Best way to learn PHP

Hi, I am wanting to learn PHP and was wondering what the best way would be. I find myself more of a visual/listening learner so if anyone knows of any good video tutorials which start at beginner and go through to advanced that would be great.

Thanks for your time,
Ash

 

best way to learn is to find some simple code and start to modify it to do what you want.

I like the docs on php.net and they have a good tutorial there

 

Look here
http://www.phpvideotutorials.com/free
and this marvelous one
http://www.sampsonvideos.com/categories.php#

 

Instead of video tutorials, go on experimenting with codes, and grabbing a copy php.net documentation.

That way you will learn faster.

BTW, have a good command on HTML too. It will help you a lot.

 

I'd suggest learning basic html first, mainly a good grip on forms and how they operate. From there, read thoroughly through the php.net documentation. Start a project, write out the ideas, plan it, etc. From there, slowly work on your project, add things you want to it. IRC is a good resource for help when lost. Do not ask for help until you have absolutely tried doing it by yourself.

 

there are three most important things about programming:

regex. regex. regex

so, seriously, go find a good tutorial about "regular expressions"

then also learning about the differences between a variable, array and associative array

and, of course, the different loops: if/else, while, for, etc

 

@NinjaWork

You must be joking, right

I mean, how could u jump in regular expression without having the basic idea of php or html ?

You are telling him the reverse direction, mastering first programming and then tell him how to switch on the PC .

 

ah well, I was just remembering my "break through" points

regexes were a big one

so were arrays and hashes (in perl)

but, I guess you got to start with loops!

 

Right. Have a problem that you need solved. Find a script that solves it, chances are it won't do it exactly how you want. Figure out how to customize it to your needs. You'll probably have to ask questions on forums along the way.

 

I found php.net, along with creating pages / scripts that did what the tutorials were explaining alongsite the reading, was an excellent way to learn PHP (although I'm certainly far from an expert). -e-

 

THe only way to learn is by doing. I'm not sure there are all that many FREE good video tutorials out there on php. Grab some script and dig in. Learn to modify it. Learn to change it. You'll pick it up as you go along. Or start writing a simple script yourself. I find doing the scripts that accompany books to be most tedious and boring! Far better to be working on a project that interests you and that your excited about.
That way when you have to sit down to learn, you want to learn, and its not a case of Oh no, more book scripts about coding a telephone directory...