how did you learn php

Hi all im wondering how you learned php...i mean i got a book and im reading all about it but i cant imagine how all these varibles and stuff can make anything like a forum....
how did you people learn php ...welll the book i got seems to be very good...
Programming PHP: Creating Dynamic Web Pages
by Rasmus Lerdorf & Kevin Tatroe
O'Reilly
later

i learned from www.php.net that site really taught me a lot but nothing helps like making things on your own, it's the best way to learn.

You know what I did with my 4 or 5 books for learning php?

The same exact thing I did with the 3 books I have for Perl, the 4 I have for C++ in Windows, the 2 I have for C in linux, the HTML/DHTML/CSS reference and the 5 books on photoshop. I put them in a box in the closet.

Seems I collect books that collect dust.

Php manual and phpbuilder.com mainly.

I look at examples in the manual to see how the functions are used. Then apply them how I want it to. I never bought a book. Not even for PS.

I have two asp books two sql book and a dhtml book. Of all of them, none taught me more about that subject then php.net alone

ok

If you've never learned a language before PHP, then I suggest you pick yourself up a copy of a programming book that teaches you the basic concept behind programming. Then all you have to do is learn the syntax to PHP and its functions.

How did you guys do the install..That is what is stopping me from learning more php..I can't seem to figure out how to install everything correctly :(

I learned from http://www.thedailyspread.com/tech/tut.html.

my local library