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PHP and MySQL for Dummies, Second Edition

Format: Paperback
Author: Janet Valade
ReleaseDate: 09 April, 2004
Publisher: For Dummies
Rating:

Solid way to start with PHP
All I knew was HTML. Prior to reading this book, I had no experience with an algorithmic programming language. After sitting down with this book for a day or two, I was already programming in PHP. This book covers EVERYTHING you need to know to get started, and after programming in PHP for three years now, I still look back to this book as a very helpful reference.

I am disappointed to see dismal reviews of this book when it has been so helpful to me. Most of such reviews are written by people who are simply using the book to the wrong ends. Before buying this book, you'll want to make note of a few things:

-This book is perfect for people who only know HTML and want to expand their endeavors on the web. If you know another algorithmic programming language, chances are the bulk of this book will be filled with too much information you already know. For everyone else, the explanations are in depth enough to actually understand what the different aspects of PHP do.
-This book does not provide step-by-step tutorials. It gives you the information you need to create YOUR OWN programs. It provides examples of how a PHP program might be set up, but if you're attempting to make use examples line by line, you will be disappointed with the end result (and you will be cheating yourself, because you're just copying someone else's code, not learning the language).
-As I said, I use this book as a basic reference, one that is far easier to understand than the complex explanations in the PHP manual found on the Internet. A good half of this book acts as a layman's reference guide that's organized to help you learn PHP and MySQL.
-This book just jumpstarts you for using PHP and MySQL, and yes, eventually you will outgrow it, but that's not a shortcoming of the book. You'll learn everything the book has to teach you and then you'll want more. Once you're ready to take that next step, and it won't be long after you've exhausted this book, I suggest you pick up the PHP Cookbook from O'Reilly to further your skills.
-Even after you seem to have learned everything you can from this book, you'll still want to keep it nearby. