The Best Online Courses To Learn PHP
It’s almost a miracle that there are still people out there who don’t know a thing about PHP. After all, it’s one of the most popular coding languages in the world, used by millions of developers and webmasters to create dynamic websites. But if you’re one of those rare few who don’t know a thing about PHP yet, it’s time to get with the program! Here we’ve rounded up some of the best online courses for learning PHP so you can finally join the rest of us in the 21st century.
Learning a new programming language can be daunting, but thankfully, these online courses make it easy. From comprehensive tutorials to interactive video lectures and detailed quizzes, you’ll get everything you need to become an expert at PHP. You’ll learn how to code efficiently and effectively and how to debug your work quickly and easily.
With these courses under your belt, you’ll be ready to tackle any web development project that comes your way!
Best online courses to learn PHP
- PHP for Beginners – Udemy Price: $19.99 (On sale)
This course is perfect for those who are completely new to programming and want to learn PHP from scratch. The course covers all the basics of PHP programming, including variables, data types, functions, loops, and more.
- PHP Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) – LinkedIn Learning Price: $29.99/month (With free trial)
This course is designed for intermediate PHP programmers who want to learn object-oriented programming (OOP) in PHP. The course covers topics such as classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism, and also includes practical examples and exercises.
- Learn PHP – Codecademy Price: Free (With paid pro version)
This online course is designed for beginners and covers all the basics of PHP programming, including variables, control structures, functions, and arrays. The course also includes hands-on exercises to help you practice what you’ve learned.
- PHP Programming with MySQL – Coursera Price: Free (With paid certificate option)
This course is ideal for those who want to learn how to use PHP to create dynamic websites that interact with databases. The course covers topics such as SQL, database design, and PHP programming, and includes hands-on projects to help you build real-world applications.
- PHP for WordPress – LinkedIn Learning Price: $29.99/month (With free trial)
This course is specifically designed for those who want to learn how to use PHP with WordPress. The course covers topics such as customizing themes, creating plugins, and integrating with APIs, and also includes practical examples and exercises.
Here’s a pricing comparison table for the courses mentioned above:
| Course Name | Price | Level |
|---|---|---|
| PHP for Beginners – Udemy | $19.99 | Beginner |
| PHP Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) | $29.99/month | Intermediate |
| Learn PHP – Codecademy | Free / Paid | Beginner |
| PHP Programming with MySQL – Coursera | Free / Paid | Intermediate |
| PHP for WordPress – LinkedIn Learning | $29.99/month | Intermediate |
What Is PHP?
PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, and is a widely-used open-source scripting language. It’s primarily used to create dynamic webpages and can be embedded into HTML. It’s also used for server-side scripting, command line scripting, and creating desktop or console applications.
Unlike other languages such as Java or C++, PHP doesn’t require extensive knowledge of object oriented programming (OOP). However, it does offer full OOP support if needed. PHP also has built-in database support for popular databases like MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL and SQLite.
Overall, PHP is an incredibly powerful tool that makes web development easier and more efficient. With its wide range of features and ease of use, it’s no wonder why it’s become one of the most popular languages on the web.
Benefits Of Learning PHP
With the understanding of what PHP is, let’s now explore the benefits of learning it. One of the most significant advantages to studying PHP is its versatility. It can be used for any type of web development, from creating a simple blog to developing complex e-commerce systems. Furthermore, due to its open source nature, developers are constantly creating and sharing new libraries and frameworks that make coding with PHP easier and faster.
Another benefit of learning PHP is that there are plenty of online courses available. These courses can help those just starting out learn the basics quickly, while more experienced coders can find tutorials on advanced topics such as web security and object-oriented programming (OOP). Additionally, many of these courses offer certification upon completion, which can help demonstrate one’s skills in a competitive job market.
Finally, mastering the language can lead to numerous career opportunities. Companies typically prefer candidates with knowledge and experience in both front-end and back-end development; thus learning PHP can open up doors to jobs in web application development and even game programming. In addition, since PHP is so widely used by businesses around the world, it has become an invaluable skill for anyone looking to enter or progress within a tech field.
Different Types Of Courses Available
When it comes to learning PHP, there are a variety of courses available online. Most courses will offer a basic introduction to the language, as well as an in-depth look at more advanced topics. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose from a range of courses that cover every aspect of PHP programming.
If you’re new to programming and want to get started with a beginner’s course, there are plenty of options available. These courses typically focus on the basics and provide an overview of all the major concepts in PHP. They also come with extensive exercises and tutorials so that you can practice your skills and build a strong foundation for further learning.
For those who already have experience with PHP and want to take their knowledge to the next level, more advanced courses are available. These include topics such as object-oriented programming, database management systems, web development frameworks, and security measures. With these courses, you will gain an even deeper understanding of how to create powerful web applications using PHP.
Overall, there is a wide selection of online courses available when it comes to learning PHP. Whether you’re just getting started or want to expand your knowledge further, there’s something out there for everyone – regardless of skill level or experience.
Course Features To Consider
Moving on from the different types of courses available, it’s important to consider the features each course offers. When choosing an online course, there are a few features that should be taken into account:
- Quality of instruction – A course should be taught by an experienced and knowledgeable instructor who is able to effectively explain difficult concepts and answer questions.
