Ask HN: How do I learn php or Web development?
I'm not new I been doing a few tutorials I know my way around a book or screencast recommendation would be help
Head First HTML and CSS
Work along with the tutorials as you're going through the book.
Head First PHP & MySQL
Same thing here work along with the examples.
After you have those completed or along the way pick a php app that you would use, maybe a to do list, organize/track something you collect and try to build it from scratch.
Google and StackOverflow will be your friends here.
After you complete that one a good next step is Laracasts.com. There are free videos to get you started in PHP and Laravel(Framework).
Maybe rebuild your personal app you created using the Laravel Framework.
Next I'd recommend The Head First Javascript and jQuery books are good for getting your feet wet too while you're working through laracasts free content.
There is lots to learn but this will give you a good foundation to get started and continue learning.
Have Fun.
Also I found it helpful to start messing around with WordPress[1] in a vagrant box[2][3]. Start by playing around modifying pre-built themes and plugins. There are tons of tutorials, just google[4] around.
[0] http://www.phptherightway.com/
[2] https://github.com/Varying-Vagrant-Vagrants/VVV
[3] https://github.com/vagrantpress/vagrantpress
EDIT: I know those aren't really books, sorry
Also for web development in general take free course at udacity, taught by reddit founder.
Also on codacadmy and codeschool have some qualified free screencasts to teach professional web development to beginners.
Python is a much better starting point.
echo 'Hello world!';