php beginner

books and servers

[Username]

I am wanting to learn php in a real bad way. I am very familiar with html but have no experience with PHP or the server side of things.
I downloaded the Xitami web server and really not all that thrilled about it. What I am asking is this.

1. For someone with my level of html experience what would be some good books. Not just to get me out of the beginner stage but also a good reference in the future. I want to start with php 4.

2. Any ideas for a personnal server, mysql, Xitami....??

excellent forum guys, and thanks in advance for your help.

MJ

[jatar_k]

php.net
phpbuilder.com

two great php references, I haven't really found too many great books. When I started a year and a half ago there were only 2 or 3 books out and none were great so I used php.net for everything. I now have an o'reilly's function/quick reference book which is pretty good. There seem to be a lot more books out now but I haven't used any of them. O'reilly's is always my first pick.

<added>
I use mysql and apache with php
</added>

[Cheznoir]

What os are you running? You can use MS personal web server with php, it installs simply.

Do you have a project in mind? I always find it hard to learn a new language unless I have a specific application in mind. Otherwise once it gets tough you can just say, ehhh didn't really need that anyways.

The online help is great for php, so if you find something you want to do. First think it out regardless of the language and then do a couple of the php lessons - hello world etc. Then just start trying, look at other people's code, look at examples, look at the help.

Your first code may not be the most efficient or sensible way, but you will learn from your mistakes and never forget it.

At least for me, learning by following in a book is a good way to tune out what is being presented and not being able to remember it down the road.

Chet

[circuitjump]

Hi Username,

Welcome to Webmasterworld. I use a book called PHP Developers Dictionary [amazon.com]. Great book for a reference. Also try out some other SAMS books like SAMS Teach Yourself PHP4 in 24 Hours [amazon.com]. Also another good book. And the O'Reilly books are amazing as well.

Hope this helps.

[Username]

Thank you to all for the replys and welcome. I went to Barnes and Noble over the weekend and purchased Core PHP by Leon Atkinson and have not had a social life since, not that I had much of one before. Very cool book. Coupled with the above addresses I think I have a chance at this. An answer for the question above I am running Win 98 se. I want to install the Apache web server on my own machine and be my own server for testing porpoises. As of right now I am in waaaay too deep but will get out eventually. Thanks again to all and have a great week.

Marty

[wharsono]

> Any ideas for a personnal server, mysql, Xitami....??

Try PHPTriad D/L at [sourceforge.net...]