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Perl @ Web Programming
Programming Shed : Programmer Store & Resources |
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Perl Index - Perl Book :
Mysql and Perl for the Web
by Paul DuBois Paperback: 552 pages Publisher: New Riders Publishing ISBN: 0735710546; 1st edition (August 3, 2001) Once in a while a book comes along that covers an area of development that has previously been largely ignored. Both MySQL and Perl are well documented in several tutorials, but in-depth coverage of Web development using the combination of the two is rare. MySQL and Perl for the Web zeroes in on this interesting pairing, illustrating practical application development possibilities using this popular duo. The book is perfect for developers of Web sites running on Apache on Unix. Loyalties vary in terms of operating systems, Web servers, and scripting languages, but those who find their home in the Unix and Perl environments will find this book right up their alleys. The target audience is developers somewhat familiar with Perl and the Unix-based Web server environment, but you'll find the book illustrative even if your knowledge is sketchy. After showing how to make database connections using Perl and MySQL, author Paul DuBois dives into some useful real-world examples to help you build your skills. He shows how to implement a simple to-do list application, an online product registration site, contests, online polls, image databases, an online greeting card service, and more. There is also excellent coverage of search facilities and session management. The sample code for the applications in this text is presented in small pieces in context with the discussion; most of the space is devoted to explanations of the issues and implementation. All of the code is available, however, from the book's companion Web site. This tutorial is an excellent way for Perl developers to move to the next level of development and make the most of some powerful, free tools. --Stephen W. Plain From Book News, Inc.: Illustrates how to use MySQL in tandem with Perl and its DBI module to write web-based database scripts. The author describes the procedures for creating and initializing forms with CGI.pm, writing forms-based applications, automating the form-handling process, performing searches, and securing connections. The final chapter provides an example e-commerce web site.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR Book Description: "MySQL and Perl for the Web" provides a much-needed handbook for database and Web developers seeking an extensive and detailed guide for using the combination of MySQL and Perl to build dynamic and interactive database-backed Web sites. It shows how to use Perl's DBI database access module, pairing it with with the CGI.pm module that allows Web pages and forms to be generated and processed easily. These tools provide developers with a solid foundation for creating applications that incorporate database content to create dynamic, up-to-date Web sites. The book employs a practical learn-by-doing approach that demonstrates development techniques by building complete applications, not just fragmentary pieces. It shows what to do at each step of the way during the process of building live, working examples. Applications are fully explained so you can understand how they work and apply the techniques they illustrate to your own projects. With "MySQL and Perl for the Web" you will learn how to: • Build database-backed Web sites using MySQL, Perl, and Apache • Access MySQL from Perl with DBI • Use CGI.pm to create dynamic Web pages based on database content • Design form-based applications to collect and edit database information over the Web • Upload, store, and display images using MySQL • Write interactive database search interfaces • Use database metadata to automate form generation and processing • Protect your MySQL installation and Web site from intruders • Use sessions for state maintenance • Learn E-commerce techniques • Use MySQL to improve customer service • Credit card processing • Write libraries for easy access to commonly used code • Use mod_perl to improve Web site performance • Use mod_ssl to implement secure connections • Conduct polls and solicit feedback • Integrate email capabilities into your applications • Write scheduled database tasks • Generate navigational aids from database content • Validate form input and prevent user tampering From the Publisher: Paul is a prime example of the kind of author we look for here at New Riders Publishing - a VOICE THAT MATTERS. Readers of his previous book- "MySQL" - can't seem to say enough good things about his incredibly engaging writing style and the amount of detail and know-how Paul brings to his work. Paul has done it again with "MySQL and Perl for the Web." Pre-published reviews of this book say that there is information here that can't be found anywhere else. The amount of detail and depth behind this difficult to master technology combination, is beyond what you'd expect. Paul has once again written a masterpiece that I am proud to publish. It's because of authors like him that people like me continue to be excited by what we publish and then are able to turn around and make it available to people like you. As always, I like to hear from our readers about their experience with the book so please write in and tell me at nrfeedback@newriders.com. I know you'll be pleased. ~Stephanie Wall, Executive Editor From the Inside Flap: In "MySQL and Perl for the Web" Paul DuBois covers the technology in a thorough manner, and he does so without confusion. Programmers with little experience in implementing web sites, and people with limited programming skills who want to increase their skills enough to implement a web site will find that the clarity of expression and wealth of detail make this book a valuable resource." --Robert J. Hall, Jr., MySQL Database Developer From the Back Cover: MySQL and Perl for the Web provides a much-needed handbook for database and Web developers seeking an extensive and detailed guide for using the combination of MySQL and Perl to build dynamic and interactive database-backed Web sites. It shows how to use Perl's DBI database access module, pairing it with with the CGI.pm module that allows Web pages and forms to be generated and processed easily. These tools provide developers with a solid foundation for creating applications that incorporate database content to create dynamic, up-to-date Web sites.The book employs a practical learn-by-doing approach that demonstrates development techniques by building complete applications, not just fragmentary pieces. It shows what to do at each step of the way during the process of building live, working examples. Applications are fully explained so you can understand how they work and apply the techniques they illustrate to your own projects. About the Author: Paul DuBois began his involvement with MySQL after recoiling in horror at the complexities of dealing with a database from one of the larger commercial vendors, and with its customer support mechanism. Turning to MySQL for relief proved to have unforeseen and unexpected consequences: first as the opportunity to contribute to the MySQL Reference Manual, then to writing "MySQL" with New Riders, and most recently to his present employment with NuSphere, a company actively involved in MySQL development, promotion, and training. Paul's responsibilities and interests have at one time or another involved database development, Web site development and management, mailing list management, system administration, and TCP/IP and AppleTalk networking. He's considered a leader in the MySQL and Open Source communities. Excerpted from Mysql and Perl for the Web by Paul DuBois. Copyright © 2001. