Quote from: -DM- on Aug 05, 2022, 07:57 AMStart with a basic level.

PHP is a hard skill.
You must know and understand the basic syntax, principles and techniques of working with code, and also be able to freely practice understanding and reading your own code, sometimes someone else's.
For example: you are given a task - "initialize a variable, assign a new value with type integer and display the specified value on the page/screen".
Here you should understand what is at stake, what needs to be done and what should happen.

Quote from: Newport on Aug 05, 2022, 08:29 AMyou are given a task - "initialize a variable, assign a new value with type integer and display the specified value on the page/screen".

Well, something like this:

1 $num = '1';
2 echo (is_integer($num)) ? "$num is a number" : "$num is a string";

Unfortunately, in practice, "basic knowledge of PHP" should be much higher (((

I recommend reading: https://www.php.net/manual/en/index.php
To start.
And PHP, yes, hard skill.

If you just want to learn how to create websites - take a free hosting, put Wordpress there, and get creative. Good luck!

Quote from: -DM- on Aug 05, 2022, 12:26 PM... yes, hard skill.

You wrote everything correctly.
Only here

Quote from: -DM- on Aug 05, 2022, 12:26 PM(is_integer($num))

I would not take parentheses. Still, "basic knowledge".
Additionally, the_architect I would recommend looking at the MySQL description. Also interesting.
I will support -DM-, - in working with WP you will need, or maybe not need, just a couple of buttons to press in phpMyAdmin. Just.

The first thing I want to wish - start small, it's a must. Do not try to grab a lot of topics at the same time, it is better to study one script or program

There are over 350 programming languages, but to have a successful career, it's best to choose from the most popular ones. However, it's more appropriate to first identify the area in which you plan to work and then consider the appropriate language for that field.

Python is a popular and user-friendly language, making it ideal for beginners. It's widely used in IT companies worldwide due to its concise syntax.

Java and C are other popular languages, although they can be more challenging for beginners. Becoming adept at these languages offers a better understanding of the application and its functioning. C and Pascal are typically studied on specialized faculties in university.

The choice of programming language depends on the purpose of the project. For instance, php, Java, and Ruby are popular server-side languages, whereas Javascript has promising applications on client-side. C++ is necessary for developing complex high-load projects such as games. Additionally, mobile device applications typically use Java, Objective-C, or Swift.

An experienced programmer knows many languages, but typically works with one language in a given job/project.

If you are a beginner, then you should get the basic knowledge first. A novice programmer should have mathematical knowledge and at least a little understanding of linear algebra, so it will be easier for him to learn languages. Decide in which area you want to develop, so it will be easier for you to decide in which direction you want to study and work in the future.

So, I think that first you should decide which programming language to study. If you want to create websites, then you should study HTML, JavaScript and PHP. If you want to develop mobile applications, then Java, Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. If you are interested in machine learning or data analysis, then you should choose Python. I hope that helped!

To begin programming, here are some steps you can take:

1. Choose a programming language: There are many popular programming languages you can start with, such as Python, JavaScript, or Java. Research the different languages to find one that aligns with your goals and interests.

2. Set up your development environment: Install the necessary software and tools to write and run code. Depending on the language, this may involve installing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or a text editor along with a compiler or interpreter.

3. Learn the basics: Start by learning the fundamentals of programming, such as variables, data types, control flow (if statements, loops), and functions. Online tutorials, coding bootcamps, or books are great resources to get started.

4. Practice coding: The best way to learn programming is by writing code. Start with small projects and gradually increase the complexity as you gain confidence. Practice regularly to reinforce what you've learned.

5. Join coding communities: Engage with other programmers to learn from their experiences, ask questions, and share your own knowledge. Online forums, coding communities, and social media groups are excellent platforms to connect with fellow programmers.

6. Solve problems: Challenge yourself with coding exercises or coding competitions like Project Euler or HackerRank. Problem-solving helps improve your algorithmic thinking and problem-solving skills.

7. Build real-world projects: Apply your programming skills to create practical projects. By working on tangible projects, you'll gain hands-on experience and learn valuable lessons in problem-solving, debugging, and project management.

8. Read and explore: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the programming world. Read blogs, follow influential developers on social media, and explore new programming concepts and frameworks.

9. Dive into data structures and algorithms: Understanding data structures (like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues) and algorithms (such as sorting, searching, and graph algorithms) is crucial for efficient problem-solving and writing optimized code. Study these concepts to broaden your programming skills.

10. Contribute to open source projects: Open source projects provide an excellent opportunity to collaborate with experienced programmers, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain practical experience. Start small by fixing bugs or adding features, and gradually increase your involvement.

11. Learn version control: Version control systems like Git are essential for managing code changes, collaborating with others, and keeping track of project history. Familiarize yourself with Git and platforms like GitHub or GitLab to effectively manage your codebase.

12. Practice debugging: Debugging is an integral part of programming. Learn how to identify and fix errors in your code by using debuggers, print statements, and online resources. It's a skill that will save you a lot of time and frustration.

13. Explore different domains: Programming has applications in various fields like web development, mobile app development, machine learning, data analysis, game development, and more. Explore different domains to find your areas of interest and specialize accordingly.

14. Continuously expand your knowledge: Programming languages and technologies evolve rapidly. Stay updated with new language features, frameworks, libraries, and best practices through online tutorials, dоcumentation, and conferences. Continuous learning is key to staying relevant in the ever-changing programming landscape.

15. Develop problem-solving skills: Programming is essentially about solving problems. Enhance your problem-solving skills by practicing logic puzzles, participating in coding competitions, and challenging yourself with complex programming tasks.

To embark on a programming journey, you can start by selecting a programming language that aligns with your interests and goals, such as Python for data science, JavaScript for web development, or Java for Android app development. Familiarize yourself with the syntax and data structures of your chosen language through online resources, tutorials, and coding boot camps. As a newbie, it's essential to grasp the fundamentals of programming, including variables, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts.

You can also leverage Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, or Sublime Text to write, debug, and test your code. Furthermore, participate in coding communities, such as GitHub, Stack Overflow, or Reddit's r/learnprogramming, to network with fellow programmers, get feedback on your projects, and stay updated on industry trends.