Where to start in learning how PHP works?

Question

I know PHP but I don't know why things work the way they do. I just know it has worked in the past so I just put it in there.

I can't seriously call myself a web developer until I truely know the languages I am working with. And if someone asks me why this does that etc., and I can't answer them, it's just wrong.

So my question is, where would be a good place to start learning how things work? I know there is the PHP Documentation but it's quiet large and intimidating. And I know there is college, but are there any other ways?

Appreciate it!

This is a little vague. What exactly do you want to know about PHP? — Gumbo, Jan 16 '11 at 11:15

score 1 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 11:55

I suspect you just need to read a few good books. There's an existing question ("What is the best PHP programming book?") which should provide more than enough PHP specific books, but I'd also recommend some good general purpose books such as Code Complete. (There's a great language agnostic list within the "What is the single most influential book every programmer should read?" question.)

Whilst it might take a while to wade through these, you'll be a much better programmer if you do, and there's no reason why you can't just read them on a chapter by chapter basis as and when you have the time.

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 16 '11 at 11:15

0

The old fashioned way - a good book.

php Cookbook

Programming PHP

answered Jan 16 '11 at 11:15

Toby Allen

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Where to start in learning how PHP works?

2 Answers2