Laravel is a powerful PHP framework that makes building web applications enjoyable and rapid. If you are new to Laravel, here is are my suggestions on how you can get started:

1. Master PHP Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Before diving into Laravel, make sure you have a solid understanding of PHP and OOP concepts such as classes, objects, inheritance, interfaces, traits, and namespaces. Laravel heavily relies on these principles, so this foundation will make learning the framework much smoother.

2. Familiarise Yourself with Composer

Composer is the dependency manager for PHP and is essential for managing Laravel packages and libraries. Learn how to install Composer, add dependencies and autoload classes. This knowledge is crucial since Laravel projects depend on Composer for package management. Laravel is essentially a masterfully glued together bunch of composer packages. That fact is made clear by the fact that most of the code that drives your new app is found in the Composer-managed `vendor` directory.

3. Start Learning Laravel Through Tutorials

Once comfortable with PHP OOP and Composer, begin exploring Laravel through quality tutorials. Some great resources include:

• Laracasts – The go-to platform for Laravel tutorials, from beginner to advanced.
• YouTube Laravel Tutorials – Many free tutorials covering Laravel basics and project building.

4. Practice by Building a Real Project

Theory is important, but practice is key. Start building a simple, usable project like a blog, to-do list or small ecommerce site. This hands-on experience will help you understand how Laravel’s components fit together and prepare you for more complex applications.

Remember, learning Laravel is a journey. Take your time mastering the basics, and gradually build your skills through practice and exploration. Happy coding!