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved: Excerpt from the Introduction: When I wrote MySQL for New Riders a year and a half ago, I wondered if it would receive much of a response, because it wasn't apparent whether or not the MySQL community was very sizable. I should have known better! MySQL is a very good database, it's easy to use, it's fast, and it's free—all characteristics that help make it deservedly more popular each day. And it's clear now that its users are interested in reading more about it. Consequently, after publishing MySQL, the folks at New Riders began to consider how the database community could be served by another MySQL-based title. As we discussed ideas, one that quickly came to mind was the need for substantial coverage on the topic of using MySQL in tandem with Perl and its DBI module for writing Web-based database scripts. This combination is quite widely used, but, oddly enough, only sporadically documented. The result? Many people who see how popular MySQL and Perl are in Web environments decide to try them out, but find themselves without a source that deals at length specifically with these tools. This book changes that. It contains extensive practical material that will allow you to use MySQL and Perl to bring your Web site to life. It helps you write applications that interact with your visitors and applications that provide dynamic content, freeing you from being tied to static pages that must be updated by hand. The approach used here is based on the belief that learning from examples is one of the most effective ways to gain knowledge and experience. You'll find functional applications that you can modify to suit your own purposes. What you won't find is page after page of program listings with little explanation of what's going on. Examples are more meaningful when you understand them, so each application is fully described so that you know not only what it does, but how and why. This approach emphasizes the following key features: Practicality. I assume you're interested in working code that does real stuff, so that's what you'll get here. But we'll also discuss the reasons why you do things a certain way, because such understanding will allow you to adapt the material to many more contexts than would any rote-learning approach. We'll discuss the principles that go into designing and implementing the applications, to provide knowledge that will help you modify them more readily or design new ones based on similar principles. If, as is common for Perl, “there's more than one way to do it” and multiple techniques bear consideration, we'll discuss and compare them. Accessibility. The material here is technical, but not impenetrable. I believe it's possible to present content and substance in a practical way that is also easy to understand and use. Generality. As we develop a particular application to perform a specific task, I'll point out other types of problems that can be addressed with the general techniques used in the application. That way you can look beyond the code to see how it might be adapted to other purposes—some of which might be of more interest to you than the immediate purpose for which the application is written here. You'll notice that applications in this book sometimes develop in fits and starts. I'll show one way to do something, then point out a shortcoming and show how to do it better—occasionally several times. This isn't always the most direct approach, but it provides more latitude to discuss alternatives. ~Paul DuBois Customer Reviews Reviewer: Dennis Rasey from San Diego, CA I found Mysql and Perl for the Web to be a great companion for Paul's MySQL book. After reading through Mysql and Perl for the Web, I finally feel I have enough working knowledge to start my first large project using MySQL & Perl (this is my first foray into using Perl). My only other "addition" was purchasing a complete referance for Perl. As with his MySQL book, Paul writing style was extremely easy to follow (especally considering my lack of Perl experience). I felt the examples, especially those in Chapter 6, "Automating the Form-Handling process", to be almost invaluable. This was actually one of the best example/tutorial I have come across for Form-Handling. I could go on & on about specific areas that helped me, but suffice it to say, if your going to be doing any work with SQL & Perl, this is a MUST HAVE book. Reviewer: Matt Flaig from Milwaukee, WI MySQL and Perl for the Web by Paul DuBois is one of those slap your forehead, "I wish I had this X months ago" books. A splendid book that fills a real void. Though not for total beginners - have Paul's excellent previous book "MySQL", as well as the some reference like the Camel book handy if you have little or no background in MySQL or Perl - it is written in a concise, easy to read manner that allows one to fully understand what each application does and how the examples could be the basis for use in their own code. In addition, it's a fine repository of tips, and not all are limited to MySQL and Perl. For example, the section on configuring Apache for secure connections using mod_ssl and OpenSSL, could easily save a newbie seeking SSL knowledge hours of research over many sites and through many README's. Each chapter builds on the examples of the previous, from the simple to the complex. The book covers, amongst other subjects ... - Form generation and design - Processing forms - Using e-mail to enhance your web site - Storing and retrieving images - The use of MySQL to power your forms - Effective MySQL table design - Automating form handling - Generating form elements from tables - Forms navigation - Forms error handling - Advanced MySQL statements - Indexing and searching your data - Intermediate to advanced Perl usage - Session Management - Maintenance techniques with sessions - Security and privacy, both remotely and locally - Writing secure applications - E-commerce applications - Implementing different payment collection techniques In other words, it touches on just about every aspect someone looking to leverage MySQL and Perl for web development could want, all in a single source. I learned a lot from this book and think it's easily worth the price. Reviewer: Ilya Sterin from MI United States Paul, another wonderfully written book. Both open source technologies are very widely used these days. After reading this book, you get the feeling that they are almost made for each other. This is a must have for anyone developing web apps with Perl and MySQL back end. Reviewer: Jane Larsen from Odense, Denmark If you would like to use MySQL on you webpage you can use this book to get started and going. The book handles all initial setup and gives good descriptins on how to get relevant software (this doesn't cost any money - except from download). After the first two chapters you are ready to rumble... The next chapters handles eg. Improving perfomance, handling forms, writing form-based applications, handling searches and security issues. Together with the MySQL book this will give you the tools to build a great dynamic website. The book is written in a clear and easy language so you'll benefit from reading it even though english isn't your native language |
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