As a person new to programming, I started with PHP. I bought the book "Beginning PHP" to only find out that the book was out-dated in relation to "registered globals." My searches lead me to answers but as a person just starting out, I was totaly confused and lacking in comprehension.

I started learning JavaScript. It uses objects and I started to comprehend the basis of OOP.

I was searching the open source community for a programming language that would allow me to do more than client-side scripting. While searching the open source community, I came across a OOP language called Python. I went to the website and was pleasantly suprised to see links to many good tutorials for the "non-programmer." So I downloaded the language (free) and downloaded some tutorials. I then began my world of programming with Python. It has a very simple syntax and can be a powerful language. When I would come across a concept that I did not understand, I would go back to JavaScript and see how that language would address that issue. I could then apply the logic I learned to Python.

I guess what I am saying is that I have, as a completely newbie in the world of programming, used 2 languages to learn OOP. I am now in the process of learning PHP. It was the knowledge of JavaScript and then Python that has allowed me to work with PHP in a way that I can comprehend what the book is trying to teach and also figure out how to handle the out-dated material. JavaScript is a good beginning for programming in general. It is free, there is nothing to install and it WILL TEACH you the concepts involved in programming. Another thing about javascript is that there are many sites that you can either download and / or view the source code and look at a program and work through the programmer's logic behind the program.

I have tried Java and as a person who was completely ignorant to computer programming, was soon lost. After I become adept at PHP, I will then pursue learning Java. I do not recommend it to a person who is just starting out in programming.

Hope this helps. BTW if you are wanting more information on the Python Programming language, the web address is:

www.python.org

It is well worth anyones time if they have never programmed and want to learn a power OOP language. And again, it is free.

Good luck.

Regards,
Steve