Learning Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a valuable skill in today’s cloud-centric IT landscape. GCP offers a wide range of services and solutions for computing, storage, machine learning, big data, and more. Here’s a structured approach to start learning GCP:

1. Understand Cloud Computing Basics: If you’re new to cloud computing, begin with the basics. Understand what cloud computing is, its advantages, different service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and deployment models (public, private, hybrid).

2. Explore GCP Fundamentals: Familiarize yourself with the core concepts and components of Google Cloud Platform. This includes understanding the GCP infrastructure, key services like Compute Engine, App Engine, Cloud Storage, BigQuery, and Cloud Functions.

3. Official Google Cloud Training and Certification: Google offers official training courses and certifications that can help you learn in a structured manner. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels. Certifications like Associate Cloud Engineer, Professional Data Engineer, or Professional Cloud Architect can validate your skills.

4. Hands-On Practice: The best way to learn GCP is by using it. Google Cloud provides a free tier and $300 in free credits for new users to explore and experiment with its services. You can create your own projects or follow along with tutorials.

5. Online Courses and Tutorials: There are many online platforms offering courses on GCP. Websites like Coursera, Pluralsight, and Udemy have comprehensive courses that cover various aspects of GCP.

6. Read Google Cloud Documentation and Whitepapers: Google’s documentation is extensive and offers detailed guides, quickstarts, and best practices. Whitepapers provide insight into security, architecture, and other critical aspects of cloud computing on GCP.

7. Community and Forums: Engaging with the GCP community can enhance your learning. Join forums, attend local meetups, or participate in online communities like Stack Overflow, Reddit’s GCP community, or the official Google Cloud Platform Community.

8. Follow GCP Blogs and YouTube Channel: Google’s official blog and YouTube channel regularly publish updates, tutorials, case studies, and best practices that can be extremely helpful.

9. Work on Real-World Projects: Apply your learning by working on real-world projects. This can be anything from deploying a simple website on GCP to more complex projects involving data analytics, machine learning, or serverless architectures.

10. Stay Updated: The cloud landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest GCP developments, new services, and updates to existing services.

Remember, learning GCP or any cloud platform is a journey. It takes time and practice. Start with the basics, build a strong foundation, and gradually move to more complex topics and certifications.