So I've been away from the whole building my website (back where there was only html) thing for a couple of years, but lately it has touched my interest. I am really interested in learning PHP, are there any recommendations on websites that will help me? Right now I'm looking at the small section of things they have at w3schools. I also have somewhat taken a look at PHP.net Quick Reference, but that list is huge! Is there maybe a more slim down version of a similar list that contains the more commonly used functions?
I suppose if you want to recommend me a book you can, but I just prefer lugging around my laptop .

Also, how does PHP compare to C++ programming? Would you say it's not alike at all or that it is very similar? I ask because I'm suppose to be learning C++ at the moment...

Thanks for any help!

Unfortunately, I don't know of many smaller php references. I would recommend just trying to write small functions to get an idea of the style of PHP then as you need to know more things, look at the reference guide or just try and google what you want to do and you'll probably find code examples. I feel PHP is somewhat similar to C++ in that the style is kinda similar, however, it is most similar to perl.

http://www.php.net is the only source I used - but agiain, it's HUGE.

I personally wouldn't compare PHP to C++ at all. Programming is programming, but C++ is a compiled language and PHP is script. I'd campare PHP to VBScript like you use in classic ASP more than anything - it's MUCH easier to look at and understand than PERL is. PHP is a pretty easy scripting language to use and is loaded with nice features. I'd have to say that I prefer it to ASP, but not ASP.NET.

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/progphp/index.html?CMP=ILL-4GV796923290

Examples from this book that you can download and try out on your laptop:
http://examples.oreilly.com/progphp/

C is a compiled language, so its not in the same department as PHP- but it does have a similar syntax.
Hope the links help

I'm still playing around with php, but is kind of confusing. Most of the things I'm going to do with are going to revolve around my wordpress blog... I did find a cheat sheet for php though! http://www.ilovejackdaniels.com/php/php-cheat-sheet/

outta curiosity, why would you be choosing php?

Careful with your answer - comming from Lofty - that's a loaded question...

/* me predicting the future */

Loftboy: "PHP sux0rs use ColdFusion and Flash!!!"

lol, very funny
i was just curious.

C0l|> FuZhe|\| R0X0RZ!!! P|-|P SUXX0RZ!!! U R St()()p||> 4 UzinG P|-|P - I M teh Uber Haxx()RZ!

hehe

that must be .net code, it looks "vulnerable".

U R teh SUxxORZ!! I \/\/|11 /<|c/< Ur @r$e - K()7|> FuzheN Iz da B0/\/\B!

why u being such an asshole today scott?

Oh I'm just pokin atcha Lofty...you know I think U R da B()/\/\b...poke back I don't care

naw, im really back to my more mellow self now that I have gotten away from my constant headache AKA winblows.
It's truely funny how less pissy i am since the switch