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PHP @ Web Programming
Programming Shed : Programmer Store & Resources |
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PHP Index - PHP Book :
Beginning PHP4
by Chris Lea, Wankyu Choi, Allan Kent, Ganesh Prasad, Chris Ullman Perfect Paperback: 800 pages Dimensions (in inches): 1.73 x 9.01 x 7.29 Publisher: Wrox Press Inc ISBN: 1861003730; 1st edition (October 2000) Beginning PHP4 offers an almost ideal introductory tutorial to one of today's hotter scripting languages. This book really is everything that the novice needs to start building dynamic Web sites that are powered by PHP4, but old hands at programming also will find in it valuable information. PHP, of course, is introduced in the book, but there's also an approachable and effective introduction to programming in general. The conscientious tutorial on basic concepts like variables, keywords, and flow control will give even beginners an understanding of the basics of writing programs. PHP, it turns out, is not only a great way to generate HTML dynamically, but a very marketable skill. Web fundamentals like HTTP, HTML form variables, and managing session information using no less than four different techniques are explained thoroughly and effectively. You also find out how to install PHP and other tools on your system, with the assistance of plenty of screen shots. That's not to say that this book will cramp the style of more experienced developers. Some chapters delve into such important and advanced topics as database programming (with MySQL) and PHP's support for XML. One standout section demystifies the new support for objects and classes in PHP4. Basic topics like managing files and directories on the server, plus graphics processing, are addressed, of course, and a nifty sample program shows you how to build a Web-based text editor. Except for the final case study--a "URL directory manager" (akin to Yahoo!) that's rather specialized--the examples are right on, and illustrate everyday programming tasks. You'll learn also how to generate e-mail with PHP--certainly a valuable skill to have. The appendix lists several hundred PHP functions in over 50 pages--a handy and useful feature. In all, Beginning PHP4 provides a strong choice for learning about one of today's most powerful and easy-to-use scripting languages; it's concise, fast moving, and thoroughly approachable. --Richard Dragan Beginning PHP4 covered: • Introduction to PHP 4 • Downloading and installing PHP • Basics of HTTP and Web pages • PHP as a scripting language • PHP data types • Constants and conversions • HTML primer • Form variables • Decision making in PHP • Loops and arrays • PHP functions • Error handling in PHP • Tips on writing more maintainable code • Debugging hints • Preserving state with hidden form variables • Query strings • Cookies and PHP4 native sessions • Using PHP objects • File and directory functions • PHP database programming • Installing and using MySQL • Tutorial for SQL syntax • Querying and updating records • XML "quickstart" for PHP users • Creating e-mail and electronic newsletters • PHP graphics processing (including image maps) • Case study for a URL directory manager • ODBC tutorial • PHP4 function reference Book Description: PHP is a server-side scripting language. It is an open source, cross platform technology (NT, Linux, UNIX), rapidly gaining popularity as a scripting language for people running dynamic websites. Using practical examples and a step by step approach, this book explains how to develop web applications using PHP. Book Info: A tutorial on PHP4 for HTML users, with an installation guide and troubleshooting tips, an introduction to relational databases and MySQL, and a detailed language reference. All of the code for this text is written for Windows and UNIX, and there are examples throughout the text. From the Publisher: This book assumes some familiarity with HTML and the mechanics of the web, but is for people new to PHP who want to start developing web applications. This includes HTML users, ASP and ColdFusion developers looking to learn a new platform and web development managers wanting to move development to Linux. About the Author: The authors are a multi-author Wrox writing team of professional developers. Customer Reviews Reviewer: Amy Sheflin from Littleton, CO Whenever anyone asks me which book I recommend for someone just starting out with PHP I recommend this one. The book is an excellent introduction to not only PHP but also to mySQL , database design, and elementary programming prinicipals such as arrays and datatypes. With confidence I can recommend this book to a beginner that has never used a database before (let alone designed one) or programmed before and know that with this one book they can get a handle on how to create a simple database driven php site. I found the examples to be excellent. In fact, I have reused code in this book on my projects several times. As a book for beginners should be written, it assumes no prior knowledge whatsoever and is easy and enjoyable to read. The one thing the book does assume, which I think is a must, is prior knowledge of HTML and some Javascript. If you've never even built a webpage before, you should start with learning those 2 things first before picking up this book. Reviewer: Todd Quatier from Brookings, SD I am very pleased with Beginning PHP 4 and it's rarely off my desk. I'd highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get a fast, no nonsense tutorial and a great reference for PHP. This book is probably not for someone creating their first Web site. It assumes that the reader can code and publish HTML. I also think it would be a good idea for prospective buyers to visit some PHP sites ... before jumping into "Begining" PHP 4. Beginning PHP 4 teaches by example so the reader learns functions and techniques VERY quickly as they build working projects. Plus, the layout of the book is such that the reader can drop into any chapter and get a brush-up tutorial and sample code. So... get a basic feel for PHP, write a few simple PHP enhanced pages on your own and you'll REALLY enjoy this book. You'll find the difference in PHP's power after reading this book is like the difference between throwing a bullet and firing one from a gun. Reviewer: Lisa Bradshaw from Pompano Beach, Fl USA This book is well written with the absolute beginner in mind. If you already are at an intermediate level, then this book will seem very simple to you. Then again, they would've named it Intermediate PHP. Some people may be put off by the repetition in the lessons, but for me, it's perfect. It helps things to sink in better if it's repeated several times. Yes, this book has errors and typos just like any other book does, but if you go to the Wrox website, they have a very good eratta. I printed it out, then cut each page's eratta into strips and inserted them into the apropiate pages. No more problem! If you're a complete newbie to programming or PHP, get this book! You won't regret it. By the end of this book, you'll be writing some fairly advanced and useful scripts. Reviewer: grafixhound from BC Canada I've passed by this book by so many times on my trips through my local bookstore and now that I've finally bought it I find myself asking why? Why didn't I check this book out sooner?! Wrox Press's Beginning PHP4 is great. As a beginner myself, I couldn't reccomend this book highly enough for anyone interested in delving into the world of Open-Source server-side scripting. This is a must have for any web developer just starting out with PHP. |
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