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      How to Learn Python (Fast & Free)


      There are plenty of resources available that can help you learn Python in no time. From free to paid options, you can find a wide selection of online courses and websites to guide you through the lessons. Using these resources, you can quickly progress from beginner to advanced.

      In this post, we’ll explain what Python is, what it’s used for, and why you might want to learn it. Then we’ll provide you with some of the top places you can go to learn Python as quickly as possible. Let’s jump in!

      An Introduction to Python

      Python is a versatile, high-level, object-oriented programming language that helps you solve problems quickly:

      The Python website

      To give you an idea of how sophisticated and practical this programming language is, consider that some of the biggest brands across the globe have used Python in their projects. These companies include Netflix, Google, and Spotify.

      It’s also a preferred language for many developers. Last year, RedMonk research found that, among developers, Python was the second most popular programming language (behind JavaScript).

      Python 2 and Python 3 are different versions of the open-source Python programming language. However, Python 2 is no longer supported by the Python community. Python 3 is the latest version and is recommended for all new projects.

      What Python Is Used For

      Python is used in many places, including:

      • Web development
      • Scientific computing
      • Data analysis
      • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
      • Machine learning
      • Automation and scripting
      • Software testing and prototyping

      You can also use Python to build all sorts of applications, including web, desktop, and mobile apps. One of the most common use cases for Python is web development, which is the process of building websites and applications.

      Web development can be divided into three parts: front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development.

      Front-end developers focus on the User Interface (UI) and experience of a website or web app. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the Graphical User Interface (GUI).

      Back-end developers focus on the server-side application that powers the front-end GUI. They use languages like Python to write code that runs on a web server. Finally, Full-stack developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end development.

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      Why You May Want to Learn Python

      Python is a popular language for web development for many reasons. There are also a variety of benefits to learning it.

      For beginners, Python is relatively easy to learn and has powerful libraries for advanced users. It also has a simple syntax that is simple to read and understand. These features make Python an ideal language for beginners who are just getting started with coding.

      Additionally, the Python language is versatile enough for various purposes. This broad applicability makes it a good choice for developers who want to learn one language that they can use for multiple types of projects.

      It’s also fast. Python code is compiled to bytecode, which is then executed by the Python virtual machine. This compilation step means that Python code runs faster than interpreted languages like PHP and Ruby.

      Another benefit is that Python has powerful libraries that make web development easier. These libraries include Django, Flask, and Bottle. They provide helpful tools for building websites and web apps.

      For example, Django has a module called Django ORM that makes it easy to work with databases in Python. Furthermore, Flask provides a module called flask-restful that makes it easy to build REST APIs.

      Finally, since it’s such a popular programming language, Python also has a robust community to offer support and resources. This means that if you ever run into any Python-related issues or concerns, there will likely be an experienced developer capable of providing a solution.

      What to Learn Before Python

      Technically, you don’t need to know any other programming languages before learning Python. However, mastering different languages can make learning Python easier. If you’re just starting with web development, we recommend taking an introduction to programming course.

      At the very least, it’s best to have a solid grasp of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. It might also be helpful if you understand the basics of other programming languages such as PHP and JavaScript libraries like React.

      There are two ways to use Python for web development: with or without a framework. A framework is a collection of libraries and tools that make it easier to build a website or web app.

      As we mentioned, the most popular Python frameworks for web development are Django, Flask, and Bottle. We recommend familiarizing yourself with one of these frameworks if you’re just starting.

      If you’re at least moderately experienced with Python, you may want to try developing without a framework. This approach is sometimes called micro-framing because you only use the libraries that you need for your specific project. This method can be faster and easier than using a full-fledged framework like Django or Flask.

      The time it takes to learn Python will depend on your experience level and how much effort you’re willing to invest. Overall, you can learn Python relatively quickly if you can dedicate a few hours each day.

      How to Learn Python Fast (5 Helpful Resources)

      Now that we’ve covered what Python is and its use cases, let’s discuss how you can go about learning it. Here are five helpful resources to get you started!

