learning php

[aboutpaula]

Now, I know that this is probably covered somewhere but I probably wasn't looking in the right place.

I am looking for some websites that teach step by step how to learn php. I have tried php.net but it's too confusing for me. It uses words that I don't really understand. I really need something that teaches in plain english, like if it was teaching a ten year old.

I have been trying to learn php for almost two years now and it doesn't seem to sink in. I get the whole 'hello world' thing but it's the steps afterwards that it then gets difficult.

I hope that all makes sense. I have books too but although they are great to look at, if you don't know the name you are looking for, online you can google it and get some results.

So, if anyone has any links to some free or cheap learning sites, I would be very grateful.

Thank you, Paula.

[Pádraig]

http://w3schools.com is a good place to start. I have no experience in php so I can't really help you.

[karinne]

Finding site that explain in "english" like you say is going to be a bit hard since most take for granted that you have programming skills ... as well you should.

I'll think you'll just have to bite the dust and play with it. Trying to understand what they mean. I'm having the same problem with .NET. I totally f***ing hate it. (don't get me started on how much I f***ing hate my job right now) but just working on a project and getting stuff to work, it starts to sink in after a while.

Google for beginner php tutorials and try to find books for PHP5 (not PHP4)

[fallen_angel]

Tizag.com has a fair few PHP tutorials that are written in plain English.

[simonb]

lynda.com is a great site if you pay. ( all way a downer)

[masonbarge]

Here's advice I know is good.

Buy a copy of "PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Websites" by Larry Ullman. Make sure you get the second edition if you buy it used (so that PHP 5+ will be included). Go through it methodically and don't rush yourself. Don't skip steps.

When I got to the two introductory mysql chapters (4 & 5), I needed another book. Ullman is a phenomenal PHP teacher but the straight mysql intro is terrrible. Don't even waste your time reading them. Basic mysql is way simple.

Then Chapter 6 to the end is all great. (He's excellent with "PHP & MySQL", it's just the introduction to mysql that is so bad. All IMHO, of course.)

He has a website with excellent support and unlike 90% of the programming texts out there, his examples actually work. And if there's an error, you'll find it on the website.

[Blake121]

I kind of agree with masonbarge.

There isn't really many good websites that can teach you PHP in plain English but books can.

I would recommend PHP Solutions by David Powers. It taught me hell of a lot about PHP while making it easy to understand. It also focuses a lot on security. It uses real life examples throughout that you can use immediately.

It teaches you PHP as well as MySQL and how they speak to each other, also giving backwards compatibility for PHP 4.

If you want my advice... Buy this book.

[grahame]

Paula, different books suit different people.

We have around 60 different books on PHP on our shelves here - probably a better selection than most bookshops - and you would be welcome to drop by and browse at your leisure and decide which to order.

Here being http://www.wellhousemanor.co.uk and PLEASE do arrange a time and date ahead if you're going to take up the offer.

[simonb]

i am going to write a artical about it for this site.

You could look at that when i get round to it

[aboutpaula]

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I'll definitely look into all the suggestions. Thanks again.