Hello. I've done some ASP.NET, Perl, JavaScript, and Python web development, but I have yet to touch PHP. The syntax looks Javascripty or Cold-Fusionish, and it looks relatively easy to learn. So my question: is PHP something than can easily be learned via Internet tutorials or would a thick book be the way to go? What has been people's experience?

Also, I've noticed that many web hosting services have a dichotomy: Windows server service with typical windows support (ASP, etc), or Linux server service with PHP and MySQL. I'd really like to have both (i.e,. ability to support ASP and PHP). Any advice (maybe this question belongs in another thread...)

Thanks!

PHP uses the basic syntax of C, Java and Perl, so it sounds like you ought to have an easy time learning it.
I'm working on learning PHP right now too. I decided to get a book (PHP and MySQL for Dummies). You can find a lot of stuff online, but I was just getting tired of sifting through all the different sites. I felt like with a book, I could learn everything in the right order and it would all be in one spot.
PHP can be used on Linux servers and on Windows servers so you really shouldnt have a problem there.

php is hard to learn

You will probably find learning PHP quite easy with your knowlege of perl - I did. I recommend php.net's own manual for this: http://www.php.net/manual/en/

You could get the Linux package, then install Apache::ASP, though this really depends on how much control of the server you have got.

if you are familiar with perl then php will be a breeze. They are nearly identical IMHO.

ewomack, with all the experience you have with those languages learning PHP should be relatively easy for you.

if you are really seriousl about learning it, i reccomend you find a book or something. however online tutorials will be sufficient, but its good to have a book as it will teach you the foundations.

I would also recommend Larry Ullman's book "PHP and MySQL" it helped me learn alot, but I am still learning. PHP is a very big language and takes some time to learn.

As for ASP on Apache it doesn't work as smoothly as ASP on a Windows server, conversely PHP and MySQL should be avoided on a Windows box as well. Unfortunately, Micro$oft has forced us to choose again by excluding scripting languages that aren't proprietary.

Linux website hosting is usually far cheaper than Windows hosting. As a result, currently about 70% of all the websites on the internet are on Linux/Apache or Unix/Free BSD servers, and only about 15-20% on Windows boxes. So my advice is to learn PHP and MySQL thoroughly and use your ASP skills when need be. Your clients will appreciate the money they save by having you design PHP sites for them.

Kaiman

Storm King Design