Learning PHP and MySQL

by Michele E. Davis, Jon A. Phillips

The PHP scripting language and MySQL open source database are quite effective independently, but together they make a simply unbeatable team. When working hand-in-hand, they serve as the standard for the rapid development of dynamic, database-driven websites. This combination is so popular, in fact, that it's attracting manyprogramming newbies who come from a web or graphic design background and whose first language is HTML. If you fall into this ever-expanding category, then this book is for you. Learning PHP and MySQL starts with the very basics of the PHP language, including strings and arrays, pattern matching and a detailed discussion of the variances in different PHP versions. Next, it explains how to work with MySQL, covering information on SQL data access for language and data fundamentals like tables and statements.Finally, after it's sure that you've mastered these separate concepts, the book shows you how to put them together to generate dynamic content. In the process, you'll also learn about error handling, security, HTTP authentication, and more. If you're a hobbyist who is intimidated by thick, complex computer books, then this guide definitely belongs on your shelf. Learning PHP and MySQL explains everything--from basic concepts to the nuts and bolts of performing specific tasks--in plain English. Part of O'Reilly's bestselling Learning series, the book is an easy-to-use resource designed specifically for newcomers. It's also a launching pad for future learning, providing you with a solid foundation for more advanced development.

Genres: Programming, Computers, Reference, Nonfiction, Technology, Computer Science, Website Design

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had a lot of black holes and mysterious ways of getting to things, in short it didn't explain much. An extreme disappointment from the O'Reilly book series. To be honest I would rather set myself on fire or swallow hot coals instead of trying to use this book again. It's honestly that bad...

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHP and MySQL are highly adaptive programs that can be used to create a variety of dynamic website potentials. Although fairly simple to use once you understand the basics, the learning curve on these programs is a little high at first. In order to use the capabilities, the user has to not only understand what the programs do and how they work together. However, probably the hardest part of the process is learning all the vocabulary associated with these systems.

Learning PHP & MySQL is a very good reference, especially for this latter challenge. The guide not only defines and explains each of the different concepts but gives examples that better illustrate these aspects while giving the user a glimpse into how they could use them for their own purposes. Especially for the more difficult sections, I really liked that I could replicate the code on my computer and see the results for myself. This aspect gave me a far better idea of how I could use these programs in conjunction to create the effects I want.

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe how much errata made it through into publication! I ended up going to the O'Rielly site and redlining all the corrections, and my book is a big red mess now. Not only that, but I actually found *more* errata that wasn't even listed—and I'm not talking the little typos in the text, I'm talking typos or errors in the *code* examples.

Terrible, terrible... especially for a beginner trying to learn.
In regard to the readability, etc... it's okay. It got me through, but I'm not so sure about the organization. It seems to circle back to things a lot that could have been more logically explained in a differentchapter.

[Anugerah Erlaut · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked the book up to widen my understanding of the language. Definitely recommended for those who is interested. As the title suggest, the book is great for beginners and might be too simple for those who is quite well acquinted with PHP.

[Chibimagic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too many errors in the code examples. I gave up trying to submit errata after the first chapter. The book isn't organized very well either.

[Hailah · Rating 5 out of 5]

جداً رائع ومفيد شكراً لمن أعطاني الكتاب

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what you would expect from an O'Reilly book: awesome.

[Avaneesh Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice starting,
hoping for great

[CanadianEditor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good intro to PHP and MySQL but the code samples are full of errors and inconsistencies.