PHP does definately have a place and I have suggested it as an alternative before on this site. I would just make a suggestion you usually won't hear from many PHP programers.

Use error_reporting(E_ALL)! Just like the usual mantra you'll hear on PerlMonks of use strict; use warnings;, error_reporting(E_ALL) turns on all warnings and error messages on you scripts and pages. It should find a prominent place in each script you write, unless, of course, you enjoy crackers destroying your site. If you are shopping for a book on PHP, take a quick check of the index. If you can't find a mention of error_reporting() or the author downplays its usefullness, put the book down and walk away.

The PHP community is still very young, and with the pummeling they have gotten, they are starting to smarten up. I would still be very cautious with suggestions and PHP code you run across. Remeber, WWPMD!