I wanted to learn php. I have found a few good tutorials. I have knowledge about html, css, etc. But I don't know what all to install and how to so that I can start typing the code and see the results like in html. Most tutorials on the net emphasize on what the software we need to install does and which can be installed. I don't want to know the softwares that can be used to run php. Just let me know what softwares you have installed on your pc to run php step by step. It would be great help.
To run on php files on your PC (localhost) you basically need these 2 thing : Apache (Web Server) and MySQL (database). I'm using XAMPP a webserver package which contains Apache, MYSQL and also PHPMyadmin for you to manage database easier. You can download it here : http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html The installation is pretty straightforward as you need to run the .exe file only.
I have installed it. Now I have the Xampp control panel after installation. Now where to type the new codes? Is there anything else I need to do? Thanks for the help Dynashox
Shouldn't be anything else you have to configure. Next, look for some online PHP tutorials that you can follow along with. All you need is a text editor and with Xampp you can serve up PHP pages to learn.
Nothing else you need to do. To write PHP codes, you need a text editor. You can even use Windows notepad, although it will be difficult for beginner. I myself using Adobe Dreamweaver, which I really recommend a lot. It's not free though.
There are many e-books that describe the whole process, from installing the neccessary applications to coding and making your own programs. Use Google and I'm sure you'll find them.
I was in the same boat as you some time back.. I wrote a post about it... How to install and learn PHP? hope it will help you. Do ping me through my blog..probably we can share knowledge and make our learning curve smooth