PHP - where to start to learn

[keyser_soze]

I have been tasked to modify an existing PHP website. The tasks seem pretty simple, and will require minor changes to the underlying mysql database.

I have set up a new machine with all the needed components (php, mysql, apache2) and have copied the php code and the SQL database. PHPinfo shows good data and the website on the test machine works as expected.

I am not at all familiar with PHP and would like to get up to speed as quickly as possible. (although I will need to learn PHP at a much greater level, I am initially looking for somewhere where I can look for specific answers). For example: where should I look in order to find how to create a 'message box' or 'popup' with some warning text?

Thanks!

[till]

You will find a very good function reference on www.php.net

For example: where should I look in order to find how to create a 'message box' or 'popup' with some warning text?

You cannot create a message box or popup in PHP, as it is a server based programming language. You can either "echo" an error message inside the HTML page or you must use javascript if you want to have a popup.