What Are The Best Places To Learn PHP For Free Online?

PHP is a popular open-source programming language that is widely used for web development. It is known for its flexibility, ease of use, and ability to integrate with other technologies.

If you’re interested in learning PHP, there are several excellent resources available for free online. These resources can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a proficient PHP developer.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to learn PHP for free online, including interactive courses, tutorials, documentation, and forums. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, there’s something for everyone in these resources. So, let’s dive in and discover the best free online resources for learning PHP.

What Are The Best Places To Learn PHP For Free Online?

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a popular open-source programming language that is commonly used for web development. Learning PHP for free online is a great way to acquire skills and knowledge, and there are several excellent resources available. Here are some of the best places to learn PHP for free online:

1. Codecademy: Codecademy is an excellent resource for learning PHP, and it offers a wide range of interactive courses that are suitable for beginners and advanced learners alike. The PHP course on Codecademy covers everything from basic syntax to more advanced topics such as arrays, loops, and functions.
2. Udemy: Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses, including many free PHP courses. These courses cover a variety of topics, from basic syntax to more advanced concepts such as object-oriented programming.
3. W3Schools: W3Schools is a popular online learning platform that offers free tutorials on a wide range of web development technologies, including PHP. Their PHP tutorial covers everything from basic syntax to more advanced topics such as MySQL integration.
4. PHP.net: PHP.net is the official website for the PHP programming language, and it offers a wide range of free resources for learning PHP. These resources include tutorials, documentation, and forums where you can ask questions and get help from other PHP developers.
5. YouTube Tutorials: There are many excellent PHP tutorial videos available on YouTube, and they cover a wide range of topics. These videos are great for visual learners who prefer to watch demonstrations of coding techniques.
6. PHP Blogs: There are many PHP blogs available online, and they offer a wealth of free information on PHP programming. These blogs cover a wide range of topics, from basic syntax to more advanced concepts such as object-oriented programming and MVC frameworks.

Overall, there are many excellent resources available for learning PHP for free online, including interactive courses, tutorials, documentation, and forums. By taking advantage of these resources, you can acquire the skills and knowledge you need to become a proficient PHP developer.

Top Free Online Resources For Learning PHP

Codecademy

Codecademy is an online learning platform that provides interactive coding courses for a variety of programming languages, including PHP. Founded in 2011, Codecademy has become a popular choice for those seeking to learn how to code for free.

Advantages:

1. Interactive Courses: Codecademy provides interactive courses that allow you to learn by doing. You write code directly in the browser, and the platform provides instant feedback on your work. This hands-on approach makes it easy to understand the concepts and apply them in real-life situations.
2. Free and Low-Cost Options: Codecademy offers both free and paid courses. The free courses cover the basics, while the paid courses provide more advanced training. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to learn to code but may not have the financial resources to invest in expensive courses.
3. Structured Learning: Codecademy provides structured learning paths for each course, so you know exactly what you need to do to complete the course successfully. Each course is divided into modules, and you can track your progress as you complete each one.
4. Community Support: Codecademy has an active community of learners who can help you with any questions or issues you may encounter. You can join forums, connect with other learners, and get help from experienced developers.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Depth: Codecademy provides an excellent introduction to programming languages like PHP, but the courses are not as in-depth as some paid options. If you’re looking to become an expert PHP developer, you may need to supplement your learning with additional resources.
2. Limited Topics: Codecademy provides courses on a limited number of programming languages and topics. While they cover the basics of PHP, you may need to use other resources to learn more advanced topics.
3. Lack of Flexibility: Codecademy courses are structured, which means that you need to complete the modules in a specific order. This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage for those who prefer to learn at their own pace or want to focus on specific topics.

Overall, Codecademy is an excellent resource for those who want to learn to code for free. It provides interactive courses, structured learning paths, and community support that can help you acquire the skills and knowledge you need to become a proficient PHP developer. While it has some limitations in terms of depth and topics covered, it remains a popular choice for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills.

Udemy

Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses covering a variety of topics, including programming, business, marketing, and personal development. Founded in 2010, Udemy has grown to become one of the most popular online learning platforms, with over 130,000 courses available in multiple languages.

