What PHP Needed to Make One Loop with Multiple Styling?

Question

I understand that there is a way to have the loop display multiple ways on one page without using multiple loops... Or in other words something like:

<?php if (have_posts()) : while (have_posts()) : ?>
<!-- Code for the First Post -->
<?php else: ?>
<!-- Code for Posts 2-4 -->
<?php else: ?>
<!-- Code for Posts 5-12 -->
<!-- stuff to close loop -->

Problem is that I don't really know php well, and I have no idea how to have it count posts and how to tell it for the first post do X, for posts 2 through 4 do X, and for posts 5 through 12 do X... If anyone can point me to a clear tutorial or let me know what PHP is necessary, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

this is your answer... however like Kaiser said, you should really take some time to read a little...

 <?php 
 $i=0;  
 if ( have_posts() ) while ( have_posts() ) : the_post();
      if($i==0) { ?>

         // YOUR FIRST POST CONTENT

      } else if(($i==1) || ($i==2) || ($i==3)) {

         // POST 2, 3, 4

      } else {

         // everything else

      }
 $i++;
 endwhile;

This is a fast answer and is not the ideal approach, but it will solve your problem...