[ciapug] Greetings

[Ron Mutchler, ZCE]

It depends upon your background.  If you have prior experience
programming in other languages, you might actually learn faster using
the dive in and learn as you go method.  If you have never written
code, then you might want to consider some instruction.

When I first started learning PHP a few years ago, I choose the
Baptism by Fire method.  My objective was to completely rewrite my
website from the ground up.  The current stuff wasn't doing what I
wanted.  PHP.net is an excellent recource for language reference.  One
thing that helped me out greatly is the fact that you can goto
http://php.net/(insert function name) and it will take you right to
that function in the manual (Example: http://php.net/str_replace )

Another thing that might help is using an IDE such as Zend, NuSphere,
or one of the other various PHP Editors available.  When you are
writing code, this will help you learn the syntax by showing you your
errors, without having to run the script to find syntax errors.

You should also consider possibly picking up a PHP book at a bookstore
or library and reading the book.  If anything, read the beginning, and
use the remainder to learn concepts that you don't understand with the
language.

Reading other people's code helps too.  Find PHP snippets on the web,
read them and understand what they are doing.  Doing so will help you
grow as a developer.

That's about all I can think of at this point in them.  If someone has
some points that I missed, feel free to  expand on what I've said.


On 10/20/05, Scott Phillips <scott.phillips at drake.edu> wrote:
>
> Since I work in a library I just gotta say it....  Naw, nevermind.
>
> Actually, I don't know if any instructor led training around here.  I many
> many of the people here started with the intro tutorial on php.net at:
> http://us2.php.net/tut.php
>
> What is your background? Perhaps we could give you some pointers.
>
>
> At 11:50 AM 10/20/2005 -0500, you wrote:
> >Hi,
> >
> >I'm new to the list and to PHP. I was wondering if any of you had any
> >suggestions where I can go for some PHP training? I've looked all over
> >central Iowa and just can't find anything. Do any of you know of anything
> >that could be helpful?
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Tina White
> >
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