Advantages of Udemy:

1. Wide range of courses: Udemy offers a vast array of courses, covering everything from programming and web development to business, marketing, and personal development. This makes it an excellent resource for anyone looking to acquire new skills or enhance their knowledge in a particular area.
2. Affordable pricing: Udemy’s courses are generally affordable, with many courses offered for under $50. This makes it an accessible option for anyone who wants to learn but may not have the financial resources to enroll in traditional courses.
3. Lifetime access: Once you enroll in a course on Udemy, you have lifetime access to the course material, including any updates made to the course in the future. This allows you to learn at your own pace and review the material as often as you need.
4. Self-paced learning: Udemy’s courses are self-paced, which means that you can learn at your own pace and fit your studies around your schedule. This makes it an excellent option for anyone who wants to learn but may have other commitments, such as work or family.

Disadvantages of Udemy:

1. Quality varies: Because Udemy allows anyone to create and sell courses, the quality of courses can vary widely. Some courses may be excellent, while others may be poorly structured, poorly presented, or contain inaccurate information.
2. No accreditation: Udemy courses do not offer any formal accreditation, meaning that you cannot use them to earn a degree or certificate. While many courses offer a certificate of completion, this may not be recognized by employers or educational institutions.
3. Limited interaction: While some courses may offer opportunities for interaction with the instructor or other students, this is not always the case. If you prefer a more interactive learning experience, Udemy may not be the best option for you.

Overall, Udemy is an excellent resource for anyone looking to acquire new skills or enhance their knowledge in a particular area. With its wide range of affordable courses, lifetime access, and self-paced learning options, it offers a flexible and accessible way to learn. However, the quality of courses can vary, and there is no formal accreditation, which may be a disadvantage for some learners. Nonetheless, Udemy remains a popular and effective online learning platform for many people.

W3Schools

W3Schools is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of free tutorials on various web development technologies. It was founded in 1998 and has since become one of the most popular resources for learning web development. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of using W3Schools as a learning platform.

Advantages of using W3Schools:

1. Comprehensive Tutorials: W3Schools provides a comprehensive set of tutorials that cover a wide range of web development technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and more. These tutorials are designed to be easy to follow and provide step-by-step guidance for learners of all levels.
2. Interactive Learning: W3Schools offers a range of interactive features that enable learners to practice what they learn in real-time. This includes an online code editor that allows learners to write and test code directly on the website. Additionally, W3Schools offers quizzes and certificates of completion that can help learners track their progress.
3. Free and Accessible: One of the biggest advantages of W3Schools is that it’s completely free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This makes it an excellent resource for learners who don’t have the budget for paid courses or who prefer to learn at their own pace.
4. Up-to-Date Information: W3Schools is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and best practices in web development. This ensures that learners are learning the most current and relevant information, rather than outdated or obsolete techniques.

Disadvantages of using W3Schools:

1. Limited Depth: While W3Schools offers comprehensive tutorials, the information provided is often at a surface level. This means that learners may not get a deep understanding of the topics covered, and may need to seek out additional resources for more in-depth learning.
2. No Peer Feedback: Unlike other learning platforms, such as Udemy or Coursera, W3Schools does not offer opportunities for peer feedback or interaction. This means that learners may not receive feedback on their code or have the opportunity to collaborate with others.
3. Not Accredited: While W3Schools offers certificates of completion, these certificates are not accredited by any official body. This means that they may not hold as much weight as a degree or certification from a recognized institution.
4. Limited Interactivity: While W3Schools offers some interactive features, such as the online code editor, it does not provide the same level of interactivity as other platforms. For example, learners cannot interact with instructors or peers in real-time, and may need to rely on forums or other online communities for help.

Overall, W3Schools is a comprehensive and accessible resource for learning web development, offering a wide range of free tutorials and interactive features. While it may have some limitations, such as limited depth and interactivity, it remains an excellent resource for learners of all levels who are looking to acquire new skills and knowledge in web development.

PHP.Net

PHP.net is the official website of the PHP programming language, which is an open-source programming language that is widely used for web development. The website serves as the primary resource for information on the language and provides an extensive range of documentation and resources for developers. In this article, we will explore the description, advantages, and disadvantages of PHP.net.

