I want to step into the world of php programming, i have read that you should start with VB first before trying to learn other languages. Do you have any input on this, do you think i should start with VB first or is there another language i should try to hit before i try to tackle PHP?
Personnaly, I would recommend Python, cause it's easy and "clean", I think it's a very good language to start on good basis. But PHP is not so hard, so if you really want to learn PHP, I think you can start learning programming with it. And PHP is really "web-oriented", if you want to learn programming for web dev, PHP is, IMHO, a must. But in any case, I wouldn't recommend you VB.
Python is a great recommendation... I say start as low level as you can then move up from there. As Monty mentioned, "php is 'web-oriented'... a must", so if you are looking to build online software, PHP is so easy to get up and running. At the end of the day it really does not matter what language you learn. It is like school... it is all about the process of learning. PHP is a fine place to start.
Php is actually not that complicated, I think it's harder to acquire the ability to solve problems in a logical way. So I suggest you download WAMP (Windows-Apache-MySQL-PHP) and start experimenting with php. This way you can learn PHP and can get into the programmer "state of mind"
I have actually messed with PHP to do a few things, i was just trying to learn the whole realm i guess, i was trying to figure out the best way to go about it. So i could just head straight into PHP without bothering learning any other language first you think?
I know PHP,Java,C,C++,Assembler,. I dont know the ABC's of VB ( or is it V-I-S-U- ... )... honest... I never liked it cuz I hate everything about it... its syntax... the bloated files it produces....the stupid runtime file requirements.... aarrrghhhh... I started with Assembler. But you can start with C. Its pretty easy. Try: http://www.cprogramming.com Once you are good at C,and programming in general, you can learn PHP, Java etc easily, since their syntax is very much similiar to C. Thomas
Nice site, thanks for the link Thomas. C it is then, i'll see if i can't tackle it Thanks for the input
I wouldn't recommend C for learning programming. All right maybe C is THE language, the "serious" own, but start with C to learn PHP, is IMHO far to be the best advice...
I have to agree with Monty. If your goal is to be able to make web applications, you want to work your way toward that goal, and I don't think C is a good starting point (for that goal). Programming is about a mindset. Once you learn the mindset, then it's a matter of seeing the difference in syntax. Python is a very specific language, in that whitespace is extremely important. Learning it first would likely teach you to be more meticulous, but might be frustrating without a good tutorial. PHP itself is actually extremely easy, so you could just start straight up with that if you wanted to. Work toward your goal and branch out when you can.
I just finish 3 years of college in software programming and currently studying for computer software engineer (1 year left of class, 2 internship left out of 4 years) They made us use Java for the O-O (Oriented Object) to learn. When you understand heritance and polymorphisme and how objet works/interact. Switching to other language like c (pointers was a point when you programmed without pointers and java garbage collector), c++ (well mfc was a pain to switch to), c# is not really that different to move to (took an hour to get the basic changes). C# is not that different, import/using and the syntax is pretty much the same. Java is also very good to apply Gof patterns. I used php a long time ago, I don't think it supported O-O at the time, it most likely does now. I presume since it does now, it's also a good language to start with. I also heard that python was also a good language to start with although my knowledge of it is very limited. I guess it depends on what type of programming you want to achieve, if you want to stay with websites then I would recommend before using php to gather the following knowledge xhtml, css, javascript, dom and then move to a server-side language such as Php or Asp.net Also if your learning a server-side script you'll most likely have to interact with database, such as mySql, sql server or oracle, knowing the basic of sql syntax would greatly help in knowing a server-side scripting (php, asp.net)
This is a great suggestion...If you are serious about web programming, then definitely start with the basics, HTML, CSS, JavaScript! This is the foundation of a good website. With this, you'll also gain a greater understanding of how a web page is put together. As far as server side programming for the web, php is probably one of the easiest to learn. Be careful though, as a language such as php is not so strongly typed. Meaning it's easy to get lazy with your scripting and end up with very messy code. I would start right off the bat learning how to effectively use OO php. Another great thing about php, is it makes so simple to connect to a database, especially MySQL. Another poster suggested LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP). You can download a LAMP package and install it on your Windows computer. Just do a google search for LAMP on Windows, and you'll find a ton of resources.
Go for Java or PHP - unless you have a specific reason to learn C. C is wonderful if you need it. Or better yet - what do you want to do?
I am wanting to possibly get into building my own web apps, is why i wanted to learn php. Currently im studying ASP for my work, from what i have seen in the code php and asp are alot different though? But php seems to be king when it comes to web apps
I would say they are more alike than different - but i may be from your lack of experience. You will learn a lot from either - once the get the basics down - it is just a matter of learning new syntax.
The big advantage of php rather than cgi,asp(including .net) is that you can both use it on linux and windows servers (and most likely mac, i've got limited knowledge of mac about their application/servers) Php can be installed on many webservers (IIS of microsoft, apache for linux, apache for windows) and many more. I've read that there is a apache:asp but I think the syntax is different from the asp on windows. Php also adds quality attribute, portability, meaning it runs on almost all server operating system. Moving from one OS to another won't affect the webpage (in theory) Php is prefered over other other server-side language because of this portability and the hability to use O-O. It contains to my knowledge all the necessary fonctionnality (or by adding librairies does). Php has some good function such as regex which asp lack in my opinion (.net fixed this lack). Once you learn one server-side such as php or asp, switching from one and another isn't that difficult, they all respect a similar logic and syntax.