Reddit mentions of Head First PHP & MySQL: A Brain-Friendly Guide

Intro to PHP/MySQL: http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-MySQL-Lynn-Beighley/dp/0596006306

More advanced SQL knowledge: http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-SQL-Brain-Learners/dp/0596526849

More advanced PHP knowledge: http://www.amazon.com/PHP-Object-Oriented-Solutions-David-Powers/dp/1430210117

Go in that order, you'll be very comfortable in a few months.

Head First PHP & Mysql

The Head First series is really good, they will walk you through the language using numerous mini projects and some bigger ones, giving you a little head start in the right direction for each one. The books in this series always get great review

I would go with this:

http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-MySQL-Lynn-Beighley/dp/0596006306/ref=pd_sim_b_3

The Headfirst series really helped me get my jump start into programming, and I think this would be really helpful for you.

If you don't really know how to code, I would vote for PHP. There are tons of books, tons more examples, and is pretty easy to get started on with WAMP and LAMP stacks.

I personally started PHP using this book: http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-MySQL-Lynn-Beighley/dp/0596006306

But, if you don't want to take a formal training after this, dive in. It'll take a bit, but you can search and read for the stuff directly what your after. I have built a couple applications this way, and was fun.

I really find the Head First series of books and the Sam's 24-hour books to be invaluable resources when learning new software stuff.

This is probably what you're looking for:

Head First PHP & MySQL

I know this isn't super helpful since you're using videos, but starting out, this book can be pretty handy.

What I like about Head First is that all of their lessons are built around real-world tasks, and they build off one another from lesson to lesson (as opposed to a bunch of random one-off projects). In the PHP book's case, the very first few chapters show you exactly how to get a database up and running, how to connect to it, and how to build pages to create a mailing list, 'unsubscribe' form, 'post to blog' form, etc.

I had zero PHP expertise when I started the book, and within a week or two I had built all that's described above, and was already figuring out ways to extend functionality, tweak, etc.

FWIW, I also think that starting out, it's worth just getting some hosting space through godaddy or any other cheap host that'll give you quick dashboard access to phpmyadmin. It'll make creating databases with mysql (which the aforementioned book also explains) a snap, and you won't have to deal with a bunch of Apache/OS-level headaches.

PHP is a great language to start out with. It's super easy to learn because it's very forgiving, which means it's easy to write "bad" code.

Writing bad code is okay for a while, but when you learn what "good" code is, you'll be frustrated at yourself.

I'd really recommend learning at The Odin Project

It doesn't teach you PHP, but it is a guided course that kinda holds your hand and tells you where to go.

If you're genuinely interested in PHP, I'd recommend Head First PHP & MySql

The Head First books do an insanely good job of teaching. They're among the best in my opinion, and Head First Design Patterns is kind of an industry standard.

That should teach you the basics. Enough to get started and enough to be dangerous.

After that, PHP Objects, Patterns, and Practice is a really good book to go from "okay" to "pretty great".

Good luck!

I'm currently reading Head First PHP & MySQL and think it's excellent. I started some other books, but this one seems to present everything in the most logical order.

I'm also reading sections of the official MySQL manual -- I downloaded the 3000+ pages into my Kindle so I can carry it around with me and bookmark pages. It has a lot of useful details that books don't seem to mention.

Probably the most useful learning tool is actually trying to do something with it. I came up with a couple little projects which eventually may be a useful website, so I'm working on that when I can.

Hope this helps.

I started with Head First PHP & MySQL when I started years ago. Two books I loved the most though were Beginning PHP and MySQL From Novice to Professional and PHP Solutions Dynamic Web Design Made Easy.

Later this book helped me immensely PHP Objects, Patterns, and Practice.

Ultimately, php.net is your bible and you can learn everything from there alone. Post on forums and ask for help. Try something and stick with it, don't jump around creating dozens of projects but stick with one and expand it.

Also this

Great resources for learning:
http://www.w3schools.com/php/default.asp
Books:
Head First PHP & MYSQL AND
PHP 6 and MYSQL 5.

The trick is to repeat the same things over and over and then you will begin to pick them up and remember them off by heart.

I had been idol for the past month until a couple of days ago when I started developing an old site and It took me a little while to remember basic things like creating a class or remembering certain queries.

It's a bit like riding a bike. Just hang in there.

The O'Reilly head first series of books are great. They offer an easy to understand and read book. These books go over the basics while teaching you PHP. http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-MySQL-Lynn-Beighley/dp/0596006306