How do I get started with PHP/web development?

What books (or maybe posts on message boards) would you recommend that a total noobie should read to begin to understand the very basics, like development language, html, and what types of coding (like php, css, asp.net, java) produce which effects on a real website. I know nothing about web development, but I need to create a website in my near future, and I want to at the very least know what the hell a team of developers would be doing FOR me let alone learn to do it myself. Any help appreciated, I'm just looking to download some helpful material.

 

try browsing the tutorials at sites like hotscripts.com

 

http://www.w3schools.com/ would be a good place to startp

 

of course php.net and phpfreaks are also beginner friendly sites

 

I would reccomend "Practical PHP and MySQL" to get started with PHP and Mysql, it helped me loads. There are a few mistakes in the book but that is generally the case with books.

If you want to get into the Web 2.0 stuff then "Web 2.0 Applications with PHP" is a very good book. I don't currently own this book although my bootstrap index.php is taken from it for my CMS.

There is also SitePoint you could check out. They do web tutorials and also have a whole heap of books out, I'd highly recommend their stuff it's great.

And of course, php.net and mysql.com for php and mysql manuals.

Adam

 

Try KillerPHP, it's video tutorials so can make learning a bit more fun.