PHP, and the best ways to learn it, and everything else.

I was wondering whether there was anyone who could help me learn PHP, or let me know about the best ways to learn.

Thanks,

Sounds to me like you're right where I am in learning PHP... I've been trying for quite a while and I have yet to "finish" a book! But I'm really working on it right now... Maybe we could learn together? I also want to learn game creation... I'd love to make a game like Drakan, Morrowind, or Counterstrike!

Let me know if you're interested...

Right now I'm reading PHP fast & easy web development by Julie C Meloni. So far, it's pretty easy to understand and is easy to read with lots of visuals. And it comes with a cd.