Learn PHP - Part 3: Expanding Your Resources

Photo: Jeff Wilcox

Welcome to Part 3 of Learning PHP. If you’ve come here directly, be sure to check out Learn PHP - Introduction for an overview of the entire series!

Expanding Your PHP Resources

If you’ve been following the series, you’ve likely just completed the Zend 101 Tutorial series before coming here. Let me be the second one to say congratulations - after all, you should be the first to pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

The power and flexibility of PHP should be a lot clearer now, and you’re likely excited about going out and building your first big project. This article, Learn PHP - Part 3 is going to highlight some incredible resources to help you on your way.

If on the other hand you’re already familiar with PHP, then welcome to the series. You’ve likely skipped ahead, or skimmed through the first two parts. Learn PHP - Part 3: Expanding Your Resources is the first article aimed at both newcomers to PHP and old programmers alike.

Honing your PHP skills takes a combination of knowledge and experience. Accordingly we’ll start with expanding your knowledge, beginning by reviewing one of the best resources out there: php.net. We’ll focus on how to effectively use php.net, maximizing knowledge while minimizing time spent searching.

Not to neglect experience, this article will conclude with an outline of great PHP communities and solid PHP libraries. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll learn PHP with a community behind you and solid, correctly coded, examples in front of you. So what are we waiting for? Let’s get started.

The PHP Manual

The purpose of most manuals is to gather dust. But unlike the television manual, the official PHP Manual at php.net is invaluable to PHP newcomers and seasoned professionals alike. Its hands down the most frequented site for my PHP resource I use.

The combination of clear examples, technical definitions, constructive user comments, and alternative-term suggestions keep you coming back on along the journey from newcomer to PHP expert. Additionally, it has organized lists of every string or array function in the PHP library at a glance - and who doesn’t like an official cheat sheet when you’re up late coding?

Using php.net is rather self explanatory, but here’s a few quick tips for maximizing your time and streamlining the experience.

• Searching Don’t waste time going to php.net and typing in the search box. Simply type in php.net/functioname and get on your way. Even if the function is misspelled, the site will bring up a ‘20 closest terms’ instead of a 404.
• Read the Example First Every string and array function has a bare bones example midway down the page. If you’re a newcomer to PHP, the technical definitions can be a bit confusing. But upon seeing the example, the definitions make a lot of sense
• Read the User Comments If the example doesn’t help, turn to the user comments. Full of great examples and thoughts by experienced PHP developers, don’t miss out on the comments. They’re great ways to learn some of the finer nuances of the language.
• Use the Leftside Navigation It took me 3 months of using php.net to notice this - take head and learn from my mistake! The in the leftside column of every entry there’s a tiered link list. It can be a quick way to find similar functions, or to go exploring for new ones.
• Function Lists If you’re new to PHP, the function lists are a great place to expand your PHP vocabulary. The String Function List and the Array Function List lists every function available, along with a one sentence explanation of what each does. Just scroll down to the Table of Contents near the bottom to get started.If you’re experienced in PHP, the function lists can be a quick way to brush up. For example, glancing at the functions for Sessions, Object Oriented Programming or Imagick serve as a good refresher for the parts of PHP used only on a project-to-project basis.
• Get the Downloadable Version The best part is that you can download the PHP Manual and browse it offline. I admit I’ve yet to refer to the offline version, but it is reassuring to know its there when a wireless isn’t available.

And that list is only the beginning of it. The php.net contains a great FAQ section, mailing lists to sign up for, and even a place for bug reports. I genuinely believe every minute spent exploring php.net will pay off in spades down the road. Don’t let this resource go underutilized!

Learning by Example

There’s no substitute for rolling up your sleeves and getting some hands on experience with code. But there’s always room for improving your code, and often times looking at another coder’s work can be a great way to learn a better and quicker way to write code.

The best way to learn from another’s example is to write your own code before looking at anyone else’s work. The quick way to do this is by utilizing comments - write out the code in plain English before getting your hands dirty with any code. Just be sure to cover every loop and function along the way.

If you’re new to PHP, its a good idea to take the next step and turn the comments into PHP code. Believe me, the time spent in the beginning working with your own code will pay off in the future.

If you’re experienced with PHP, commenting out may seem a bit remedial. But it can really help identify differences, and integrate new ideas a lot quicker than keeping it all in your head. Especially when the code you’re writing is over 100 lines.

With your own work in hand, head on over to one of the many code-libraries on the internet. There are many quality repositories out there, but the best one I’ve come across so far is PHP Builder. PHP Builder is an entire community site, covering tutorials, code snippets and an active forum. And their code library is relatively extensive and easy to navigate. Just a few minutes reading PHP Builder’s code examples can really make a difference in streamlining your own code.

PHP Communities

The PHP Manual and Code Libraries are really just the tip of the iceberg. In Part 4 we’ll cover the community aspect of PHP. Covering some helpful forums, smart user groups, IRC chats and beyond, I’ll show you how easy it is to become an active part of the PHP community.

These are the best places to get help, learn more nuances about PHP, learn about what it takes for certification, and even find some great full time and freelance jobs using PHP.

If you’ve come here directly, be sure to check out the entire series. Otherwise, on to Learn PHP - Part 4: Taking Part in the Community.