The essentials for learning PHP:

Learning a new language (programming or otherwise) can be a bit overwhelming. Many people just don't know where to start and give up before they even begin. Learning PHP is NOT as overwhelming as it might seem, I promise you. Just take it one step at a time, and before you know it you'll be off and running.

1.) Basic Knowledge:

The first thing you need, before you start learning PHP, is a basic understanding of HTML. You can switch between PHP and HTML right in the same document. You can even run PHP from an HTML file.

2.) Tools:

When creating PHP pages, you can use the same program you use to create your HTML pages. Any plain text editor will do. You will also need an FTP client to transfer files from your computer to your web hosting. If you already have an HTML website you most likely already use an FTP program.

3.) The Basics:

Now you can finally get started learning PHP! The first thing you should read is our PHP Basics tutorial. This will take you through creating your first file, using variables, basic math, and basic IF statements (a form of logic).

4.) Learning Loops :

Once you have mastered these skills, it is time to learn about loops. Loops repeat the same actions over and over again until a condition is met. There are several different types of loops which are explained in our Learning Loops tutorial.

5.) PHP Functions:

Finally, you can learn to write your own custom functions. From here the sky is the limit... With a solid knowledge of these PHP basics, adding PHP functions to your arsenal when you need them will be easy.

Now What?:

Where can you go from here? Our step-by-step tutorials show you how to put these PHP skills to use, by making practical scripts for your website.