Begineer, Having trouble understanding code

[obesechicken13]

Hi guys, this is my first thread. I just started learning PHP a few days ago. Yes I'm pretty sure this is in the wrong forum since I don't have code to share, just a general question that anyone can answer. Please direct me to the correct thread if there is a better one.

 

So I just searched for a few threads pertaining to learning PHP, and it piched(sp?) an interesting question that I have. I've only learned C before (mild HTML self taught), and i just started reading PHP. However unlike C, I was learning in a class, whereas now, I'm self teaching from a book build your own database driven website by Kevin Yank. I'm having trouble understanding some of the syntax in his code whereas I didn't when learning C. This in turn leads to some difficulties understanding how his code does what it does. Is this normal?

 

I think I have two options.

1. I can go online and try to find do it yourself tutorials after the book,

2. or do them as I read through the book.

Which one would you suggest that I take or if you have another suggestion I would love to hear it.

 

Currently I'm trying to design a website similar to say... amazon except without most of the cool features.

[Psycho]

Well, although you have experience with C, I'm not sure what database experience you have. Learning how to properly set up and use a database is a different activity than learning PHP. Not only that, but to develop a fully working web application will involve several disciplines: PHP, database, HTML, CSS, and probably JavaScript - if not others. You have to at least have a working knowledge of some to build upon others.

 

The first area to learn would be HTML. Without that the PHP knowledge is kind of worthless if you want to build a web app. CSS & JavaScript would be good to learn after that but could be done later.

 

After you have a working knowledge of HTML, then I would move on to PHP only tutorials to get acquainted. Then, I would suggest moving on to PHP using a database.

[obesechicken13]

I didn't mention that I already know some HTML, the basic stuff. I didn't say this because I know how people hate it when you refer to HTML as a language.

[mikesta707]

I don't see why anyone would get upset at calling HTML a language. it is. In fact, the word language is right in the name (Hyper Text Markup Language) Perhaps people get upset about people calling HTML a programming language, as its not, but thats neither here nor there.

 

As far as certain syntax issues you are having trouble with, what exactly are they? Coming from a C background, most of the syntax should be pretty familiar (Hell, the PHP interpreter is written is C!) Perhaps your talking about some the SQL syntax? Can you show an example? As far as if it's normal, yes it is normal to have at least some trouble getting used to the syntax of a new language, especially if you have limited experience with programming in general.

 

 

Books are great resources (assuming they are up to date) but a combination of a book, and the internet for further reference is always good. I would suggest, as mjdamato says, looking up purely PHP tutorials then moving on to PHP which includes some SQL