I recently started on PHP.

I would like to write my own mods and stuff for my own website.
How long did it take you to learn PHP if you can now do this on your own and which books did you read?

If you want to full know the PHP language, it will take a long time. I don't read tutorials, I just learn the basics from doing code edits. I'm fully aware of the php basics, it took me a couple months. If you're very interested, guides will help out alot.

I'm not very advanced with PHP, barely got any of it until I learned C and then C++, so about one semester of High School, I guess.

It took me about 2 months. I had a project to do in PHP, An online shopping mall. I referred some books and used some cool community forums to further develop my skills.PHP is very easy to understand

Well, it took me a few weeks to learn PHP. I didn't buy any books. I started messing around with pre-made scripts, looking for examples online, tutorials, etc...
I have a background in programming and I am familiar with scripting languages like Perl and TCL, so it didn't take me too long to pick up on PHP.

It took me about 5 years just to get the basics of PHP/MySQL down, but mostly becuase i dont have much time to learn

Pretty quickly. Coming from a C background I found the language rather easy, with a clean syntax (when used using object orientated programming principles).

I actually found it was easier to learn if you had a framework to work with at the beginning, have a look at the Zend Framework it may make some things a little clearer.

I agree coming from a C/C++ background really shortens the learning time. It took my about one month to get my first php website in what I would call a beta state. Somewhat usable but lacking somewhat in features and stability.

I personally would advise against using a framework when just getting started. I think its good to learn a new language from the bottom up. It's not as rewarding in the early stages, but you will have a better understanding on how it works. But hey, to each his own.

(04-06-2009 06:06 PM)NeilMonday Wrote:  I personally would advise against using a framework when just getting started. I think its good to learn a new language from the bottom up. It's not as rewarding in the early stages, but you will have a better understanding on how it works. But hey, to each his own.

True, but if you already know C 99% of stuff is exactly the same. There are some differences with array handling and obviously getting your head around the principles needed for designing specifically for the web takes awhile but the languages themselves are pretty much identical.

Knowing some Java is a big help when it comes to learning PHP as well.

(04-07-2009 09:34 AM)Cromulent Wrote:  ... obviously getting your head around the principles needed for designing specifically...

This was the part that I spent the most time on when learning PHP:
1. How to maintain state in a stateless environment.
2. How data is passed back and forth in forms.

Once you get these concepts and you have learned C then you should be an ace at PHP in no time.