      1. The Python Website

      The official Python website offers many resources, guides, and tutorials that can introduce you to the basics of programming languages. If you’re starting from ground zero, we recommend the Beginner’s Guide, available under the Docs tab:

      The Python Beginner’s Guide

      This guide is free to access and use. It also provides tons of links to other materials you can utilize throughout your learning journey. In addition to what’s essentially a map for your Python curriculum, you can explore various quizzes and assignments, cheat sheets, style checkers, and other tools. We recommend taking notes to absorb all the information.

      Also available on the Python website is a Developer’s Guide. This resource will be helpful to reference once you’ve mastered the basics and are ready to move to the next level.

      2. Udemy

      Udemy is a popular platform where you can find tons of online learning courses covering a broad range of topics. The website offers both free and paid lessons, including options explicitly geared toward web developers.

      These classes include a free Introduction to Python Programming course that is perfect for beginners:

      The Udemy Intro to Python course

      It consists of one hour and 39 minutes of on-demand video content, covering the basics of Python, including scripts and functions. You can also upgrade to the paid version, which includes a certificate of completion and direct messaging with the instructor.

      When you’re ready to advance, you can enroll in the Python From Beginner to Intermediate in 30 Mins course. This is another free, video-based class that will teach you more sophisticated Python programming concepts.

      3. Codecademy

      Codecademy is a popular and robust online learning platform geared toward developers and programmers. It’s a wonderful resource for exploring and enrolling in classes that cover nearly every topic in data science, web development, IT, and more.

      Although it’s not free, the Pro plan offers a Learn Python 3 course that can serve as an excellent introduction to Python as well as basic programming concepts:

      Codecademy Learn Python 3

      The lessons cover a variety of topics, including:

      • Python syntax
      • Conditionals and control flow
      • Functions
      • Data structures lists and directories
      • And more

      The course doesn’t require any prerequisites. If you sign up for the Pro plan, you will receive a certificate upon completion. Furthermore, the course takes approximately 25 hours to complete.

      4. LearnPython.org

      If you prefer text-based learning materials, LearnPython.org is a solid option:

      The LearnPython.org website

      The website is dedicated to helping people of all experience levels learn the programming language and access resources that can simplify the process. It includes both basic and advanced tutorials, covering topics such as:

      • Variables and their types
      • Data science lessons
      • Generators, sets, list comprehensions, function arguments, etc

      The lessons are interactive. You can also find a Facebook group dedicated to the courses where you can discuss the material with other students.

      5. Free Code Camp

      Another platform you can use to find free and paid courses on Python is Free Code Camp. The website has various coding and web development materials, including courses, boot camps, and news.

      Free Code Camp offers a Learning Python: From Zero to Hero course that is free and text-based:

      Free Code Camp Python course

      It explains the basics of Python in simple, easy-to-understand sections. Some of the topics include:

      • How variables, conditional statements, and looping work
      • How to use lists
      • Iterations through data structures
      • Objects and classes

      If you enjoy video-based content, you can also find a YouTube version where the same topics are covered. The video course additionally discusses how to install PyCharm and Python. This course includes four hours and 20 minutes of video content.

      If you complete the beginner course and want to move on to more advanced concepts and projects, you can also participate in the One Month Python Bootcamp. This is a paid course, but the project-based, intensive material is self-paced. It will give you the foundation needed to become a Python developer.

      Start Learning Python Today

      If you’re just getting started with Python, there are many online courses, platforms, and resources you can use (many of which are free!) to help you learn the programming language quickly.

      We recommend beginning with a free introduction course or materials, such as those offered on Python.org. Once you nail down the basics, you can graduate to more in-depth and specialized teachings offered on third-party and premium platforms.

      Are you looking for an affordable yet reliable hosting solution for your web development projects? Check out DreamHost shared hosting plans to get started!

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      How to Learn SQL… Fast


      Whether you want to become a back end developer or simply familiarize yourself with databases, you’ll need to learn SQL. However, programming languages can seem a little daunting for beginners.

