PHP Question?

by 18 replies
21
Hello Warriors!

I have a okay experience in coding, and I can code in C++ a little bit.
Where can I find good PHP tutorials, so I can learn fast?

Thanks in advance!
#programming #php #question
  • When I first started coding I referred to this site often.

    PHP Tutorial - Introduction
    • [1] reply
    • Did it help you a lot?
      Like, what can you code now?
  • Try this it will helps you to learn. PHP Tutorial
  • I would suggest you to start working with a framework, "codeigniter" is my favorite.
    • [1] reply
    • I would rather stay away from framework when I first start. When you use a framework, all codes are simplified. For example, a database query in codeigniter is much simpler and easier to write than the raw code. The downside is when you don't use codeigniter, you will need to start from the beginning when you want to write a query. In my opinion, you start with the raw code, no framework first, when you are familiar with the code, you can start using the frameworks.
  • I will try it!
    Thank you guys for helping me finding a place to start :-)
  • I don't think that it is a good idea for a newbie to start with frameworks they can be little confusing if you don't have knowledge about the structure of a PHP based web application. I guess you should start with developing a simple application like a guest book system. In first stage you need to clear your concepts of connecting PHP with Mysql and transfer of data. Start from forms.
    • [1] reply
  • What are your goals? Hobby? Just coding for the sheer joy of it? Trying to write scripts to sell?

    Knowing your goals would make it easier to provide targeted advice.

    That being said, if you want to learn fast, take a class, sign up for an online course, or get a good solid book. They will do a better job of giving an overview and take you down a natural learning path. Additionally, you can find books that specifically target people who already have programming experience so it can skip some of the basics (since you already do some C++).

    The most important part though, would be to write some code. My personal experience is this: Choose a small project that is small enough to actually complete within a week or less and start writing the code, researching each nuance of the new language as needed. Once it is complete, think up another project. Get your hands dirty.
  • tizag.com

    And dont start with a framework.
  • I would normally just advise "General Courses". But in this case you may want
    to try youtube.com.

    Hope this helps!,
    WILL-
  • Another thing you may wish to consider is the Object Oriented capabilities that PHP now supports.
    If you are used to using OOP with C++ then it may be a good idea to start that way in PHP.

    I'm new to PHP myself but coming from Java, I'm trying to go the OOP route
  • Hello NickZe,

    PHP will piss you off a lot if you don't do it right.

    a) consider python
    b) use frameworks. It will teach you what to expect and it will get you there faster
    c) learn ARRAY functions PHP: Array Functions - Manual otherwise you will get dead bored writing useless complicated unmaintainable for loops
    d) consider taking zend certification Zend PHP 5 Certification - ZCE - Zend.com or at least have a look on their sylabus
    e) get a proper IDE. PHP IDE :: JetBrains PhpStorm is the best for me

    The tips above stand true if you want to get professional fast. If you just want to play with another language just follow a few tutorials here and there

    Dimitris
  • search "thenewboston php" on YouTube, you will find 200 Series Long PHP Complete Free tutorial Pack.. Probably the best Free PHP tutorial pack
    • [1] reply

    • Thenewboston has good tutorials but they are not quite complete and some of the explanations are shoddy. Though the same can be said for most of the video's on programming found on Youtube.

      The key for me is to focus on the hows and why's of the language and capability and not on the specific application the person in the tutorial is implementing PHP.

      There are three main versions activley being used out there in the real work for PHP. 5.2.x, 5.3.x and 5.4.x each one has their own features and 5.3 and 5.4 have depreciated or removed commands and features that exist in 5.2 and previous so you need to becareful and know who it is that will be using whatever you create and cater to that version of PHP.

      One of my hosts in their shared hosting uses PHP 5.2.17 while another uses 5.3.4. What I create for 5.2 works on my 5.3 host but somethings for php 5.3 won't work as is with 5.2 for example.

      Hosting companies are usually two or three versions behind the current stable release that php.net comes out with so this is important to pay attention to when coding. I would personally avoid coding for specific 5.4 features as many people wont be able to use the software due to their hosting providers feature limitation.

      I don't know any host that specifically only has PHP 4 but there could be somewhere, with that said I wouldn't code for PHP 4 at all but stick to 5.2.9 as the lowest PHP version to code for and mid 5.3.x stable release for the maximum version then in a couple years move the maximum end to the lower to mid 5.4 stable versions.

      You won't find hosts that cater to the newest released versions of any language unless they are small hosts that want to be on the edge. Go look at the current version of PHP and MySQL that hosts like HostGator currently offer and that will give you a range to focus in.
  • Hi, I think you can also do self help in other ways. If you're a more visual person then go for youtube, some help in this field are also found there. However I also have another site to suggest, it's Programr | Learn.Code.Share.

    see for yourself
    hope this helps!
  • thenewboston.org is good source for video tutorials of php, it may help yew.
  • I agree with the general sentiment that you should stay away from frameworks when starting out. Using a framework as a beginner is a lot like using a sledgehammer when at first all you need is a simple pair of scissors.

    You absolutely need to understand how the internals work before you start to take shortcuts. Don't take a fool's advice unless you want to become one.
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