Can anyone offer me the best advice on how to go about learning PHP, and I mean applications, not just simple short scripts. Thanks a lot, Ryan
Well you must always start from the lowest point.. therefore you must start by learning how to make those short scripts, and after that you might understand how to use those short scripts in a bigger projected. I advise you to read some ebooks about PHP it worked for me!
I advise you to start with some simple tutorials, hello word scripts etc. If you are beginner in programming, start to read about object-oriented programming. It is better to use objects instead of procedural (structural) code, because objects exists in real world and people thinking based on objects, functions (methods) So it is easier to design your future application and manage all it components.
If you don't know PHP you have no choice but to start out on the small scripts. As said just quickly go through an a-z tutorial of PHP e.g like W3schools has, then make sure you go through examples and complete tutorials off other websites. Experience is the biggest factor.
Just try with simple short script, then find some actual problem. I thing learning from problem is easier than ebook. Say like, you want to do a small CMS script, after know some basic thing. Then you just start the your 'project'. Soon, you will run into "trouble", try google, get idea, think about solution, then you will learn new function,... You might not be able to finish the project, but at least you get to some point. Then choose easier one, start it,... After 4, 5 ones, you will get into a higher level. Imagine about more complicated project, train yourself, and you will be better and better. Ask for help if needed. Yes, experience is biggest factor.
Hi, There are so many things to learn about PHP it's unbelievable, the best way to learn it is by trying to code different things that use a wide variety of the language. If you have done programming before in a similar language, such as C#, C++ then it should be pretty quick for you to get going with it. For application purposes, you should be reading about the following; - OOP (Object Oriented Programming in PHP) - Procedural Coding - PHP Syntax - Functions/Variables/Arrays/Structures/Operators - Classes/Abstract/Extended/Inheritance/Polymorphism - Sessions/Cookies - Database Abstraction (MySQL/MSSQL/MySQLi) - Security (with everything listed above) This is a very very short list, but will give you a much better understanding of PHP. Some of the things sound complicated, but they're quite easy to understand and use in everyday applications with a bit of practice. I would recommend either getting yourself a book to work from, or completing online tutorials in some of the above sections. One of the most common things to start with, is a basic CMS system that you can keep updating and expanding, it can be as simple as you want and have whatever features you like - It's a perfect starting place for a first project as it covers a LOT of the language in one sitting. Also, check out; W3 Schools LearnPHP.org PHPBuddy.com Regards, Steve
my advice start learning how to deal with forms + $_POST + $_GET variables and lastly most important how to deal with database --> mysql is recommended... if u manage to learn those and how to use them... believe me u consider ur self finished looots of work.. dont read ebooks crap or books its waste of ur time... try online tutorials.. just google like $_POST and $_GET and mysql tutorials with php... I started like this and now i can do nearly everything even windows applications with php