      Fortunately, you can start learning SQL even without coding experience. Watching YouTube tutorials and taking online courses are some of the best ways to master SQL.

      In this article, we’ll introduce you to SQL and the benefits of learning it. Then, we’ll show you how to learn this language as quickly as possible. Let’s get started!

      An Introduction to SQL

      SQL is an abbreviation for Structured Query Language. Put simply, it is a programming language that you can use to manage relational databases.

      In a relational database, structured data is organized into tables with rows and columns. All Relational Database Management Systems (RDMS) like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle DB, and SQL Server use SQL to communicate with this data.

      In WordPress, your site data is stored in a MySQL database. Using SQL queries, you can store, alter, or delete data from this database.

      For example, you can use a MySQL query to manage your spam comments. This will inform WordPress to locate comments marked as spam and delete them:

      DELETE FROM wp_comments WHERE wp_comments.comment_approved = 'spam';

      If you want to view your customer transactions, you can query the purchased items or customer ID. This enables you to quickly access information about your online store:

      SELECT *
      FROM users
      JOIN orders
       ON orders.user_id = users.id
      WHERE state="Washington";

      There are different types of SQL commands that you can use:

      • DDL (Data Definition Language): this creates and modifies database objects.
      • DML (Data Manipulation Language): it creates, modifies, or deletes data.
      • DCL (Data Control Language): this controls access to data in the database.
      • DQL (Data Query Language): this performs queries to find information.

      However, SQL can only be used in relational databases. Since non-relational (NoSQL) databases do not store data in tables, they require different query languages.

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      Why You Might Want to Learn SQL

      After you master the fundamentals of SQL, you can use it to extract relevant data from a large database. Whether you’re a data analyst, business owner, or website administrator, you can benefit from learning SQL.

      Although SQL was first introduced in the 1970s, it remains one of the most popular programming languages. In fact, SQL ranks the third most frequently used coding language behind JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.

      Plus, SQL is a standard language that many businesses use to manage their data. Even social media platforms like Facebook use SQL to store and analyze information about their users. Since SQL is so common, learning this language can give you new job opportunities.

      As a data scientist or analyst, you’ll have to extract, analyze, and interpret data. Without needing to download data into a spreadsheet, you can use SQL to directly access and analyze the information in a database.

      Here are some additional jobs that may require SQL:

      • Back end development: create, update, and delete data on the back end of a website.
      • Digital marketing: use SQL queries to find actionable insights about business processes.
      • Accounting: retrieve and analyze a business’s financial data.
      • Database administration: manage databases with SQL and database software.

      Even though SQL can seem complicated at first, it is an easy programming language to learn. Its syntax is made up of common English words, so you can quickly understand the purpose of each query or command.

      Chances are you deal with data on a daily basis. Using SQL, you can access and interpret information on your website or business. Then, you can perform data analysis to solve problems and understand your audience.

      How to Learn SQL (3 Methods)

      There are plenty of online resources that you can use to learn SQL. Let’s look at some effective ways to master this language.

      1. Find a YouTube Tutorial

      If you’re looking to learn SQL as fast as possible, YouTube is a great place to start. Rather than completing a lengthy course, you can find a tutorial that simplifies the language into its core concepts.

      For example, the SQL for Beginners Tutorial will teach you how to retrieve data from a database:

      Learn SQL for beginners course on YouTube

      In this 45-minute video, you’ll learn the basics of SQL, databases, and Relational Database Management Systems. The creator will walk you through installing Microsoft SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio. Using these free tools, you can familiarize yourself with tables, primary keys, data types, and more.

      You can also find free courses that dive into more complex SQL topics. If you want to learn about queries, Learnit Training provides a 3-hour video called SQL Querying for Beginners:

      Learnit Training SQL Querying Tutorial

      This video starts by explaining some basic SQL terminology and its main uses. It then shows you how to perform an SQL query. By the end of the video, you’ll be able to use criteria conditions, retrieve data from multiple tables, and organize and export the query results.

