New Years Resolution - PHP

[Kyrik]

Hey,

I'm sorta getting tired of relying on other people doing the code for me and just copy/past it into my page, I learn nothing because I just let everybody do the work for me and I just keep going back asking more questions that could've been answered if I learned what I was asking the first time. So to solve this predicament I've decided to post a thread and ask what can I use to learn php that's easy and fast, where can I get it, and how much.

Thanks,
Kyrik

[gomisute]

1-practice with tiny projects
2-use your own head
3-use php.net
---

Start with a tiny project:
Build a page that does one or two simple things that allow you to see it's results on the next/last page.
slowly add functionality to the page as you get more and more comfortable with php.

use your own head:
think about the logic before you start to even type the code
pseudo code like this (just a random example):


<?php

//get the input fields values using $_POST

//if any required values are missing redirect and display error message
//if all values are there then continue
//check to see if each value meets the required format (i.e. email, numbers only, string, date, etc...)

//if any value does not meet required format, redirect and display an error message
//else move on to the next step
//next step: display confirmation page with the user input values on the page for the user to see
//provide an edit/back button for the user to go back and correct input
//provide a finish/continue button, etc...
//etc...

?>


once you have your logic/steps on paper, then you can start to write your script

---
php.net offers documentation for php in detail
you just need to take the time to read it....

and more importantly, you need time...spend a lot of time.
plus read this forum...if you find something you can answer, attempt to answer it to yourself...and look for how others solve the problems that are posted...it is a great way to learn.
---
the above, and six month of time invested, is how I learned...
Good luck.

[Jick]

Well, of course the ultimate reference is PHP.net (http://www.php.net/) (the official home of PHP). But there are loads of places to learn about PHP. Many will recommend books but I learned everything I know now about PHP from references like PHP.net and trial and error. I never read even one book. But maybe that's because I'm a hands-on learner. Anyway, just try searching Google (http://www.google.com/) for PHP and you'll get loads of places to learn it. Also, it's ok to come here to ask questions. That's what we're here for. But just don't expect anyone to code an entire program for you. That's not what we're here for. ;)

[SyCo]

If you get a piece of code and you dont understand it, ask for it to be explainded in greater detail. It's hard for those of us who help out to know how much you know. I like to help, I prefer to teach. I, like most everyone here, wont think any less of you if you say, 'I don't get a word of this, could you help me understand it'.

I like to help someone get a script working, I get a real buzz when someone understands a concept or function they previously didn't get.

Maintain good forum etequitte, prompt replies to responses to your requests for help goes a long way too. A good attitude and a willingness to learn. Oh and money, lots of cash in brown envelopes.