I want to learn PHP

by 92 replies
106
I want to learn PHP i have little knowledge of it, but I really want to learn.

Any one have any suggestions, books or websites to learn from?
#programming #learn #php
  • W3Schools Online Web Tutorials

    just go there and learn step by step PHP
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • This is really a good site. I start my html learning there as well.
  • I started with this book:
    http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-PHP-...087915&sr=8-14
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Hi,

    Have server installed at your pc so that you can do all coding
    and testing on local pc.

    I use and recommend WAMPSERVER for PCs.

    Once you have installed WAMP on your pc. And
    when it is running...

    Now you three things:

    1. Some online source like W3Schools
    or my fav
    PHP Tutorial - Introduction

    2. See the code you like to try or adapt from #1
    and go to your WAMP www directory:
    mostly here:
    C:/wamp/www

    create some folder say: code
    in code folder: have test.php
    and put the code from #1 in it and then

    3. Open your browser and access this file:
    http://localhost/code/test.php
    and see how it looks (the output)

    4. Now you ready to adapt, change and improve the code..
    just open that file in Notepad++{ you should have notepad++ installed for awesome syntax highlighting}

    and from learning sources like Tizag, w3school or better from php.net
    just read the concepts, look at examples and try to write the code in
    your local php file, and see the output in browse..make mistakes and
    try to fix them...this is how i started learning and if i had to do it again,
    i will love to start this way...

    Good Luck!
    Mohsin
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
    • [1] reply
    • Thanks for giving this information bcz I also want to learn php with the help of internet.Thanks again.
  • w3schools.com is a best way of learning PHP.
  • Try lynda dot com. Its a very big Online Training Library with hundreds of video tutorials.
    • [1] reply
  • Find this book: Head First PHP & MySQL or go to sitepoint.com
  • I want to learn some coding myself, JavaScript to be exact.
  • Wow! Im thinking of actually starting a thread here to offer free tutorials for PHP/MySQL and maybe even javascript and jquery... Where I will lead a study group sortof here i post occassional exercises you guys comply and post question.. Too bad I jusy cant commit yet... Hands up if you guys like my idea! It might drive me into actually doing it
    • [1] reply
    • You may refer PHP Tutorial of w3resource.com. They have covered PHP in a very systematic way, keeping the content pretty easy to understand for beginners. The tutorial includes plenty of examples and you can practice those examples using their online practice editor.

      Once you finish with them, you may refer ibm developer works which offers articles for intermediate to advanced PHP users.
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • short & sweet - the best programming language references + examples submitted by users:

    php.net :-)
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • I recommend looking up 'PhpAcademeny' that's where i learned PHP and they guys are cool
  • I thought myself php using w3schools.com, but it will help if you have a background in programming. I used to code in C & C++.

    Also try downloading XAMPP so you can test your codes.

    It also helps if you start using an IDE from the begining. For that download Exlipse IDE and install the PDE plugins.

    A book will help too, I saw earlier in this thread people suggested many good books. just get the one with the most positive reviews.

    good luck!
  • If you want to learn PHP than you go on Internet and Google than be search to get help or tutorials, you get help step by step tutorial regarding PHP guide, and first write hello world program, write coding for it, compile program and run it.
  • W3Schools Online Web Tutorials or go to lynda.com for interactive video tuts...
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
    • [1] reply
    • I'm copying what I posted on my blog. I hope you will find this useful:

      Things to do when you want to learn PHP:

      1) DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL XAMPP - So what the heck is XAMPP? This a open source cross-platform web server package. You're going to need this because if you're going to study PHP and MySQL, you would need an Apache server, a MySQL database and a PHP interpreter. You need these to test your codes. XAMPP has everything you need. Don't worry because XAMPP is free. You can download XAMPP from here. Alternatively, you can download WAMP.

      2) SURF THE INTERNET FOR WEBSITES THAT OFFER HELPFUL INFORMATION - There are a lot of web sites that offer tutorials in web development and design. Among the websites I've found very helpful are:

      W3 Schools
      Tizag
      Killer PHP (You can buy the videos that are being sold or watch the free sample videos. The sample videos are helpful.)
      PHP Official Site

      3) JOIN ONLINE FORUMS - You may need someone to help you understand some concepts or you may have questions that need to be answered. You'll be surprised that there are many people who are more than willing to help. Here are some online forums that you can join:

      PHP Builder Forums
      CodingForums.com
      PHP Developer's Network

      4) DOWNLOAD E-BOOKS OR BUY BOOKS ON PHP AND MYSQL - Books and e-books present information in a more organized and comprehensive manner. They would be good to have for reference and in-depth learning.

