Whether you've just learned HTML or are an old hand who just never got around to PHP, this guide will help you understand what PHP is capable of, and then send you off to some great tutorials.
PHP is a web development language used to output web pages, or parts of web pages. It's most common use was production of dynamic web pages.
Now, it is also used to build web applications and communicate with databases.
In a nutshell, PHP is a filter. The code takes data from a file and outputs another file, usually in HTML.
If you are interested in learning PHP, here are five beginner's tutorials to start you off:
(You should be familiar with HTML before starting any of these tutorials.)
PHP: A simple tutorial
PHP: A simple tutorial is an easy introductory tutorial that demonstrates the basics of PHP by showing how dynamic Web pages can be created. You will create a PHP enabled page, check a visitor's browser and output data from an HTML form.
Introduction to PHP
W3Schools' Introduction to PHP provides free tutorials for many scripting languages and is an offshoot of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This tutorial will take you further than the previous one, all the way from What is PHP? to $_POST and $_REQUEST variables. There are also advanced tutorials to work through.
PHP 101: PHP for the Absolute Beginner
These tutorials from PHP 101: PHP for the Absolute Beginner were written in an informal, entertaining way in order to keep your interest. It is a fifteen-part series that culminates in building an RSS feed aggregator.
PHP Tutorial for Beginners
Webmonkey's PHP Tutorial for Beginners is another great web technology resource. This tutorials goes through syntax, variables, forms, arrays, operators and loops. If that sounds scary, don't worry. The tutorials are written for ease of understanding and aren't dry or boring.
PHP Tutorial
This PHP tutorial is intended for people with some web development experience but no knowledge of PHP. You'll download and customize PHP scripts and learn to design your own projects while gaining a solid understanding of what PHP can do for you.
Pick one. Or do them all. If you're interested in learning PHP, you can't go wrong with any of these tutorials. Just go through them and find one written in a style you like, so you can work through the whole thing without getting bored or frustrated. Good luck!