First Time Posting - Need Advice

[socialcoder]

Hello Everyone,

I am new here (as a registered member), but have been coming here for past couple weeks.

I hope this is the right place to post what I am about to write.

I am new to programming, although I have had exposure to basic HTML before. To give an idea, I can put together a contact form (not active) within 10-15 minutes. I have a basic knowledge of CSS too.

Now, I want to get into Wordpress theme and plugin development. After going through their Codex, it was clear that CSS and PHP are a must.

I want to know if it is mandatory for me to learn C before getting into learning PHP.

I strictly want to focus on theme and plugin development for Wordpress, and not build any software/application for desktop.

I am thinking of going this route -

HTML, CSS, JS, PHP (of course MySQL and Apache).

Please advice.

Thanks
Social Coder

[stevenmw]

HTML and css are good starters. I think of them as the basis of a web page. You can get right into learning PHP. It isn't overly complicated if you start with small scripts, or basic functions.

What helped me with PHP was building small one function scripts. Such as a news publishing system that consisted one one form, a DB, and a page to display the news. Or various if else statement based systems.

Just pick something simple and dissect it.

http://www.php.net
http://www.pixel2life.com

[webelevate]

Hello Everyone ,
I'm also newer here. I'm going to be web designer.
I am interested in Java, PHP, MysQl ,ASP
please advice me any interesting topic.

[socialcoder]

Thank you for responding Steve.

I have 2 specific questions to ask you.

1. Did you know C before you started with PHP?

2. How long did you take to get "good" at it? Not expert, but good.

Thanks again Steve.

Social Coder

Originally Posted by stevenmw

HTML and css are good starters. I think of them as the basis of a web page. You can get right into learning PHP. It isn't overly complicated if you start with small scripts, or basic functions.

What helped me with PHP was building small one function scripts. Such as a news publishing system that consisted one one form, a DB, and a page to display the news. Or various if else statement based systems.

Just pick something simple and dissect it.

http://www.php.net
http://www.pixel2life.com

[stevenmw]

I never learned C. I don't use it. I'm not going to say I'm good at PHP. Lol. To get somewhat proficient it took a good ammount of time. It all depends on what you're doing. If you start making Wordpress plugins all the time you'll get used to the necessary parts of PHP that go along with that.

[socialcoder]

Thank you for your help Steve. Much appreciated.