- Course structure – The course should be well-structured with clear objectives and a logical progression through topics. It should also include examples and practice exercises to help reinforce the material being taught.
- Support – Look for courses that offer support such as online forums where students can ask questions or get help from peers or instructors.
These are all important aspects to consider when choosing an online course in PHP. A quality course will provide all these features and more, ensuring that you have the best chance at success when learning this powerful programming language.
Popular Online Platforms For Learning PHP
When it comes to learning PHP, there are various online platforms available. One of the most popular is Udemy. It offers hundreds of courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Videos and tutorials are provided by experienced professionals, so you can be sure to get quality instruction. Additionally, many courses offer certification once you have completed the course.
Another great platform is Coursera. It offers a wide range of courses in various different fields, including web development. It also provides certificates for those who successfully complete their courses, giving them an added edge in the job market. The user interface is very easy to use and provides users with plenty of helpful resources such as discussion forums and project guidance.
Lynda is another top-notch resource when it comes to learning PHP. It offers a variety of courses from introductory level to more advanced topics such as object-oriented programming and databases. Lynda also provides convenient tools for tracking your progress and keeping up with new content as it’s added. All these features make Lynda an excellent choice for those looking to learn PHP online.
Setting Up The Environment
Having discussed popular online platforms for learning PHP, let’s now take a look at setting up the environment. To properly begin programming in PHP, you will need to have an integrated development environment (IDE) installed. An IDE is basically a program that allows you to write and debug your code in an organized manner. Popular IDEs for programming in PHP include Sublime Text and Atom, both of which provide features like syntax highlighting and auto-completion. Additionally, you’ll need to install a web server such as Apache or Nginx. This will allow you to test your code locally without having to upload it to a remote server. Lastly, you’ll need to download and install the most recent version of PHP from the official website. Once all these components are installed, you should be ready to start coding!
Basics Learning Tips
Learning PHP can be daunting, but with the right online courses and learning tips, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, these tips will help you learn quickly and efficiently.
When starting out, finding the right course is key. Look for a course that is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics from basic syntax to more advanced concepts like object-oriented programming. Also, make sure it’s taught by an experienced instructor who can guide you through each step of the way.
Once you’ve found the perfect course, start studying! Break up your sessions into manageable chunks so you don’t get overwhelmed. You can also use practice problems and coding challenges to help solidify what you’ve learned.
| Practice | Challenges | Reflection |
|---|---|---|
| Work on practice problems to apply knowledge | Take coding challenges available online | Reflect on progress and identify areas of improvement |
| Ask questions if stuck | Use online resources (forums/tutorials) for guidance | Set goals to motivate yourself and stay focused |
It’s important to remember that learning PHP takes time; so don’t give up if things seem difficult at first. With patience and dedication you will be able to master this powerful language in no time!
Building Web Applications Beginners Tips
For beginners looking to learn how to build web applications with PHP, there are several helpful tips and tricks that can be followed. To get started, here’s a 4-point list of things you should keep in mind:
- Familiarize yourself with the language: Make sure you understand the basic syntax of PHP and have a solid grasp of HTML and CSS before diving into web application development.
- Identify your project goals: Define what your end goal is for each project and break it down into smaller tasks so you know what needs to be done.
- Utilize frameworks: Using frameworks like Laravel or Symfony can make it easier to develop web applications quickly and efficiently because they provide structure and consistency.
- Test often: Testing your code regularly while developing will help identify any bugs or errors earlier on, which will save time in the long run.
It’s also important to find good online courses to help guide your learning process as you become more comfortable with building web applications with PHP. There are plenty of tutorials available online that provide helpful insights and advice on how to get started building applications, so do your research before diving in headfirst. Additionally, be sure to read up on best practices for coding so that your code is efficient, secure, and well organized. Lastly, remember that practice makes perfect – don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes along the way!
Debugging & Troubleshooting Beginners Tips
Debugging and troubleshooting can be intimidating for the beginner PHP programmer. But with some simple tips, you’ll soon be able to identify and fix any errors in your code.
First and foremost, when debugging, make sure to check your syntax. Syntax errors are one of the most common mistakes made by beginner PHP programmers. Make sure that all of your brackets, quotes and other symbols are correct. This will help you save time and get to the bottom of any problem quickly.
It’s also important to pay attention to variable names and types. Variables can cause a lot of problems if they’re not used properly or declared correctly. Always double-check your variables before running the code, as this will help you avoid potential issues down the road.
Lastly, don’t forget to use debugging tools like Xdebug or FirePHP. These tools can provide helpful information about errors in your code, so make sure to take advantage of them whenever possible. With these tools at your disposal, debugging won’t seem so overwhelming anymore!
Conclusion
To conclude, learning PHP can be incredibly beneficial for anyone looking to build a career in web development. It’s an incredibly versatile language, and with the right online resources, you can get up and running quickly. With the abundance of courses available, you’re sure to find something that suits your level of experience and goals.
From setting up the environment to building web applications, there are countless tips and tricks that can help you along the way. And don’t forget about debugging and troubleshooting; these are essential skills if you want to develop complex projects.
By taking advantage of all the courses available online, you’ll have no problem mastering PHP in no time. And once you do, there’s no telling what opportunities lie ahead. So take a look at some of the popular platforms out there and get started today!
