PHP is one of the top server side languages that any web developer needs to know about these days. If you are a web developer, chances are that you have spent most of your time working with HTML and Javascript, but if you want to truly create dynamic web pages, you need to learn server-side languages such as Ruby and PHP. And in order to get the most out of those languages, you need to learn a few side technologies as well. These languages may look tough at first, but scripting them becomes easier once you master the other technologies involved as well.

In order to master the art of PHP, you need to learn the following:

* Linux: experts may tell you that you don't need to know any linux to get started with this programming language. I'd like to program with the full knowledge of the environment I'll be working on. The more you know about Linux, the better you can use its features to program more effectively. And when you are stuck, you'll know what to do.
* Apache: learning linux may not be necessary, but you can't expect to get much done if you are no fluent in Apache. Whether you want to write a .htaccess file or just want to change the environment variable, it always pay to know what you are deal with.
* MySQL: you can't expect to write dynamic websites without knowing how to work with the database management systems. MySQL is the most popular open source DB solution on the market, and many startups and Web 2.0 companies are using it to add dynamic features. Not only should you be able to work with this package, you should also know enough SQL to write database queries for your website.
* HTML: if you don't know HTML, you should get started with it rightaway. You can know all the PHP in the world, but without the proper knowledge of HTML, you are going to get stuck sooner rather than later.
* CSS: knowing how to program is only one part of the equation. You should know CSS to design attractive layouts for your website. Without it, it'd be tough to create attractive websites.

There is no way to learn a language fast and well, moreso there is no way to guarantee one can even learn it fast. Everyone learns programming at their own pace, learning it badly will be a cancer to you for a very long time.

I learned the basics of PHP from a book called PHP 5 in Easy Steps. I learned most of the rest on my own though individual resources and playing around.

You really dont need to know any other languages, C++ will help; but its by no means necessary (C++ is much harder than php).

Wow really helpful information for beginner of php. I learned the basics of PHP from a book called PHP 5 in Easy Steps. I learned most of the rest on my own though individual resources and playing around. Beginner really don't need to know any other languages, C++ will help; but its by no means necessary

Yes if You bas is Clear for the PHP like HTML,Apache,CSS and SQL.If This things or Concept is clear then You can Learn PHP easily.CSS is more useful in the Design.With the Help of CSS You can Design easily and Attractive.

I think the best way to start is to read some tutorials, then start looking at other peoples code, see if you can understand what is happening. Then you should try editing the code, I think if you change the code to give others a different function, etc.. it puts you up to start writing your own code.

SimplyPHP is one Beginners PHP Training designed for those who are new to the world of PHP. The author takes the hand and teaches you to write sophisticated code faster