Early this year I found out about the power of PHP and MySQL. I set goals to use it in my website development business. Like you I faced a steep learning curve. The learning tool that I have found to be the best cost in the shortest time to master skills and the lowest cost to acquire training is no doubt paying for streaming video training.
I went to http://www.vtc.com/files/onlineu_info.php
I found access to thousands of training movies for just $25. per month, unlimited usage. No contract, discontinue anytime. They have programming modules on PHP and MySQL among many others.
I used to only buy expensive books and CD-ROM based education. Now I use VTC.com to start my education on any new subject and then invest in OReilly or Peachpit Press books if needed.
Using streaming video as a training aid has turned out to be the most convenient method to learn too. I can travel anywhere without the books or CD-ROM disks and I can use a browser at a friends house and log onto VTC and we can both watch training together and discuss the fine points.
You can even teach a group with an internet connection using this amazing array of subject matter.
I hope my discovery works for you.