PHP.net is the official website for the PHP programming language, and it provides a vast range of resources for developers who want to learn more about the language. The website includes an extensive documentation library, including user manuals, language reference, and installation guides, among others. Additionally, the website features an active community of developers who share their knowledge, experiences, and best practices with each other.

Advantages:

One of the significant advantages of PHP.net is the extensive documentation library that provides developers with a wealth of information on the language. The documentation is well-structured, easy to navigate, and includes examples and code snippets that developers can use to understand and implement different PHP features.

Another advantage of PHP.net is its active community of developers who are always ready to help others. The community includes experienced developers who are willing to answer questions, share their knowledge, and provide guidance on various topics related to PHP programming.

Furthermore, PHP.net is continually updated with the latest information on the language and its development. This ensures that developers have access to the most up-to-date information and can stay current with the latest trends and best practices in PHP development.

Disadvantages:

One of the significant disadvantages of PHP.net is that the documentation can be overwhelming for beginners who are just starting with the language. The website provides a lot of information, which can be difficult to navigate and understand for those who are new to PHP programming.

Another disadvantage of PHP.net is that the website is focused primarily on the language itself and does not provide information on specific frameworks or libraries that are commonly used in PHP development. While this information is available elsewhere, it can be challenging for beginners to navigate and find the information they need.

Lastly, PHP.net can sometimes be slow to update its documentation and resources, which can be frustrating for developers who need the latest information. While the website is continually updated, it may not always be in real-time, which can be a disadvantage for developers who require up-to-the-minute information on the language.

Overall, PHP.net is an essential resource for developers who want to learn more about the PHP programming language. While the website has some disadvantages, such as overwhelming documentation and a lack of information on specific frameworks, its advantages far outweigh its drawbacks. The website provides a vast range of documentation and resources, an active community of developers, and the most up-to-date information on PHP development. Therefore, PHP.net is a highly recommended resource for anyone looking to learn or enhance their PHP programming skills.

Best Free PHP Tutorial Websites

PHP For The Absolute Beginner

PHP is an open-source programming language that is widely used for web development. It is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and ease of use, making it an excellent language for beginners who want to learn programming. In this article, we will explore PHP for the absolute beginner, including what PHP is, its features, and how to get started with learning PHP.

What is PHP?

PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, and it is a server-side scripting language that is used to create dynamic web pages. It is an open-source language, which means that it is freely available and can be used by anyone. PHP is often used in conjunction with HTML and CSS to create web pages that are interactive and responsive.

Features of PHP

PHP has several features that make it an excellent language for beginners. These include:

1. Easy to Learn: PHP is a straightforward language to learn, even for those who have no programming experience. It has a simple syntax that is easy to understand and follow.
2. Cross-Platform Compatibility: PHP is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it accessible to anyone regardless of their platform.
3. Large Community: PHP has a large and active community of developers who contribute to its development and provide support to beginners.
4. Object-Oriented Programming: PHP supports object-oriented programming, which allows developers to create modular and reusable code.

Getting Started with PHP

If you’re an absolute beginner, getting started with PHP is relatively easy. The first step is to install a local web server on your computer. This will allow you to test your PHP code locally before uploading it to a live server.

Once you have installed the web server, you can start learning PHP by reading tutorials, watching videos, or taking online courses. There are several resources available online that are specifically designed for beginners, including Codecademy, W3Schools, and PHP.net.

In addition to learning PHP, it’s also essential to practice writing code. This will help you develop your skills and gain a better understanding of the language. You can start by creating simple programs that display text on a web page, and gradually work your way up to more complex projects.

Overall, PHP is an excellent language for beginners who want to learn programming. It is easy to learn, cross-platform compatible, and has a large community of developers who provide support and resources. Getting started with PHP is relatively easy, and there are many online resources available for beginners. By learning PHP and practicing writing code, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a proficient PHP developer.

PHP 101

PHP, which stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, is a popular open-source server-side scripting language used to develop dynamic web applications. It is a powerful and flexible language that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from simple scripts to complex web applications. If you are new to PHP, this article will provide you with an overview of the language and its basic features.

What is PHP?