      Before watching a video, we recommend checking its publishing date and view count. You’ll want to make sure its information is still relevant. You can also review its comments to see if other users found the tutorial helpful.

      2. Take a Free Course

      Some people prefer structured courses. Fortunately, there are many e-learning materials that focus on the fundamentals. By completing untimed modules, you can become an SQL developer at your own pace.

      One of the best platforms to learn coding skills is Codecademy. After you create an account, you can look for beginner courses such as Learn SQL. This course will teach you how to use SQL to communicate with relational databases:

      Codecademy Learn SQL course

      In each module, you’ll be able to enter commands, run queries, and use functions to perform database operations:

      Codecademy course module

      If you like educational videos, Khan Academy’s Intro to SQL course may be the right course for you. It teaches you the basics of making queries and modifying databases with instructional videos:

      Khan Academy SQL course

      During the course, you can watch code being written in real-time. You’ll also be able to copy it from the video:

      Khan Academy course module

      For a more in-depth explanation of SQL, you can complete the SQL Tutorial on W3Schools. This shows you how to write SQL statements with proper syntax, as well as more complex tasks like creating and altering a database:

      W3Schools SQL tutorial

      Once you learn about these processes, you can test your new knowledge with practice exercises:

      W3Schools SQL exercise

      As you can see, there’s no shortage of online courses you can take to learn SQL. All you need to do is find the one that suits your needs.

      3. Earn a Certification

      In most cases, you won’t need a college degree to work with SQL. However, you might want to showcase your coding skills on your resume. When looking for a position that requires knowledge of SQL, having a certification can increase your chances of getting hired.

      Fortunately, you can easily gain a SQL certification online. Coursera’s Introduction to Structured Query Language teaches you how to create a MySQL database. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate:

      Coursera SQL course

      Keep in mind that this is the second level in the Web Applications for Everybody Specialization. To get up to speed, you’ll have to first take the Building Web Applications in PHP course. If you’re already familiar with PHP, HTML, and CSS, feel free to sign up for the SQL lessons.

      Another way to get certified in SQL is to purchase a course on Udemy. In the Complete SQL Bootcamp, you’ll learn about analyzing data, creating tables and databases, and more:

      Udemy SQL course

      This Udemy course teaches you how to set up a PostgreSQL database management system. Since this applies to other SQL databases, it can be beneficial to include this certification on your resume.

      Start Managing Your Database with SQL

      If you own a WordPress website, your data will be stored in a MySQL database. When you learn the SQL query language, you can instruct WordPress on how to deal with this data. Plus, SQL skills can also help you get high-paying jobs in data science, marketing, and development.

      To review, here are some simple ways that you can start learning SQL:

      1. Find a YouTube tutorial from creators like Kevin Stratvert or Learnit Training.
      2. Take a free course on Codecademy, Khan Academy, or W3Schools.
      3. Earn a certification from Coursera or Udemy.

      Once you learn the SQL basics, you’ll likely want to create a new MySQL database. With a DreamHost shared hosting plan, you can build unlimited databases and enjoy faster queries!

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      We make sure your website is fast, secure and always up so your visitors trust you. Plans start at $1.99/mo.

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      How to Learn PHP… Fast


      PHP is a programming language that has a relatively simple but versatile syntax, making it a great starting point for beginners. However, you might still be overwhelmed by the thought of implementing PHP code for the first time.

      Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources you can use to learn PHP. Whether you watch a few YouTube tutorials or take an online course, you can quickly become familiar with this popular programming language.

      In this post, we’ll introduce you to PHP and explain the benefits of learning it. Then, we’ll show you some easy ways to get started. Ready to dive in?

      An Introduction to PHP

      PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language used in web development. It’s currently used on 77.6% of websites, including Facebook, Wikipedia, and Instagram:

      php official website

      Like WordPress, PHP is open-source. Originally, it was used simply to build a personal homepage. However, since its creation in 1994, PHP has evolved to accommodate more dynamic websites.

