PHP is all about performing a search in the manual at php.net whenever you need a function. Really Also, they provide a manual in windows help format that you can download. Generally, manuals on languages all have the same flow. Start out by learning how to make assignments, then learn how to use comparison and flow control structures. Then start playing around and be prepared to look up vague terms in the manual using the search tool. Functions are grouped by type, so keywords like "string" will be used commonly. When I think I can guess at the name of a function, I search the function list. Otherwise, I try searching the manual. Look for the dropdown box on php.net
Why are you asking an so easy question? YOU GOTTA READ. Read the php manual, read guides, read books. First of all, LEARN TO GOOGLE IT. "php", "php tutorials", "php guide", "php examples".
phpfreaks.com - check out the tutorials section. what got me started was the 'Membership System 2' tutorial, which is probably the most useful tutorial on the net if you ask me, it teaches you a lot of the basics and practices of php...
www.w3schools.com is a better source of learning for newbies, Phpfreaks is your next stop in this way
Once you are familiar with the basics. w3schools (although it wasn't where I learnt) is suggested by many as a good place to start.
Hello Friend, I am working in PHP since last 3+ years. 1. First get your basics clear about HTML & CSS. http://www.w3schools.com 2. Learn a bit of JavaScript useful for form validations 3. Some advance (some prior knowledge about C programming language will be added advantage) Javascript + HTML hence you will be friendly with DHTML 5. Install some instant PHP package (first avoid using custom installation of webserver MySQL & PHP), instead use some ready package like XMPP or phpdev http://www.xmpp.org/ 6. Start with some basic scripting using PHP like creating dynamic tables. and form processing for validation using PHP. 7. Get some basics cleared about SQL/Database I recommend MySQL which is having good support with PHP (start writing SQL queries) 8. Plan some small project, e.g. a guest book script 9. Now you should be comfortable with basics, now go ahead with concepts like Sessions, Cookies, classes in php. 10. plan a bigger project this time something like a small shopping cart application. Thats it, I guess if you can put 4/5 hours a day it will will take around 3 weeks for you. Still if need any more info feel free to ping me on IM's All the best mate
Some good tips rays although I would have to disagree with the suggestion about javascript. That is actually how I started but I think learning php first would have been easier. Certainly need to be comfortable with HTML first though.
you can learn PHP as i did it. I didnt knew anything about it months back, but reading tutorials and other scripts and codes, i catched up with it fast and quickly, and now i can code nice scripts not much expert though.
php.net is the biggest php resource site. Combined with phpfreaks.com you can get a quick start in using PHP. Good Luck!