How do you start learning PHP?

I think before you study php you must have knwolegde in these things : Check (www.w3schools.com) - HTML (100%) - HTML (20%) - CSS/CSS3 (50%) - JavaScript (100%) - JQuery (30%) - Then you must understand SQL statments its so important - Wide information about Request and Response , HTTP , HTTPS, Etc..
- JSON and XML - Object Oriendted Concepts - AJAX after this you can go and study PHP , start with w3schools & install free books you can find alot alot of books in MR Google.
when you start you can focous on : 1 - php Syntax & php Arrays
2- php Cookies & Sessions
3- php Database
4- php and AJAX - As a Start , build a small website to test your skills

in my openion: The best way to learn is to practise.
if you are comming from any developement backgound, the thing that you need to do is to think of an idea for a small web site, and then start implementing it.
Depend on google to look up for answers on a spesific peace of knowleage for the issues you are facing during implementing your simple site, you'll build up a practical PHP knowleage.
Moreover, php.net is your place it mixes traditional PHP documentation and community experiance nicely.

You either start with online tutorials or by reading php books.
Online tutorials can be a quick start, specially the video tutorials.
You can check the following websites that can help you learn fast: http://www.w3schools.com/php/default.asp http://www.learnphponline.com/ - PHP books: PHP Solutions: Dynamic Web Design Made Easy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1590597311/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nett02-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1590597311 PHP Cookbook: Solutions and Examples for PHP Programmers: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596101015/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nett02-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0596101015 PHP for Absolute Beginners: http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Beginners-Experts-Voice-Source/dp/1430224738/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355924692&sr=1-1&keywords=PHP+for+Absolute+Beginners

It's always great to start using tutorials on the Internet.

you tube tutorials and practice practice and practice.

Hello, If you are fresh and new to programming in general, then best thing to do is learn the basics of HTML.
There are many tutorials on the net, one of my favorite websites that I have been referring to for years now is http://www.w3schools.com/ W3Schools.com would guide you step by step by providing examples and how how to solve solutions.
If you know the basics and ready to move to PHP, you can just click on the PHP section and you will be guided with chapters on learning PHP.
Good luck and happy programming!

After html and sql Go to any website toturial like w3schools

I'd suggest some video tutorials from Lynda.com