how did you learn java, php, and mysql?

[peteyflow]

I did take a html class, and learned some basic html, but still rookie at it. I really want to learn how to write java, php, and mysql. How did you learn it? Did you take a class or just able to teach yourself? What's the best way to learn this?

[PsiPro]

Trial an error really. There are a ton of php tutorials online. I'm currently teaching myself Ruby On Rails and I'm really enjoying it. Its got much faster development cycle compared to php.

If/when you decide to pick up php/mysql programing feel free to post questions on here, I try to get to them all with a solution.

I would recommend the tutorials i took when I learned perl, and php/mysql but they are on way out of date now.

Good luck

[peteyflow]

Do you have the links to the tutorials that you can recommend me?

[PsiPro]

Nope its been over 5 years since I did any. Google search for php tutorials will give you plenty of results.

[stott]

I also learnt PHP/MySQL by trial and error. I setup xampp on my local machine read some tutorials and went from there in my opinion it's the best way. net.tutsplus[dot]com offers decent PHP tutorials. They are very well written and most of them come with working examples and source codes.

[Meta]

As mentioned by several, a lot of it was trial and error. I tinkered around so much I got a masters degree out of it.

[jmeijers]

I would suggest not taking people's advice who say 'just learn it by trial and error'. My suggestion is buy a good book about the language you want to learn. Most languages have many books, so make sure you pick up a true beginner book (which explains the basics that most languages use too).

After you've read the beginner book (and done some example programming), you can do a small hobby project. Very simple, just to work on your skills without the book giving you direction.

Then I suggest reading a book on the topic of Data Structures, which is a viable asset to your programming knowledge. Also, read a book about the theory behind SQL databases before you attempt to build any. If you do it this way, your databases will be much more likely to perform well.

And if you really want the icing on the cake, so you can claim that you are truly a great programmer, I suggest learning the book 'Code Complete 2nd Edition' by heart. It is Microsoft Press release, but is general programming, nothing MS in there at all.

For your reference; I have a Masters degree in Computer Science (Software Engineering). I have worked with people who have degrees in programming and with those who don't. You make a guess which of those two I avoid like the plague these days...

[NickReffitt]

Don't learn tutorials on the internet. Coding is an art, and different coders use different styles. PHP is much more flexible than Java, and I suggest you grab yourself a solid beginner's book to learn from, and only use books as they can give you a sound understanding.

Java is a much more strict language, but again pick up a book on it

[peteyflow]

I will definitely go find a good beginner book at b&n! I'm actually excited! thanks everyone for your advice!

[buzzlair]

well, trial and error is a good start. but you have to think better than that. start with reading a book about it.

i rec a book "programming php" from oreilly authored by the guy who created php.
then continue you reading to more advance level like "php cookbook"
then go to the level 3 "php and mysql" all of these books are from oreilly

while reading those books, dont forget to digg the internet for a tutorial here and there. if you completed those steps, mastered those 3 books, you can claim yourself as an expert.

be a serious student of yourself. jim rohn
willingness and desire to learn more and quickly. robert t kiyosaki
burning desire. napoleon hill

stick to that standards.