Learn PHP

Want to learn PHP but don't know where to start? Or perhaps you just want to see what all the fuss is about. I'm writing a series of posts to cover the best bits, the important bits and avoid the waste of time bits. To keep a track on what I've done (both for myself and you guys!) I'm listing the sections below for you to use as a reference guide. Plus if I write stuff that I feel is in the wrong order, eg. I think of something I should have mentioned earlier, I can just reorder it on here and insert it into the list. Hopefully it will build into a good reference guide. Of course don't forget if you have questions on any post just leave them in a comment and I'll be happy to answer

Please note. My examples are not necessarily the best method for what the example is eventually doing. However knowledge of the functions is more important in my opinion. Every function has a use and the example I've chosen to use is simply to help explain that use further. Later on I may use the same example for a different function.

Also, I'm by no means an expert. I'm still learning as are most people who use PHP! I spend virtually every day writing PHP, learning new functions when I need them. I'm just trying to write a few posts to help others learn the basics to make their own sites a little better

Highly recommended books:

• Beginner: Build your own Database Driven Websites using PHP & MySQL from Amazon UK
• Advanced: The PHP Anthology: 101 Tips and Tricks – Amazon UK

The reference guide:

• Recommended Reading and Free Chapters
• PHP Intro
• File Includes
• Displaying Text and Markup
• Commenting and Documentation
• Basic Variables
• Form and URL Variables
• Date and Time function
• Logical Operators
• Operators
• Sending Emails
• Emailing Form Results
• Secure Form Mailing
• Dealing with Errors
• Manipulating Strings
• If Statements
• Multiple If Statements
• Advanced File Includes
• While Loop
• For Loop
• Starting with MySQL
• Starting with MySQL II
• MySQL SELECT

Yes I will continue this one day!