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How long does it take to learn PHP for a newbie?
- Thread starter Freddy
- Start date
It all depends on your ability. Some people will never 'get' programming and it is not an IQ thing - just how you process logic. having said that, th best way to learn is to have a simple real-life project and search for the code to cobble together to get it to work. looking at other's code is the easiest way of learning a language - just beaware that often code can be 'ugly' so make an effort ot learn what 'beautiful' code is all about. Don't assume that because someone is a professional that they know everything and that their code is ideal.
First and foremost this is all about aptitude do you think methodically, do you naturally understand relationships between things, can you easily break down a process in simple steps.
If you can't learn to think this way you'll have a real hard time learning any programing language.
There are some other skills that can help to, organization, detail oriented and good project management skills.
For me, I have a pretty strong background in computers and had done some light programing before learning PHP. It only took me a couple weeks to write my first script leanring on my own, however now a year and half latter I'm still getting the hang of a how a full application should be programed.
PHP is a very simple language to pick up on for simple scripts ( like a small form that updates your website). But can be extremely complex if you need to program a full multi user content management system from the ground up.
The first thing I suggest you do is make sure you have a basic understanding of SQl and html before getting into php. Php can't do much with out both SQL and html.
as for as the platform, that's up to you, if you're comfortable in Linux then that would probably be slightly better as most web servers run linux. But windows is fine and if you're more comfortable in windows it will be one less thing you have to learn.
As far as applying for a job, you'll probably want to build your portfolio first. Start with a real low paying or free job for a friend or someone on craigslist. Then work your way up, don't get to ambitious right away and plan that your first 2 or 3 jobs won't be good enough to include in a portfolio.
Last remember, if you're trying to get a job doing PHP programing a whole lot more then the programing is involved you need to learn how to document and plan your project as well as design the look and functionality of the website. Even if you won't be doing those things where you'll be workign it's important to understand what's invovled so you can work on a team.
If you can't learn to think this way you'll have a real hard time learning any programing language.
There are some other skills that can help to, organization, detail oriented and good project management skills.
For me, I have a pretty strong background in computers and had done some light programing before learning PHP. It only took me a couple weeks to write my first script leanring on my own, however now a year and half latter I'm still getting the hang of a how a full application should be programed.
PHP is a very simple language to pick up on for simple scripts ( like a small form that updates your website). But can be extremely complex if you need to program a full multi user content management system from the ground up.
The first thing I suggest you do is make sure you have a basic understanding of SQl and html before getting into php. Php can't do much with out both SQL and html.
as for as the platform, that's up to you, if you're comfortable in Linux then that would probably be slightly better as most web servers run linux. But windows is fine and if you're more comfortable in windows it will be one less thing you have to learn.
As far as applying for a job, you'll probably want to build your portfolio first. Start with a real low paying or free job for a friend or someone on craigslist. Then work your way up, don't get to ambitious right away and plan that your first 2 or 3 jobs won't be good enough to include in a portfolio.
Last remember, if you're trying to get a job doing PHP programing a whole lot more then the programing is involved you need to learn how to document and plan your project as well as design the look and functionality of the website. Even if you won't be doing those things where you'll be workign it's important to understand what's invovled so you can work on a team.