      The first thing you need to know about PHP programming is that it happens on the server. When someone tries to visit your website, your server will process its PHP code before sending any information to the browser.

      This is what makes PHP different from other scripting languages. If you’re writing HTML or CSS, this code will affect the information visitors see in a browser. However, PHP code is processed before the content loads.

      For example, a PHP script can be used as a source code for HTML. Here’s what the original PHP script can look like:

      <html>
      <head>
       <title>PHP Test</title>
      </head>
      <body>
      <?php echo '<p>Hello World</p>'; ?>
      </body>
      </html>

      In HTML, this will create the following output:

      <html>
      <head>
       <title>PHP Test</title>
      </head>
      <body>
      <p>Hello World</p>
      </body>
      </html>

      When visitors view your website, they will see the “Hello World” message in their web browser. Although PHP is powered by HTML, front-end viewers will only experience the HTML output.

      How PHP Works in WordPress

      If you download WordPress, you’ll notice that many of the files are written in PHP. This is because PHP code is the framework for the WordPress software:

      php files for WordPress

      After creating a WordPress website, your site files are stored in a MySQL database. This contains all your website’s data, including your posts, plugins, and themes.

      When someone clicks on your site link, their browser sends a request to your server. In WordPress, the server has to process PHP code to create HTML pages. Then, it can send the HTML code back to the visitor’s browser.

      Similar to other programming languages, PHP has several versions. If you’re using an outdated version, you won’t receive important bug fixes or security updates.

      As a WordPress user, it’s important to make sure to update your PHP version. WordPress recommends using PHP version 7.4 or greater. This can be the key to keeping your website fast and secure.

      Other than updating the PHP version, some website owners may never touch this code. Since WordPress comes with built-in PHP files, you likely won’t need to learn this programming language to manage your website. That being said, there are many reasons why you may want to consider becoming an expert PHP coder.

      Why You Might Want to Consider Learning PHP

      Since PHP usage has been slowly declining in recent years, you might be wondering if it’s worth learning it. Although fewer websites have been using PHP, it remains the most popular server-side programming language. Plus, it is still a vital part of many Content Management Systems (CMSs).

      In WordPress, PHP is the fundamental language behind all plugins and themes. When you want to modify these tools, you’ll likely need to use PHP coding.

      Plus, PHP is easy to learn. Its syntax is similar to HTML and even uses some embedded HTML in its code. Since you can reuse blocks of code and built-in functions, PHP is one of the simplest programming languages.

      Here are some additional advantages of learning PHP:

      • It’s free and open-source.
      • It integrates with popular databases like MySQL, Oracle, Sybase, PostgreSQL, and more.
      • It supports most web browsers.
      • It offers consistent updates to enhance security, performance, and support.

      If you want to become a web developer, it’s important to learn PHP. When creating new WordPress plugins and themes, you’ll need to know how to build and edit PHP files.

      Once you become familiar with this language, you can eventually become a PHP developer. In this position, you can write scripts to create and modify software for your clients.

      However, knowing PHP can also help you pursue other career paths, such as:

      • Cybersecurity
      • Information Technology (IT)
      • Back-end and full-stack development

      As you progress through your career in PHP development, you can look for higher-paying positions like software development management. You can even pursue directorial roles and become an information technology director.

      How to Learn PHP Fast (5 Methods)

      Although you could gain a college degree in web development, this can be an expensive option. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can learn how to code online, without having to pay a penny. Let’s look at how you can become an expert in PHP, for free.

      1. Watch a YouTube Tutorial

      If you’re looking to learn a new skill, one of the best online resources is YouTube. By watching in-depth guides from expert coders, you can easily become familiar with PHP programming.

      Unlike other social media sites, YouTube tends to highlight the most popular videos, rather than the most recent ones. If you watch a tutorial that was published years ago, you could receive outdated information.

