At first it was so hard starting to learn Php because you need a service. And based on my experience, setting up an server is quite annoying. It took me about 5 hours to set up my Apache server multiple times. PHP.net is the best resource for it.
Are u talking about setting up php-mysql-apache environment? Well its really hard for newbies indeed if they want ot do it one by one manually. Better use softwares like xampp, which need less customization by the user.
My top three, in order of importance: 1 - http://www.php.net 2 - http://www.tizag.com 3 - http://www.learnphponline.com (actually own this one, I'm working hard at getting tutorials up. What I have so far is great though!)
Not really. Tizag.com is a lot more explanatory. W3 seems like a bare-bones approach. To really learn the language, you need a good writer that can explain the topics with analogies/metaphors/etc etc. W3 doesn't do that.
I found the easiest way to learn was to take free code that was available and look at its guts and figure it out. Just look in google for free code given what you want to learn php for and sooner or later by going through enough peoples code you'll know the majority of commands. Dive right in to a goal and don't let yourself veer off of it. oh and php.net is good too
Go to youtube and search some tutorials..Its easy and no hassle..And get your software from php.net.. I hope this helps..