      There are available free e-books all over the Internet. Just Google the terms "free e-books" and "PHP" together. However, from experience, I've found that some of those books are either outdated or not very good, and some files contain viruses and trojans (Be particularly wary of those in .exe and .chm format). They're free, but download at your own risk.

      Good luck and have fun!
  • Don't spend too long on it. Use it as an introduction into beginner web programming, then quickly move onto something more robust and thought out like Ruby, Python, or Java.

    You will pick up a lot of bad habits if you're not careful about where you learn from. Get a good book from Amazon. An excellent book is:

    PHP 5 Objects, Patterns, and Practice: Amazon.co.uk: Matt Zandstra: Books
    I wouldn't even consider the risk involved in learning from the myriad of trash sites out there like w3schools (see: W3Fools instead).
  • Follow this website if you want to clear ur basics and then purchase a book which leads you to professional PHP

    PHP Tutorial
  • Banned
    [DELETED]


  • I know a little bit of visual basic, I want to learn php thought. But I've been diagnosed with a learning disability. What would the best way for me to learn?
  • Learn PHP the easy way - PHPBuddy.com and W3Schools Online Web Tutorials bothweb site are good foe learn about Php online... So ,try this web site and tell me your experience...
  • phpbuddy.com and w3schools.com bothweb site are good for learn about Php online... So ,try this web site and tell me your experience...
  • check W3schools.. they also have tutorials on html,css, etc.
  • My husbands free video tutorials for php:
    PHP Video Tutorials | Learn PHP Step-by-Step With Easy To Follow Videos
  • PHP is really very nice and good job for those who make a online sites and software and other products
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • Beginners need to stop recommending w3schools. It is full of garbage information, only perpetuating the problem of encouraging bad code.

    See here for why: W3Fools
  • I honestly suggest you Head First: Java + MySql, its cheap on Amazon so go get it, learning is fun with that book!
  • If your are familiar with the oops concept then php is not bigger thing for you and if you wanna learn really wanna learn PHP, you have to join reputed institute because PHP become advance and new predefined logic are created which makes syntax error in the program.
  • You can learn PHP from online. w3schools has that facility.
  • I think w3school is the best site for you to learn PHP from basic, I also learn the basic from there.
    But for advanced, just need php.net as your reference.
  • Practice makes perfect. Get a basic guide, give some things a try, and teach yourself. Yes, it may take a while but what you learn along the way is invaluable. You will be better off in the end!
  • I have dabbled in w3 schools, However i was wondering can i just make a subdomain and start building there? or is alot more complicated then that? i want to learn how to code and use php, but i really dont know anything about getting started. i only really know how to get by and kinda of code zencart and wordpress php files.
  • go to w3schools.com and downlaod php manual to start php
  • Read tutorials and you can take help from w3schools and php.com
  • w3schools is the best source of learning php.
  • net.tutsplus.com has a good video series (free) called "Diving into php". Diving into PHP | Nettuts+
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • W3school is the best door to learn PHP but practical is more useful
  • [DELETED]
  • Since PHP is so powerful, you will find, from day one, you can start your first project, see the results online in PHP programming. Large part on the use of PHP is that it is an online programming language, so you can take your project, show them around the world now!
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • Seriously,

    Google is your friend....
    Take an idea. Put it on paper... And start searching on google how to do this and this with php

    You'll see... it's the best method
  • Video tutorial is the best option to learn PHP. Search in youtube PHP for bigginners you will get awesome list of of PHP tutorial videos.
  • I have some great PHP extensions in my Chrome browser that are super helpful. I recommend you get some of those to help you learn.
  • PHP is very easy to learn.PHP stands for Hyper Text Preprocessor. There are so many tutorials available on the Internet, you can prefer them and learn PHP. The best way to learn online is the website called w3schools; it is the best website for fresher/beginners. All the information is given in the details and you can also join good professional coaching and practice on those tutorials.
  • PHP language is good because it's an simple, neat syntax which can be simple to select up in case you know a programming language already. In case you have no idea a programming language already, do not worry. PHP can be a great place to start because it's such an intuitive syntax.
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • [DELETED]
  • I have Php Programing tutorial in many langues. It's very easy to download it on site. These videos make you full expert in Php. In short, It is server scripting language very easy to understand it.Thanks!
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • Search in the google you will get lots of e- books thats are in easy language you can learn easily.
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • I think you need to join W3school.
    Its a best free website for newbies and leaners
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • use php.net or w3Cschools they both have great tutorials for helping you getting the understanding of the basic concepts. Also you have taken the biggest most important step... Reaching out to a network of people with experience. If you ever get stumped post here and we someone will help you.

