vB Hacking Tutorial/Reference?

[spoontacular]

Could some hacking guru make a tutorial and reference, as there seems to be none available. I know there's the template reference, but I can't seem to figure out how to use gettemplate() and create variables. I've tried looking at other hacks, but I can't seem to figure it out. Thank you.

(If there is one already, please give me the URL.)

[kmfdm_kid2000]

I know it sounds stupid, but start out with reading PHP and MySQL for Dummies by Janet Valade ($24.95 USD)...It's written in Plain English, and if you have no prior experiance, it does a WORLD of good...I'm about 1/2 way through myself, and I have a MUCH greater understanding of MySQL and SQL in general...

I highly recommend it as a fast and easy way to get started, but nothing teaches like good ol' experiance ;)