I primarily learn php/mysql from books and apply my knowledge on a test hosting platform. I'm curious to hear about your personal experiences and stories of how you acquired proficiency in these languages.

Thank you in advance!

Becoming proficient in a profession is a gradual process, and no one truly masters a language. At any given point, you will realize that there is much more you don't know than what you do. However, this realization applies to any field of knowledge in general.

From a practical standpoint, I disagree with the author's suggestion to blindly code without understanding the logic behind it. It is this approach that gave PHP its negative reputation, evident in many books, tutorials, and video courses. My advice would be to strive to comprehend the purpose and functionality of each line of code. Instead of writing excessive amounts of code, focus on understanding the significance of every line—why it exists in that specific context and why it shouldn't be relocated elsewhere.

When it comes to learning a new language or technology, I personally prefer diving into practical application first. Once I have a general understanding, I then supplement my knowledge with literature and manuals to solidify my understanding.

In addition, it's crucial not to be afraid of challenges and to embrace the path of greatest resistance. Setting yourself difficult tasks and systematically working towards their solutions using resources like Google can be highly beneficial.

Remember, growth often occurs outside of our comfort zones, and embracing challenges can lead to significant progress and mastery in your chosen field.

I began my learning journey through hands-on experience. Prior to delving into PHP programming, I had spent three years studying and working with Turbo Pascal, followed by learning C++.
Here's my simple advice for studying:

1. Start by obtaining a comprehensive PHP basics book (which will likely exceed 500 pages) and allocate time to cover 20-30 pages each day. Alongside reading, complete the exercises provided in the book and engage in practical exploration by applying the newly acquired knowledge.
2. Once you have gone through the book twice, set it aside and procure another resource specifically focused on programming in PHP. Maintain the same rhythm of daily learning. Simultaneously, begin exploring the freelance market and searching for PHP projects. Remember, complete these projects not just for monetary gain, but also for self-improvement.
3. After about a year, you should find yourself at a point where step 3 catches up to you. At this stage, you can start diving into PHP frameworks. By now, you may have already completed some paid assignments, received feedback on your code, and even developed a programming style (though it is recommended to read about PSR guidelines from the outset).

I initially learned the basics from online tutorials and gradually advanced my skills by working on real web design projects that required database integration.

One of the most valuable experiences that contributed to my proficiency was developing a dynamic e-commerce website for a client. This project involved creating a custom content management system using PHP and MySQL to handle product listings, user accounts, and online transactions. The challenges I encountered during this project, such as optimizing database queries and ensuring data security, significantly expanded my understanding of PHP/MySQL.

Additionally, I actively participated in web design forums and communities, where I exchanged ideas and solutions with other professionals facing similar challenges. This collaborative environment provided me with diverse perspectives and best practices that elevated my proficiency in PHP/MySQL beyond textbook knowledge.

Over time, I transitioned from being solely a web designer to a full-stack developer, integrating frontend design with backend functionality powered by PHP and MySQL. This shift allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how these languages work together to create seamless and efficient web applications.

Furthermore, I undertook personal projects, such as building a blogging platform and a social networking site, to experiment with various features and functionalities using PHP/MySQL. These hands-on projects enabled me to explore the capabilities of the languages in a practical and creative context, solidifying my expertise in database-driven web development.
My journey to proficiency in PHP and MySQL as a web designer was a combination of practical application, collaboration within the web design community, and a continual pursuit of challenging projects that pushed the boundaries of my technical abilities.