As a Java programmer, transitioning to PHP can be relatively smooth due to similarities in syntax and concepts. Here are some steps to learn PHP effectively:

1. Understand the Basics: Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic syntax and features of PHP. Focus on variables, data types, operators, control structures (if statements, loops), functions, and arrays. Many concepts in PHP will be similar to what you've encountered in Java.

2. Explore PHP's Web Development Capabilities: PHP is primarily used for server-side web development, so it's essential to understand how it integrates with HTML for building dynamic web pages. Learn about embedding PHP code within HTML, handling form submissions, working with cookies and sessions, and interacting with databases using PHP's MySQLi or PDO extension.

3. Leverage Online Resources: There are numerous online resources, tutorials, and documentation available for learning PHP. Websites like PHP.net, W3Schools, and PHP: The Right Way offer comprehensive guides and tutorials for beginners. Additionally, online learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Codecademy offer PHP courses tailored to different skill levels.

4. Practice with Projects: Apply your PHP knowledge by working on practical projects. Start with small projects to build foundational skills, such as a simple CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) application, a basic blog or content management system (CMS), or a user authentication system. As you gain confidence, you can tackle more complex projects.

5. Learn from PHP Frameworks: Familiarize yourself with popular PHP frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter. These frameworks provide efficient ways to build web applications and follow best practices in web development. Since you're already experienced with Java frameworks, understanding PHP frameworks should be relatively straightforward.

6. Join PHP Communities: Engage with the PHP community through forums, discussion boards, and social media groups. Participating in online communities allows you to ask questions, seek advice, and learn from experienced PHP developers.

7. Continuous Learning: PHP, like any programming language, is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest features, best practices, and trends in PHP development by reading blogs, following industry news, and attending webinars or conferences.

By following these steps and leveraging your existing Java programming skills, you can effectively learn PHP and become proficient in web development using PHP.