Hi,
I'm planning on learning PHP for my web programming. I have dabbled with programming before (including OOP). I've seen a few PHP source code examples, and for the most part nothing seems too confusing. So my impression is that the learning curve isn't too steep. But maybe I'm just fooling myself.
Assuming that I am willing to devote considerable free time to learning PHP, how long do you think it will take me to reach the level of ability where I can program my own secure forum software? I also want to attain basic PHP certification through Zend (see link below). Is it realistic to think that I could attain certification within 8-10 months? If I'm good enough to get certified, will that also give me a level of skill great enough to write my own forum software?
Again, I am willing to devote a substantial amount of time each week to learning and practice, and I'm not totally new to programming. If I give up even one-half the time I spend on other frivolous pursuits, 12-15 hours a week should be no problem. (Not to stray too far off topic, but have you ever really paid attention to how much time you waste doing unproductive things? For those who haven't, you might be amazed!)
Given this information, how long do you estimate it would take to attain my goals? I would be grateful for any input.
As promised, here's the link:
http://www.zend.com/services/certificat ... ification/
PHP Learning Curve - Beginner to forum-level programmer?
Moderator: General Moderators
- Jonah Bron
- DevNet Master
- Posts: 2764
- Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:28 pm
- Location: Redding, California
Re: PHP Learning Curve - Beginner to forum-level programmer?
In eight to ten months, providing you invest a considerable amount of time, you should be able to write a forum program. The learning curve to programming in general is marginally steep, but the curve for any particular language should be low (an anecdote, I've been programming in PHP for about 4 years, and I was able to become fluent in Java within two weeks). One hard thing to do as you learn is to avoid developing poor practices; it's my experience that those can be found in basic tutorials occasionally. My guess is that that results from a person that just learned that writing the tutorial.
The following is my advice on getting to your target point. Read some tutorials, write some more basic applications, post parts on the Coding Critique section, ask questions in the PHP Security section, and then start on the forum itself. Come up with some base ideas and post on the Theory and Design board. Armed with the concepts you pick up from the feedback, you can begin coding. You'll learn a lot along the way. Post parts of it on the Coding Critique section too.
Go for it.
P.S. As you can see, this site is setup to assist you with the entire web development process
The following is my advice on getting to your target point. Read some tutorials, write some more basic applications, post parts on the Coding Critique section, ask questions in the PHP Security section, and then start on the forum itself. Come up with some base ideas and post on the Theory and Design board. Armed with the concepts you pick up from the feedback, you can begin coding. You'll learn a lot along the way. Post parts of it on the Coding Critique section too.
Go for it.
P.S. As you can see, this site is setup to assist you with the entire web development process
Re: PHP Learning Curve - Beginner to forum-level programmer?
If you choose your resources well and have an aptitude for it, you can get to a decent level relatively fast. The biggest problem is finding good learning resources without any insight to what is good or bad practices. For that, you can use this forum
Whenever you're studying a particular subject, just ask around and people are sure to give good advice and point you in the right direction
-
jankidudel
- Forum Commoner
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2010 4:30 pm
- Location: Lithuania, Vilnius
Re: PHP Learning Curve - Beginner to forum-level programmer?
Oh yes, you can., but forum's aren't equal. You can find forum within 3 source files or you can in 100 folders
My suggestion for you is to download good, big forum source and learn from it. You will see how better you are becoming in programming.