PHP is a scripting language that is primarily used for web development. It is an open-source language, which means that it is freely available and can be used by anyone. PHP is often used in conjunction with HTML and CSS to create dynamic web pages that can interact with databases, process user input, and perform other complex tasks.

Features of PHP

PHP has several features that make it a popular choice for web developers. These include:

1. Easy to Learn: PHP has a simple and easy-to-learn syntax, which makes it accessible to beginners.
2. Cross-Platform Compatibility: PHP is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
3. Object-Oriented Programming: PHP supports object-oriented programming, which allows developers to create reusable and modular code.
4. Large Community: PHP has a large and active community of developers who provide support, resources, and contribute to its development.

Basic Syntax

The basic syntax of PHP is similar to that of other programming languages. PHP code is usually embedded within HTML, and the code is enclosed in <?php ?> tags. For example, the following code will display “Hello, World!” on a web page:

<?php echo “Hello, World!”; ?>

Variables and Data Types

<?php $name = “John”; ?>

PHP supports several data types, including strings, integers, floats, booleans, and arrays. You can use built-in functions to manipulate data values and perform calculations.

Conditional Statements and Loops

PHP also supports conditional statements and loops, which allow developers to control the flow of code execution. The if-else statement is used to execute code based on a condition, while the for and while loops are used to execute code repeatedly.

Overall, PHP is a powerful and versatile language that is widely used for web development. Its easy-to-learn syntax, cross-platform compatibility, and support for object-oriented programming make it an excellent choice for beginners. By learning PHP, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to create dynamic web applications and advance your career as a web developer.

In PHP, variables are used to store data values. The following code creates a variable named $name and assigns it the value “John”:

<?php $name = “John”; ?>

PHP supports several data types, including strings, integers, floats, booleans, and arrays. You can use built-in functions to manipulate data values and perform calculations.

Conditional Statements and Loops

PHP also supports conditional statements and loops, which allow developers to control the flow of code execution. The if-else statement is used to execute code based on a condition, while the for and while loops are used to execute code repeatedly.

Overall, PHP is a powerful and versatile language that is widely used for web development. Its easy-to-learn syntax, cross-platform compatibility, and support for object-oriented programming make it an excellent choice for beginners. By learning PHP, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to create dynamic web applications and advance your career as a web developer.

PHP Manual

The PHP Manual is an official documentation of the PHP programming language. It is a comprehensive guide to the language’s syntax, functions, and features, and it is widely regarded as one of the best resources for learning PHP.

The PHP Manual is maintained by the PHP community and is available for free online at php.net/manual. It is updated regularly to reflect changes in the language and to provide the latest information on PHP development.

The manual is organized into several sections, each of which covers a different aspect of the language. The sections include:

1. Getting Started: This section provides an introduction to PHP and explains how to install and configure it on different platforms.
2. Language Reference: This section covers the syntax and structure of the PHP language, including data types, variables, operators, control structures, functions, and classes.
3. Function Reference: This section provides a comprehensive list of all the functions in PHP, along with their descriptions, parameters, and return values.
4. Security: This section covers best practices for writing secure PHP code and includes information on common security vulnerabilities and how to prevent them.
5. Appendices: This section includes additional information on topics such as regular expressions, error handling, and configuration options.

The PHP Manual is available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Portuguese. It is also available in multiple formats, including HTML, PDF, and EPUB, making it easy to access and read on different devices.

In addition to the online version, the PHP Manual can also be downloaded and used offline. This is especially useful for developers who need to work in environments without internet access.

Overall, the PHP Manual is an essential resource for anyone learning PHP or developing PHP applications. Its comprehensive coverage and easy-to-navigate format make it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced developers alike.

Other Free Online PHP Learning Resources

Youtube Tutorials

YouTube is a popular platform for learning PHP, and there are many tutorials available for free that cover a wide range of topics. Whether you are a beginner looking to get started with the language or an experienced developer looking to learn new techniques, there is likely a YouTube tutorial that will meet your needs.

