How long does it typically take to grasp the fundamentals of PHP and be able to work without constantly referencing guides?

It typically takes a few months of consistent practice and learning to grasp the fundamentals of PHP and be able to work without constantly referencing guides. This includes understanding basic syntax, data types, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming concepts. The key is to practice writing code regularly, working on small projects, and seeking help from online resources and communities when needed.

<?php
// Example PHP code snippet
// Define a function that calculates the sum of two numbers
function calculateSum($num1, $num2) {
    return $num1 + $num2;
}

// Call the function and output the result
$sum = calculateSum(5, 10);
echo "The sum of 5 and 10 is: " . $sum;
?>