How can i practice php scripting?

Question

I have been learning how to make web sites through the w3schools tutorials and lessons. i learned html, css, javascript, etc .. and would like to learn server side scripting. i have been learning php by reading the material but am unable to practice because the site that i practice on ( www.freewebs.com ) won't allow me to use php scripting. i was going to install apache on my computer and practice that way, but it looks very complicated. specifically, i saw a warning one person gave on here about going "live" on the internet with apache, implying that hackers would break into my computer or something. Also, when i tried to install the apache, it was talking about encryption software and something about government laws and so forth. any advice about how to practice php and things i should know about using apache would be helpful. thanks in advance

Answer 1

This may not be the best solution for you, but this is what I did.

I went over to GoDaddy.com and purchased the Linux Economy hosting plan.  I figured I was planning on using PHP with creating web apps anyway, so I would need hosting.  GoDaddy isn't the fastest hosting, but they are cheap and I personally have had good luck with their customer service.

What type of computer are you running, is it a Mac?  If so, PHP/Apache are already installed.  If Windows, yeah it is a little complicated... so good luck.

Other than searching for free hosting that supports PHP, which most likely will be tough to come by, I think the best way to put your PHP learning to use is to go ahead and start developing an actual website or webapp.  And if you are learning all of this anyway... might as well put it to use.

Answer 2

You can register at freelance websites like http://getafreelnacer.com/ , http://scriptlance.biz/ , http://eufrelance.com/ ,etc and start bidding for all php projects posted there .

Answer 3

Try using XAMPP (http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.ht... XAMPP is an install package that sets up a pre-configure environment with Apache, MySQL, PHP, and PERL.