During the initial learning phase I wasn't as enthralled because who cares what $this->someFunction($variable) means? I'd say I put in around an hour per day for the first month and then once I got the hang of it, probably 2-4 hours per day after that. I made sure to take off programming at least one day per week so I wouldn't get burned out considering I was working full time too.
So, I'd estimate around 150-160 hours. I should've kept track. I plan on learning ruby later on this year and I'll be sure to keep a record of that.
James, this is in response to what you said to my last comment. The reply button wasn't showing.
Anyway, that 150-160 hours was to the point where I was comfortable enough to sit down and code away. I'm still working on the system and I'm still learning a lot. I'd also like to become a lot better with css/jquery. I know the basics and not much more. A guy on my team is a front end whiz so I don't have to worry about cramming that into my head right now.
So, I'd estimate around 150-160 hours. I should've kept track. I plan on learning ruby later on this year and I'll be sure to keep a record of that.