Ask HN: I want to write a simple webapp, how should I start?

First of all, thanks for reading this, you probably have read it many times before.

So, here is what I want to do: I want to index some of my magazines. My webapp should have a search field, where I can type in a single phrase or look up complete issues.

I know that I need a database in the backend for this (that I need to populate).

But since I have no experience in developing (neither web nor other) and only possess a "dangerous half knowledge), I'd thought I ask your advice.

Which road should I start on? PHP + MySQL would be the first to come into my mind, but since I'm a clean slate, would it make sense to start with something completley different (and maybe as accessible)?

Thanks for taking the time to read and answer, looking forward to your input.