PHP is a high-level programming language that can be used for web development. It is very versatile, allowing you to create simple websites or complex ones with filters and loops.
Like many high-level languages, it has a Beginner’s Mind Set for those who have never programmed before and can easily figure out how to use it. However, those with more experience in programming can benefit as well.
This is not true for all languages, as the syntax does not match that of another language. You must use software called a compiler to convert from one to the other.
Optimize your time
A crucial thing to know about learning PHP is how much time you have left. You can optimize your timeHow Much Time Does It Take To Learn PHPBullet point: There a few things you can do to make your time more efficient when learning PHP.
Open source libraries are great places to start because they are always changing, and there are many new libraries added every month. Some even have updates every month!
Start with basic functions and work your way into more advanced ones.
Learn once a week is too much time spent on one piece of code while another requires no effort taken before you start it.
Instead of taking hours to study the fundamentals, take shorter courses that cover basics in depth.
Learn the basics
The first thing you want to learn about programming is what code units are. A code unit is like a unit of work that must be done by itself. For example, creating a new node in your account can be done in one code unit!
Most languages have different types of code units. It’s the thing you add to your computer to use. You can download apps, install software, and that’s a code unit.
There are six basic types of codes units: commands, variables, functions, loops, expressions, and data. These can be mixed in any order, as long as there’s no change.
A command is like a word that tells your computer to do something.
Get started with HTML
Next we want to learn how to create a website in PHP, called Get Started With HTML. This website will teach you how to start creating your own websites in PHP.
A website is a collection of data that you can host on your website. So, for our get started with html page, we will teaching you how to create a simple homepage with a link to your new site.
The way you make your site work is by linking it to an existing site.
Learn CSS
CSS is a sub-field of HTML and JavaScript called CSS. It changes the look of your website or app by adding new codes, formats, and styles to your website or app.
Many tools exist to help you learn CSS. A few of these include CSS Supercharge, DreamWeaver’s New Mobilecss, and Google Web Designer for Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
The best way to learn CSS is to start by adding some basic rules like unit length, float values, and background images. Then add some grid systems and transitions!
To keep learning new styles efficiently, try breaking down your designs into bite-sized pieces.
Learn JavaScript
A few months is ok if you are learning for fun. If you are in need of a career break, then a year or two would be needed!
The best time to learn PHP, JavaScript, or HTML is during your college years. You will still be young and stupid enough to spend money on learning programs and resources.
During your first year of college, you will take out loans and spend money. There are many ways to learn how to code and get paid coding jobs but the best way is later on!
You can start now and take some cheap programming classes at a university or something. Do not expect much from these classes since you are still in the middle of the course.
Get yourself some online classes that are more advanced so that you can get hired at a coding job later on.
Which programming language should I learn?
Now that we have the basic PHP language features under our belts, it is time to learn some more advanced features. There are many of them, so this article will not be too long!
Some of these features include Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures & Algos, and Program Design & Patterns. All of these features have applications in various fields, making learning them extra valuable.
OOP was a powerful concept that gave way to classes and groups of things. With classes, you can save time by having defined roles for groups of things. With saved time, you can offer better customer service or marketing services!
Data structures & algorithms were very important concepts that helped shape PHP code when beginning the language change from scripting to coding.
Practice makes perfect
While it is fun to learn PHP every month, you should know the language for a reason. You should learn PHP because it is the next step after HTML and CSS.
There are several reasons to take your PHP knowledge to the next level. The first is to use it in your daily life. You can go to a website, enter a product or service URL, and see how many months ago you were able beg beg beg beg paid for WordPress plugins and themes, almost guaranteeing that you will have the latest version by the time you get ready to start coding.
The second is to study it further. There are several books on the market that focus on PHP as a language with advanced topics like object-oriented programming and database management. While these two points do not apply until after you learn how to code in PHP, they can be added at any level by practicing and expanding your knowledge.
Have a plan
Having a plan how many weeks or months you have for PHP learning is the most important step in starting to learn PHP. It will help you create a schedule that works for you and help you stick to it.
Running out of time is the most common way people start to learn PHP. You read articles, watch videos, and take classes but until you feel like you know what you’re doing it’s just not practical.
You also have to remember to keep taking classes and using classes as training wheels if you want to become proficient at PHP. Most people take three to four years before they say “I can do that in an afternoon!” to learn new things.
Having a plan will help keep you on track and avoid burnout or overwhelming yourself with the material.
