Learning Path and Suggestions for PHP Beginners
Category Programming Techniques
Let's first look at the learning path for PHP beginners:
(1) Familiarize yourself with the basic elements of web pages such as HTML/CSS/JS, and be able to create simple web pages by the end of this stage, with a relative familiarity with the properties of the elements.
(2) Understand the concept and mechanism of dynamic languages, and become familiar with the basic syntax of PHP.
(3) Learn how to combine PHP with HTML to complete simple dynamic pages.
(4) Get acquainted with MySQL and start designing databases.
(5) Continuously consolidate PHP syntax, become familiar with most commonly used PHP functions, understand object-oriented programming, MySQL optimization, and some templates and frameworks.
(6) Ultimately complete a fully functional dynamic site.
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Newcomers should not assume that learning PHP is easy just by looking at the above summary. Programming requires serious thinking and continuous practice. The following is a detailed explanation of the PHP learning path. First of all, any website is composed of web pages, which means that to complete a website, one must first learn to make web pages. Mastering the technology of static web page production is a prerequisite for learning to develop a website. Therefore, we need to learn HTML to lay the foundation for making websites in the future. Learning HTML should be done while practicing, and any element in HTML must be personally practiced. Only after understanding what effect an element will have can it be deeply remembered. Merely reading books is not enough.
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Assuming you can already complete a static page, it's time to start understanding dynamic languages. When first exposed to dynamic languages, many people may have a lot of doubts. The code is not directly output but needs to be processed. HTML is processed by the HTML parser, and PHP also needs to go through the PHP parser. Like learning HTML, to make any parser work, you must use its specific syntax structure.
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You should feel fortunate when learning PHP, because if you have learned other languages, you will find that PHP is relatively simple. At this stage, you need to understand the concepts of HTML and PHP. You can now let PHP calculate one plus one for you and then output it in the browser. Don't think it's naive. Although this is a very small piece of code, it is a big step on your programming journey. However, you are still a novice at this point.
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Next, it's time to learn about databases. MySQL can be said to be the golden partner of PHP. We need to conquer this database. After you understand the concept of the database, try to connect to the database through PHP, and then use PHP to successfully insert, delete, and update data.
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At this point, you may be in this state: Do you know HTML? Yes, I can write several web pages with table layouts! Do you know PHP? Yes, I can write the addition of one plus one in a function and then call it! Do you know MySQL? Yes, I can insert and delete data in the database!
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So, what should you do next? Try to make a small guestbook, which is also a challenge faced by newcomers. After spending some time, you finally learn to insert the form data into the database and then display it. It can be said that the prototype of a program has been born. However, you may see others programming forums and others developing CMS, and when can you write one? Don't worry, consolidate your knowledge again, and after becoming familiar with the essentials of PHP and MySQL development, look back at the guestbook you wrote, and you may doubt that it was really written by you. At this time, you can improve the guestbook you wrote. The guestbook should add registration and pagination functions, and if possible, the UI can also be strengthened.
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Is this considered learning? NO, NO, NO, it's still early. You haven't touched OOP yet, right? What about templates and frameworks? Keep learning! PHP frameworks provide a basic framework for building web applications, which simplifies the process of writing web applications with PHP. It can save development time and help build more stable applications. Therefore, PHP frameworks are tools that can save time and strengthen your code. When you choose a PHP framework for the first time, it is recommended to try several, as each framework has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, the Zend framework has been popular for a long time due to its diverse functions and a wide support system. CakePHP is a PHP framework that came after Zend, with a relatively small support system, but it is more convenient and easy to use.
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After understanding object-oriented programming and frameworks, you should try to learn about XML. In short, you will never find that you have learned everything, learning is endless! Never think about quick