      To narrow your results, you can click on Filters at the top of the page. Next, select a recent upload date. You can choose your desired video length as well:

      youtube search php tutorial

      Then, you can find a video that suits your needs. One of the most popular PHP tutorials is PHP For Beginners by Traversy Media. This outlines the fundamentals of PHP:

      In this YouTube video, you can use timestamps to skip to an area you want to learn. If you watch the entire three-hour tutorial, you can learn everything about PHP, including functions, loops, arrays, and more. By following along with the voiceover, you can create your first PHP/MySQL project.

      You can also watch PHP Tutorial for Beginners – Full Course by Envato Tuts+. This is a more detailed PHP guide that takes you from an absolute beginner to an expert coder:

      envato tuts youtube learn php

      The instructor, Jeremy McPeak, starts with the basics, showing you everything you need to learn as a beginner. Then, he teaches you about variables, syntax, and how to make decisions in your code. By the end of the video, you’ll be able to write your own functions and respond to GET and POST requests.

      When you search for PHP tutorials on YouTube, you can find thousands of free videos to watch. With this method, you can watch coding in real-time rather than reading a static web page.

      2. Take an Online Course

      If you want to receive a more in-depth explanation of PHP, you can sign up for an online course. Although it can take longer to complete course modules, this can lead to a more thorough education in programming.

      Codecademy

      Whether you’re trying to prepare for a career in web development or just learning programming languages as a hobby, you can learn how to code on Codecademy. This platform provides the free Learn PHP course, which has been taken by over 45 million people:

      Codeacademy learn php

      In 25 hours, you’ll receive a comprehensive overview of PHP, including variables, functions, arrays, loops, and more. Each module has instructions on how to immediately implement what you’ve learned:

      Codeacademy learn php exercise

      Once you follow the instructions and enter the correct coding, you can continue to the next lesson. If you need help, you can always use a hint:

      Codeacademy php exercise

      At any point, you can review key concepts using the cheatsheet. You can also browse the Codecademy community forums for that module. These links are provided at the end of each exercise:

      Codeacademy php concept review forums

      Since PHP interacts with HTML, you’ll likely need to know the basics of HTML before taking this course. Fortunately, Codecademy has a Learn HTML course that you can take beforehand.

      Udemy

      Another place to find PHP courses is Udemy. Here, you can join over six million users and start expanding your coding skills. Unlike Codecademy, Udemy contains many different PHP courses, so you can find the one that best suits your needs:

      udemy php courses

      With over 22,000 reviews, the most popular PHP course on Udemy is called PHP for Beginners. In this program, you can watch 37 hours of educational videos and obtain a certificate once you’re finished:

      udemy php for beginners course

      If you’re completely new to coding, this Udemy course takes you through the basics of PHP, as well as Object Oriented PHP and MySQLi. You’ll learn about custom functions, PHP security, control structures, and much more. It also teaches you how to create a content management system similar to WordPress or Joomla.

      3. Review the PHP Manual

      You can also learn the best practices of the PHP language straight from the creators themselves. In the official PHP manual, you’ll gain installation instructions, syntax advice, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from other emerging developers.

      When you first open the manual, you can read an overview of PHP and what it does. This will also list compatible operating systems and databases:

      php manual what is php

      Then, you can follow the installation and configuration guide. Depending on your operating system, you’ll see some requirements and best practices on how to get started:

      php manual how to install and configure

      One of the most helpful sections of this manual is the Language Reference. Here, you’ll find a list of outbound links about basic PHP syntax and how to start writing your own code:

      php manual language reference

      Similar to online courses, you can read how-to guides about variables, functions, operators, and much more. You’ll even learn how to handle PHP errors when they happen:

      php manual basics

      This manual also gives you information about PHP security. You can read about possible attacks, as well as error reporting:

      php manual security overview documentation

      As you become more knowledgeable in PHP, you can keep this manual for future reference. For example, you might need to look up certain functions to implement them properly:

      php manual function reference

      However, the PHP manual may not be the best option for beginners. Although its information is valuable and straightforward, it doesn’t include any interactive exercises. You’re likely better off using this as a reference during the learning process.

