PHP
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Introduction Finding other books |
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Introduction |
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PHP is so widely used by now, with many millions of installations (even the W3C are using it) that it's no wonder many books have been written about it. And since it's often used in combination with MySQL you'll find books about that combination, too. Here's my selection for PHP books: I've selected (mostly) for version 4 which is now current almost anywhere (ask your hosting provider!) but it's still only a selection of what's available. |
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Teach Yourself PHP in 24 Hours
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Background
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If you're looking for a good introduction to PHP, have a look at this book. Intended for those who
are new to server-side programming and are making a start with PHP (an excellent choice!) - it doesn't assume the reader already knows a
lot. This book should have you programming with PHP in no time.
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PHP Fast & Easy Web Development
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PHP for the World Wide Web: Visual Quickstart Guide
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Background |
If you like the format of the Visual Quickstart Guides, you'll like this book to learn PHP with.
It covers both PHP3 and PHP4. Like all Visual Quickstart Guides, this is aimed at beginners.
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PHP: Your Visual Blueprint for Creating Open Source, Server-Side Content
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Core PHP Programming: Using PHP to Build Dynamic Web Sites
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Background
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This book is both a tutorial and a (very complete) reference. It covers not just the language, but
also where to get and how to install PHP (useful if you want to install it locally, or if your host does not provide it but does allow
installation of software). For my taste, it repeats the on-line reference too much (and thus the reference suffers from not being hyperlinked
but alphabetically organized); but some people like to have have things on paper so they can scribble on it, attach sticky notes, and
dog-ear the pages. If you're such a person, this book might be for you.
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PHP and MySQL Web Development
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Background
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Another book about the PHP/MySQL combo that doesn't assume too much and will take you quite a
long way. But if you've grasped the basics already, this may not be what you are looking for. Then again, this books develops many practical
real-world examples, including setting up an e-commerce site, user authentication, session control, etc. If you're looking for a kick start
implementing such things yourself, the book may be exactly what you're looking for, even if you're no longer a beginner. The book has arrived
now, and I'm absolutely delighted with it: each practical example is introduced with a clear outline of the problem and a nice diagram of
the different states the solution should handle. Code modules that were developed earlier are sensibly re-used. It comes with a CD-Rom with
everything you need to get started, and all sample code. If you use the combination of PHP and MySQL (or even PHP with another back-end
database) this book can't be missed in your library.
Get it!
Bryan Capitano
commented:
This is the best book on the market I think. But it depends on your skill level. This book has a section on basic PHP language, another section on setting up MySQL databases, and a third section with practical examples of PHP/MySQL projects, including source code etc.
It covers 90% of everything you'd need to REALLY know. For the other 10%, I like to use the WROX series Professional PHP Programming. It has a nice library of MySQL functions in the glossary which Welling and Thomson would have been really wise to incorporate.
The two of these books make a SLAMMING dynamic duo. You just can't fail with them.
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PHP: Pocket Reference
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Background |
To use the on-line reference for PHP you have to be on-line (obviously); and although the
HTML files can be downloaded and installed in the HomeSite Help tree, that won't
let you see its structure. (A solution for that is forthcoming, though.) And anyway, sometimes it's quicker to look it up in a book,
and this one really does fit in your pocket.
Tip: cut off the spine, punch holes in it, and put it in a binder: it will stay open flat, and you can add your own pages with notes!
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PHP 4 Bible
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Background |
Not quite as hefty as some of the other 'Bibles' from this publisher, but its coverage is quite
extensive. Not for beginners really, although the books tries to target that audience as well. If you're just getting started, get one
of the introductory books first (see above), then move on to this one. The Cookbook forms an indispensible
supplement to this book.
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Professional PHP Programming
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Background
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A typical Wrox offering ins the 'Professional' series, with not too many authors.The book will take you from installation and configuration of the PHP engine to advanced dynamic application design, covering database and directory manipulation, dynamic graphic manipulation, dynamic graphic integration, and XML along the way. Even though this book is about PHP3, it's worth mentioning here, I think.
Bryan Capitano commented:
This book does a fine job explaining (1) how to use PHP -- as a beginner (2) how to use MySQL -- as
a beginner. The language is simple. If you've never come across a for{} loop, it explains it clearly. AND, what I liked about this book and
PHP and MySQL Web Development (as a beginner) was that they had plenty of room to grow -- chapters on more
advanced topics, practical projects with source code. You certainly don't have to read those chapters first. I like to get books which have
a few more miles than "just the basics."
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PHP Developer's Cookbook
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Background
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For subjects for which there is excellent on-line reference material, I tend to use just that.
PHP is one of those subjects, and you can even download the archive of the help files and install it in HomeSite. But a reference is just
that - and sometimes (or often) it doesn't give you a clue on how to solve real-world problems. You end up searching on-line for hours.
When I stumbled over this book in one of the local bookstores, I immediately grabbed it and looked if there was a solution for a problem
I had spent many hours finding a solution for already. And there it was! So I bought the book. What I like about the book is that it has a
very practical approach, and largely follows the same outline as the Perl Cookbook (although somewhat
less detailed): that helps to find my way around it quickly. It covers both PHP3 and PHP4 (including a useful appendix about migrating to
PHP4). Not a beginners book: it assumes a basic level of competence in and understanding of the PHP language. If that applies to you, this
book is a real timesaver. NOTE: this 2nd edition will be published in December but you can already order it.
Get it!
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Build Your Own Database Driven Website Using PHP & MySQLby Kevin Yank
Although you can find the author's excellent tutorial on-line (I scanned through it and immediately
learned something!) the book version has been completely revisited and extended. So, in order to keep food and drink in Kevin's fridge and
this site running, I'd advise you to buy the book anyway. NOTE: this book is not (yet?) available from Amazon! If you
want it, just go ahead and by it from the link given in the Background box.
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Finding other books |
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You can use these search forms to search Amazon.com's or Amazon.co.uk's catalog for books, software, and more. And
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With such glowing reader reviews, you can hardly go wrong buying this book. Each page spread displays
one technique, with a clearly written introduction, annotated screenhots showing exactly how to create the code and what the result will be,
and an "Extra" sidebar outlining additional related techniques. Read sequentially, it's an excellent tutorial, but because of the book's
organization with one 'theme' per page spread, it can be used as a quick reference as well. It covers not just the basics, but even advanced
subjects like working with objects, files and MySQL databases. The CD-Rom contains all the source code, an e-version of the book, and
freeware, shareware and evaluation versions of useful programs for working with PHP. Last but not least, it's inexpensive, too.
let me know
