Learning PHP

[JohnM]

Could anyone suggest a good resource or book for learning PHP? I'm looking at learning PHP, it looks pretty cool. If so maybe I'll go buy this thing... :D

[Bealers]

What a sensible chap wanting to learn php =)

It rocks and is pretty simple to pick up.

php.net have got a list of all of them, remember to click on the link there if you don't mind buying from Amazon as then they'll get some commission.

I've got the Wrox one (the Red one) and Leon Atkinson's Core PHP programming, which is brilliant if you are just starting out (well it was for me 18 months ago) Don't bother with the O'Reilly pocket guide, it's cool, but allit does is list the functions, not much help for a newbie, but really good if you just want to remember some syntax

good luck!

[Hartmann]

The red Wrox book is great!! I am very pleased..... :D

[Menno]

hmm... With php books aren't really needed.
Just go look at some php scripts, and use the manual as guide.

You'll learn php in no time :)

[Bealers]

I'm not sure that I agree with you 100% Menno

Yes, trawling through other peoples scripts is a good way to get going, but you can easily pick up bad habits and just write your code in a certain way because "that's how they did it"

When you start writing anything more than just a simple guestbook script (for example) The books do give you some background as to why you should code in a certain way, for example server load, efficiency etc... and the manual (the PHP one being particularly good) usually only gives syntax, if you are a beginer this can be quite daunting

All in all, I would suggest a combination of the three
1) to have at least one (good) book on your shelf, for reference.
2) To have an offline version of the PHP manual
3) Grab lots of code examples. (there's nopoint in re-inventing the wheel)

cheers

Darren ;)

[Menno]

..Ofcourse you should never look at just one script, and copy that one. Best look at 20 different ones, and learn whatever good stuff is in them

[JohnM]

Thanks :)

[Hartmann]

I bought the O'Reilly book first... I actually learned a lot from it. However I was so confused on the databases that I bought the red Wrox book. And I have started looking at other's code. It helps a ton! :D

[JohnM]

I read the PHP manual :) Great resource - http://www.php.net/manual/

[Menno]

Yeah, it beats any book :)

[JohnM]

PHP's cool :)

[fizz]

This book is the best for newbies wanting to learn, however it doesnt go to much into advanced stuff, but should be a great start so you at least arnt scracthing your head :P

[Badger]

I'm glad I found this post! I was look around at Amazon.com for a good PHP book and then I foud this! Thanks for the help :)