I am totally new to php, the only other language I know is HTML which I learned msyelf like 6 years ago from snipets of codes ect.

I have done minor midifcations to php scripts, like installing the script and altering where certain things are displayed in template files. I would like to know where you be the best palce for me to start to be able to teahc myself php. and mysql.

    Depends on how you like to learn. I personally like to learn though books, so when I decide to learn a new programming language, I pick up a few books on the subject. For PHP, once you get the basics down, php.net is a very good resource.

      well I figure I would try to learn it myself the way I l;earned html.

      So just learn the basics and then figure out all the little bits of codes to do everything else as I need to.

      Do you know of any good places online to teach me the basics?

        Okay: so you want to know what php is all about, and what you need for it

        First off, what is PHP:

        Php is a dynamic language that can "think" and give the user output. The output that PHP gives is always in HTML (and anything that a HTML page can contain). So everytime you make something in PHP, keep in mind that the result is HTML. This HTML-page is then shown to the user. If you check the source for this page your viewing now (menu: view - Source) you will see that there are no php-tags inside, but just plain HTML... You see: the server reads the PHP, writes the output to a HTML-file and shows this to the user.

        The big advantage of php is that the surfer doesn't need to install ANYTHING (except an internet browser ofcourse)... Because the server translates everything for the surfer and gives them HTML only. another advantage is the security, all the things you don't want the user to see is done in PHP, and the user will never know

        okay, so what do you need to get create a php page and get it running succesfully?

        Not much actually: just a server that understands PHP, and notepad

        Huh??... Everyone is yelling to install programs and stuff?!?!

        That's really it..! You can use notepad to write the code, and save them with a *.php extension, then upload them to the server that understands PHP, and the server does the rest.

        I know, when you say PHP most peeps will start yelling: "APACHE PHP MYSQL" immediatly.. But you actually don't need to install ANYTHING ON YOUR OWN COMPUTER... Again: same with HTML: you don't need to install anything to create HTML, just notepad

        Okay, before everyone starts flaming me, there is one but:

        ..but do you really want to upload your files to a server that understands PHP everytime you want to test something? As you can imagine , that's quite time-consuming. Write your code, upload it.. test it... , doesn't work, check the code... Found the problem, fixed it, uploaded it again, still doesn't work, edit AGAIN , upload again ...etc. etc. etc.

        How can you speed up this process... Quite simple: you transform your own computer to a server

        And NOW I start yelling : "APACHE!!!"... Because that is a program that can change your own PC in a certified turtlefied server Note: there are a billion and one programs out there that can transform your computer to a server, but apache just happens to be free and is very good, so that's why I named it here.

        Okay, you installed apache, everything runs like a charm w00t w00t.. But don't go coding right away, coz as I told you: You need a server that understands PHP... You got the server-part, but now the "understanding PHP" - part

        To get your local server to understand PHP you'll need to install (you won't believe this) PHP!!! Okay, so after installing PHP you've got enough to write PHP and test the code on your own computer

        .."hey, but wait...What about mySQL then????"...

        You don't need mySQL to write PHP, but.... when you start writing pages with PHP you'll soon find out that in most cases you want to use data that you want to store and recall when you need it.. Though this is partially possible with text-files, you'll soon discover that you want to use a database... A free database and also very good in combination with PHP is mySQL... So that's why you want to install mySQL as well

        Just to be clear: this explenation is very rough, I kept it very basic because this piece of explenation is purely ment to explain WHAT and WHY you need programs, and what PHP is

        Installing APACHE, PHP or mySQL can be a drag sometimes, but luckely there are billions of help-files, tutorials and boards (like this one) that can help you with the installation

        If anyone can give a better explenation or has comments plz tell me, I want to use this in a tut I'm creating 🙂

          Learning by using tutorials is fine for installation but a pain in the butt when you want to learn the lang. If you get a book that is designed to teach you php when you had no programming experience is the way to go. This is because is assumes you are a newb to this kind of stuff and explains in great detail where tutorials dare not to tread.

            Could you guys list the books you've used or a link to Amazon/Barnes and noble or bordres websites for thes e books?

            I can learn from books just fine, but need opinions on what books are GOOD to learn from.

              There are a number of good resources; some have already been mentioned. I would like to add that the books/sites you use will depend on whether or not you are familiar with Object Oriented Programming (OOP), or any programming for that matter.

              If you are familiar, then I would recommend going straight for an advanced/intermediate book or website, like:

              If you are not familiar with programming structure, or prefer the tutorial approach, then I recommend you go with:

              That should get you on your way, anyway. You may have trouble finding Wrox books -- they are no longer in business. However, I think the Wrox books are some of the best, so try to get your hands on a copy if you can.

              Good Luck!

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