Where to begin in PHP? -

what resources learning fundamentals of php language , overview of frameworks available? i've been working entire career in javascript, c# and, in older days, vbscript. find myself needing use php project due requirements. don't want pick php dummies want better information rather learning build stupid mistakes.

my main points of inquiry are: zend framework - why? akin jquery javascript making regular tasks simple? variable declaration - i've read php loose language pitfalls? how take advantage of fact? general practice structure guidelines. in c# can create multiple classes , reference in code behind using statements. should apply same principle php , include php files on pages needed or there better method?

i'm looking answers questions reliable resources good, detailed information. i'd rather able fish dinner if know mean.

the resource need consume (and should) php manual. it's complete, though it's low on practical recommendations. , download it!

here book recommendations:
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/90924/what-is-the-best-php-programming-book
, tutorials exist en masse.

my main points of inquiry are: zend framework - why? akin jquery javascript making regular tasks simple?

it's collection of utility functions. it's passive/web-mvc framework, foremost utility , glue code library. people see extension of pear repository (also many useful classes).

variable declaration - i've read php loose language pitfalls?

php handles undefined variables , null values quite well. many developers use heaps of isset() check value presence. form processing that's uneeded because that's php designed for. critical business logic might benefit isset , type checking (is_int or is_string, is_array, etc.)

how take advantage of fact? general practice structure guidelines.

practice.

i rely on letting php optimal thing. oftentimes should resort typecasting however. objects can meanwhile use typehinting in methods , functions. uncommon advisable idiom assert(is_array($param1));

in c# can create multiple classes , reference in code behind using statements. should apply same principle php , include php files on pages needed or there better method?

there multiple options. include needed approach workable small , midsize applications. many people rely on autoloaders class structures, simplifies usage tremendously. use central configuration file , dependency manager; loading @ once save initialization time (but waste memory).