Advantages of YouTube Tutorials

1. Visual Learning: YouTube tutorials provide a visual way of learning, making it easier to understand complex concepts.
2. Accessibility: YouTube tutorials are free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
3. Variety: There are many different YouTube channels that cover PHP, providing a variety of perspectives and approaches to learning the language.
4. Interactivity: Many YouTube channels have a community of learners who can interact with each other, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Disadvantages of YouTube Tutorials

1. Quality Control: With so many YouTube channels and tutorials available, it can be difficult to know which ones are reliable and provide accurate information.
2. Lack of Structure: YouTube tutorials are often less structured than formal courses, which can make it difficult to know where to start or what order to follow.
3. Incomplete Information: Some YouTube tutorials may provide incomplete information or skip over important details, which can lead to confusion or errors.

Popular PHP YouTube Channels

1. PHP Academy: This channel provides a wide range of PHP tutorials, from beginner-level to advanced topics.
2. Learn PHP: This channel provides tutorials on PHP and related technologies, such as MySQL and JavaScript.
3. Traversy Media: This channel covers a variety of web development topics, including PHP, JavaScript, and CSS.
4. Codecourse: This channel offers in-depth PHP tutorials and projects, covering both basic and advanced concepts.

Overall, YouTube tutorials are a great resource for learning PHP, providing an accessible and visual way of learning the language. However, it’s important to exercise caution when selecting tutorials and to verify the information provided to ensure that it is accurate and reliable. By using YouTube tutorials in conjunction with other resources, such as the PHP Manual and online courses, you can develop a well-rounded understanding of PHP and become a skilled developer.

PHP Blogs

PHP blogs are an excellent resource for staying up-to-date on the latest news, trends, and techniques in the PHP community. They are written by experienced developers and industry experts who share their knowledge, insights, and opinions on a wide range of PHP-related topics.

Advantages of PHP Blogs

1. Timely Information: PHP blogs are frequently updated with the latest news and developments in the PHP community, ensuring that readers stay informed and up-to-date.
2. Expertise: PHP blogs are written by experienced developers who have deep knowledge of the language and its ecosystem, providing readers with valuable insights and advice.
3. Variety: There are many different PHP blogs available, covering a wide range of topics, including web development, performance optimization, security, and more.
4. Community: PHP blogs often have a community of readers who can engage with each other, share tips and tricks, and provide feedback to the author.

Disadvantages of PHP Blogs

1. Quality Control: Not all PHP blogs are created equal, and some may provide inaccurate or incomplete information.
2. Limited Scope: PHP blogs tend to focus on specific aspects of the language or ecosystem, which may not be relevant to all readers.
3. Limited Interaction: Unlike forums or social media groups, PHP blogs often provide limited opportunities for readers to interact with the author or other readers.

Popular PHP Blogs

1. PHPDeveloper.org: This blog provides news and insights on PHP, as well as tutorials, podcasts, and interviews with industry experts.
2. SitePoint PHP: This blog covers a range of topics related to PHP web development, including frameworks, libraries, and best practices.
3. Laravel News: This blog focuses on the Laravel framework and provides news, tutorials, and resources for Laravel developers.
4. PHP Classes: This blog provides a variety of PHP-related content, including news, tutorials, and discussions on topics such as performance optimization and security.

Overall, PHP blogs are a valuable resource for developers who want to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the PHP community. By following reputable blogs and engaging with the community, developers can expand their knowledge and skills and become more effective and efficient in their work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PHP is a versatile and powerful programming language that is widely used for web development. If you’re interested in learning PHP, there are many excellent resources available for free online that can help you acquire the skills and knowledge you need to become a proficient developer.

From interactive courses to tutorials, documentation, and forums, there are many different types of resources available to suit your learning style and preferences. For example, Codecademy, Udemy, and W3Schools offer structured courses that cover everything from the basics of PHP syntax to more advanced topics such as MySQL integration and object-oriented programming.

If you prefer to learn through videos, YouTube tutorials are an excellent resource that can help you understand PHP concepts through visual demonstrations. Additionally, PHP blogs provide a wealth of free information on PHP programming, covering everything from basic syntax to more complex topics like MVC frameworks and best coding practices.

When choosing the best resource to learn PHP, it’s essential to consider your level of experience and the topics you want to learn. If you’re a beginner, starting with basic syntax and gradually working your way up to more advanced topics is a good strategy. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced developer, focusing on specific topics or frameworks might be more beneficial.