Best way to learn PHP

[Flowdy]

Hey guys! i was wondering what is the best way to learn PHP, a While ago i bought a book " Beginning PHP and MySQL 5 from novice to professional"  i started to read it and give up as i didn't think i was learning anything even though i was so i put it away and i decided to get it out again today... but i doubt i will finish it i don't learn much from reading books as by the end of it i tend to forget what i learnt at the start but am determined to learn PHP! so what is the easiest and best way to learn?

 

Thanx

 

[adam291086]

the way i learned was setting out small challenges that php can do. Like printing out hello world. Connecting to a database. Once you have the basics follow tutorials and get things working. Then when you have any problems post them here and we can help you. I dont really learn with books either.

[rajivgonsalves]

well when you need to learn php it would be as follows

 

1) get your programming concepts clear

2) get familiar with the syntax check the online php manual very good place to start

3) use some basic function manupilating strings, arrays etc.

4) then get on to the database side

 

it all a learning process after 4 1/2 years of programming in PHP I still feel I am still learning

[trq]

I learn't via the link in my signiture (a book), thouught some people have more luck using trial and error.

 

Its up to you really, sounds like books may get too boring for you. As long as you at least skim the important parts you should try to start making small projects asap. This will keep you interested and eventually you might get through the book. Simply reading it will do you no good, you need to write the examples, get things working.

[VirusDoctor]

Hi Flowdy,

 

The general idea is to practice what you learn while you learn. If I had to read a book from start to end, I wouldn't learn anything either, one MUST practice, and ask questions.

 

In my opinion, thats really the only way.

 

It also helps to have more than 1 book, sometimes the way one book explains something isn't quite as clear as another may. Do yourself a favour though and try not to depend too much on source code, although it may serve as the easy way out sometimes, you learn nothing by getting a quick fix.

 

Shaun