    Have a great day and HAPPY CODING!
    • [1] reply


    • Although w3schools is ok for the odd reference, using this resource is not recommended.

      I'm a professional software developer, and I urge you to read this site:

      http :/ / w3fools . com

      A little Explanation:

      Software development is hard, no actually that doesn't do it justice:

      IT DAMN HARD.

      The ratio of complete rookies and cow-boys (mediocre programmers) in the IT world is sadly high.

      This is a very bad situation.

      PHP as a language does NOT help this situation.

      This is not meant as a knock on PHP, but from a language design perspective, its looked down on.

      And for good reason:

      It takes a GREAT deal of expertise and care to make good clean code in PHP.

      Sadly because it has a low barrier to entry, this means that un-trained, non professional individuals (no fault on their part) are able to bang out code that *seems* to work.

      These things end up being monstrous works of pure evil..

      stories of which end up here:

      http : / / thedailywtf . com

      Learning to program and create good clean software is a very long journey indeed.

      OK, this is not marketing trivial, I have NOTHING to sell.

      I'm a passionate programmer, I want to raise the bar. And that starts with better education.

      Please see my signature: I'm trying hard to start a community of passionate IT individuals, ones who care for our craft, not just the pay check at the end of the month.

      Thank you for taking the time to read this.
  • w3shcool.com is the best way to learn php online.
  • I also want to learn php and w3school is the best website i have ever seen online. but i am confused about my carrier in SEO. learning php with seo is a good future?
  • If you want to learn PHP then i would like to Suggest visit w3school its a free online tutorial you can get more information on PHP on there.

    As well as i am sharing you some knowledge bellow on PHP Just Read it.

    There are several software development projects which are being outsourced to eastern countries like India since the costs incurred are comparatively lower and the standard of quality is not much affected.

    An interesting statistic about PHP development reveals that there are more than 20 million domains which make use of PHP and include Wikipedia and Facebook which are some of the most popular sites in the world!

    With PHP Development, one can manage and operate all types of activities with PHP experts and PHP developers. There are many software packages based on PHP Development which can be customized and utilized like the off-the-shelf applications which include Joomla, Drupal, etc.
  • I suggest you to learn PHP in Hscripts site.
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • If you have a dual monitor setup, this is really easy to pull off: 1. Open php.net, begin reading the documentation. 2. Try to build your own scripts on a Linux web server or a WAMP server on your PC
  • w3schools.com is the best. i learned PHP and JAVASCRIPT (only the base) there and its the best site i know about programming tutorials.
  • Banned
    I have bought the full PHP video tutorials DVD collection of Lynda.com, you should buy it too.
    • [1] reply
  • best way to learn php is try it.. make some error then fix it..
    download some free cms and reverse engineer it...
    if you puzzle with some particular php problem, google it.. php.net and w3shcool is good source but don't limit your source..
    • [1] reply
    • Exactly, don't limit your source. Start somewhere...then continue to grow and learn once you master the basics. But, do not rush it.

      Good luck!!
  • 1st u have to clear your programming concept then start learning Php from w3schools.com.
  • You can learn from w3schools, I too learned php from that only.
  • try w3 school ,,the cover basics very well
  • Yes PHP is the best open source free web developing language to learn and its easy to learn. No doubt w3school is good site to learn own but personal tuition is more better than other way.
  • Just invest some money into a tutorial. Trust me, you can't go wrong.

    I started with this: PHP with MySQL Essential Training by Kevin Skoglund
    You can get it on lynda.com.
  • It really depends on which type of php programming you want to learn. Pure PHP, or something along the lines of how PHP is used for Drupal or Magento. While they use PHP, it might be a lot easier to get a tutorial book on using Drupal, and pick up PHP from their book, and that way you can learn two things at once.
  • First you learn basic programming then go advance level..
  • PHP is an open source and it's very easy to learn online. There is an official website of PHP . PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor Use This site to learn PHP in proper manner. Also You can go through w3schools.com There is lots of material which will helpful to you.
  • you can learn PHP choose online tutorial. there are many institute which provides online tutorial for software developer.
  • You will start learning when you will stop asking how to learn, just code
  • download headerfast books from the torrents.. these are really good
  • Sitepoint books are pretty good and they're written by people who do it for a living (php, java etc). I learnt css from them (to a level I need).