      4. Read a Book

      If you’re a visual learner, one way to learn PHP is by reading a book. Whether you find an online publication or go to your local library, you can find valuable information about the PHP programming language.

      PHP Apprentice is an online book that you can access for free. You can use this open-source reading material to start understanding PHP and its practices:

      php apprentice overview

      Using the table of contents, you can find a specific topic about PHP. For each chapter, there will be written explanations along with examples of coding:

      php apprentice module

      Plus, PHP Apprentice is a book that is constantly evolving. By giving feedback on its GitHub repository, you can request certain topics or more in-depth explanations:

      php apprentice code

      When learning a new skill like PHP, it can often be more convenient to read an e-book because they’re readily available online. However, you can also use your local library.

      On your library’s website, you can search its database for PHP books. Then, you can place a hold on the ones you want to read:

      learn php book recommendations

      Some libraries even let you check out e-books using an app like CloudLibrary or OverDrive. This way, you can get your hands on library books without ever leaving your home.

      Although the library can be a valuable resource for free books, you may not find the most up-to-date information. If you decide this method is right for you, you’ll want to look for books that were published in the last few years. This way, you’re not learning an outdated PHP version.

      5. Try an Interactive Tutorial

      Rather than signing up for an educational course in PHP, you can walk yourself through online tutorials. You don’t have to pay for the learning material or even create an account – you can simply open the website and start learning at your own pace. Let’s look at some options.

      W3Schools

      W3Schools is one of the best resources for free coding tutorials. On this platform, you can learn the basics of PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and much more.

      When you click on its PHP guide, you’ll notice that there are tons of free modules to explore:

      php tutorial introduction to php

      In the introductory sections, W3Schools will outline the basic concepts of PHP, as well as everything you need to get started:

      php tutorial php installation

      When you dive into the learning modules, you can read detailed explanations about syntax, variables, operators, regular expressions, and any other PHP concept. You’ll also see coding examples on each page:

      php tutorial syntax

      By clicking on Try it Yourself, you can open a code editor in a new tab. Here, you can implement changes to the existing code and see how it’ll look on the front end:

      w3schools coding exercise

      Once you grasp the basics, you can learn more advanced concepts. W3Schools will show you how to create forms with data validation. You’ll also learn how to use PHP with Object-Oriented Programming, a MySQL database, XML parsers, and AJAX.

      When you feel comfortable with what you’ve learned, you can test your skills with quizzes and exercises:

      w3schools learn php quiz

      This can help you remember what you’ve studied. Plus, you can check whether you need to revise certain concepts and go back to those modules if needed.

      Learn-php.org

      If you want to learn PHP with a simple but effective interface, you can try the interactive tutorial on learn-php.org. Although this won’t turn you into a developer, you can use it to understand how PHP works:

      learn-php.org tutorial

      In just 11 modules, you’ll learn about variables, arrays, strings, loops, functions, and more. Like some other options on this list, learn-php.org includes simple explanations of concepts, followed by coding examples:

      php simple arrays

      At the bottom of the page, you can perform an exercise to test your knowledge. For example, you may have to create a new array in PHP:

      learn-php.org exercise

      Although learn-php.org doesn’t have a lot of modules yet, it is constantly being updated. Using its GitHub repository, developers can add new tutorials for you to learn for free.

      Start Learning PHP Today

      By learning the basics of PHP, you can jumpstart your career in web development. Since PHP is a vital part of WordPress, this skill can help you create new themes and plugins for personal or public use.

      Here are some ways you can start learning PHP as a beginner:

      1. Watch a YouTube tutorial from creators such as Traversy Media and Envato Tuts+.
      2. Take an online course on Codecademy or Udemy.
      3. Review the PHP manual.
      4. Read a book like PHP Apprentice.
      5. Try an interactive tutorial on W3Schools or learn-php.org.

      If you want to start experimenting with PHP, you may want to create your own website. With our shared hosting plans, you can quickly launch a new site without breaking the bank!

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