I want to learn php and I am already on the first steps to doing it. I have set up my server using easyPHP as well as XAMPP which is a package containing FileZilla, Apache and MySQL. Other than easyPHP, XAMPP and MySQL, what other softwares are required to be set up for me to successfully learn how to program with PHP?

Via MySQL Network MySQL AB offers support itself, including 24/7 30-minute response time, with the support team having direct access to the developers as necessary to handle problems. In addition it hosts forums and mailing lists and employees and other users are often available in several IRC channels providing assistance.

Members of the MySQL Network enjoy access to binaries and software that is certified for their particular operating system, and the codebase changes much less frequently then the Community Edition of the MySQL Database Server engine. The Network maintains several levels of membership based on importance and urgency for response times.

XAMMP by itself is more than enough to set up for learning php.
As you mentioned, it includes everything you are going to need except a good book and lots of tutorials as found here at the Trap17 Forums.

I would suggest you download the PHP Manual from php.net and use it as a local reference. Same with the MYSQL Manual. Both are very detailed and technical, however, they are invaluable when you are pulling your hair out looking for the missing commas, syntax errors, etcetera.

Another pointer: learn php alone before you get involved with the Database stuff. Attempting to learn both at the same time can be overwhelming. Learn to use the core PHP functions and 'flat files' before trying out the MYSQL stuff. The Database is a whole language by itself, so walk before you fall on your face running into too much at one time.

I further reccomend becoming familiar with PHPAdmin on the XAMMP facility. It does some terrific things for you when you get to the MYSQL stuff. Very useful tool to have some experience with when you have DB problems. (and you will)

I look forward to seeing your Tutorials and scripts posted up here on the Trap.

Good luck with your efforts.

Also once you get a basic understanding of both php and mysql I suggest you look up tutorial sites that deal with both php and mysql. this in fact will help get a better grasp of all hte techniqual talk from the resources haslip mention.

Hey another great peie of software for learning php is php designer by mpsoftware link: http://www.mpsoftware.dk/



Thats its description on the site. I find the syntax highlighting is VERY usefull as i always know which bracket goes with which statement and it also automatically corrects " to "" so that when you type commands you can pretty much never miss out something so small. Also when typing a function such as include() it will pop up a little box much like the alt box of an image online telling you all the parts of the function eg "include(filepath)" which i find very usefull when using functions im not bery familiar with. And as said xampp is all you really need for sql and php and it fully integrates with php designer so you can debug your scripts without leaving the program

I have had experience with MySQL as I have used it on several occasions whilst programming with Java but not with PHP. At the moment, I have installed MySQL Server, MySQL Admin, XAMPP and Dreamweaver. I am already on my way to learning the basic php stuff such as a basic calculator application. Do you have any sites which handles php alone? I will definitely download the guide at php.net to follow the syntax rules