    I have their php book but found the language too complicated to bother with (the book is very "thorough"). Now I understand the basic principles of it so I am able to edit existing code (chop bits out) where needed, like in themes for WP.

    I didn't see a need to spend months learning the in and outs. The book is good though.
  • phpeasystep.com are the best for php online tutorial. there are given more example. you can try it.
  • My suggestion is to code what ever comes to your head. Think first. Say you wanted to code a page that would display content posted by a form.

    What I would do is create the basic form HTML. Give the input field a name.

    Then the PHP part.

    I would look up how to get the content of a post name.

    Then, I would research how to display contents on the page.

    Just take everything in a step by step process and you'll just remember it later on.
  • I started with this book as well http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-PHP-...087915&sr=8-14, I think its a great book to get you started and learn the basics. Also with the Internet being so powerful now you can easily search some of your questions via Google and find proper answers for commands, tutorials, etc.
  • You should go here more benefit tutorial for newbie

    PHP Programming Tutorials and Reference Guide
    • [1] reply
    • This is a great reference guide along with those others listed.

      @Op - If you have a little bit of money set aside, I would advise buying a Lynda dot Com membership and going through their PHP courses. It's beginner friendly,easy to follow, and nicely structured!
      • [1] reply
  • Great tutorials you can find on php.net or w3Cschools; it will give you the basic concepts you need. Then just practise, make mistakes, google them, fix it
  • I learned the basics and still refers to this site: List of Videos for PHP

    It has short video tutorials which explains PHP in an easy way. Best part is, it is FREE.
    • [1] reply
    • I've started with w3schools also but continued with lyda video because I like watching than reading. I still have lots of things to learn though.
  • It's a dirty dirty language.
  • You can know basic about PHP from W3schools.com.
  • you can use a software called appserver, wich basically make your computer a server
    and you can test your php pages
    in your own computer.

    you can go on youtube there is tons of tutorials
    for php there is one channel call teachmecomputers and this guy explain you
    very clearly php and vb code
    it is very useful if you want to learn
    also i found that is simplier to understand something if you watch how is done
  • If you are a beginner , then w3 schools will be a better option
  • These are the online website from you can learn PHP via online.

    w3shcool.com
    PHP.net
    tizag.com
    phpmaster.com
  • As I wrote in another thread, php.net is the best place to learn php.
  • Once you get a grasp of the php programming language you can always hit up stackoverflow and search through the questions tagged with "PHP". So many code snippets to pick up and scavenge for your projects- it's really an amazing community.

    The best way to learn php is to try to build something with it. Set a small goal. You learn best by doing.

    Here's a tutorial that I always refer to:

    Build a CMS in an Afternoon with PHP and MySQL

    It's amazing, although kind of advanced. However, it is THE golden standard for a PHP-Mysql application, in my opinion. It was life changing for me, as it introduced me to the world of Object Oriented PHP.

    As far as the MySql deal--- it is another free tool, widely used and is synonymous with PHP-- it's the database, and is most likely the tool that powers this very forum. You could have work for 100 years with this combo- as PHP has drivers built in to access Mysql. Php/Mysql accounts for over half the Content Management systems in the open source world, namely Wordpress.

    So, I guess that wraps up my .02.

    Looking for a PHP example? See below. That's what I do, and wish you the best in your pursuit of PHP development.
  • Hi Henry

    I am not sure if you have heard there is a product called PHP for Beginners

    If you are interested send me a message and I will let you know how to get it

    Darren Jewell
  • You can try visiting w3schools. It's a website that offers online tutorials about different programming languages. It is very helpful especially for beginners. You will enjoy practicing your skills there since it is user-friendly.
  • [DELETED]
  • I used one of those Learn PHP in 24 hours book. It was great.
  • The best thing about the Internet is you can learn almost anything for free or relatively cheap. A good place to start is both at W3Schools and at UDemy.

    W3Schools PHP course is free
    W3Schools Online Web Tutorials

    Udemy also has some free started stuff in PHP too before you work your way up to a paid video cource:
    https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?q=php&price=free
Join the discussion

Next Topics on Trending Feed