Where to begin learning web programming?

[Anon]

I'm an artist (a fine arts painter) but am discovering that I have an interest in, maybe even a talent for, programming for the web. It's like a puzzle I want to understand. I can write HTML by hand (although I use GoLive mostly); I can cobble a JavaScript but can't write one from scratch (still don't quite understand the relationship between syntax and function). What I know I've taught myself.

Now I want to go to the next level. By that I mean I want to be able to write JavaScripts, CGI/Perl, PHP, that sort of thing. For example, ultimately, I want my own web site to be a database of my paintings that can be served up dynamically. I'd like to be able to do this for myself.

So, here's the question: Where does someone like myself a right-brain non-programmer type BEGIN to truly learn this stuff? Recommendations of books and/or classes (on line or in the San Francisco Bay area) would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Mikchael Wells
http://www.rawpaint.com

[crowezr]

A good place to get started on the Web is the PHP manual, http://www.php.net/manual/en/. It is very thorough and searchable. If you are looking for books, one that I've found very useful is Core PHP Programming by Atkinson. You already have a good start by coming to PHPbuilder, I wish I knew about this site when I was getting started.

[Anon]

I recomend the following books:

PHP:
"PHP Developer's Dictionary"
WROX "PHP Programming"

JavaScript:
Sybex "Mastering JavaScript and JScript"

All of the Sams teach yourself books are very good for the novice programmer.

[Anon]

Thanks for your suggestions Zach!

[Anon]

Thanks for your suggestions SoulRazor!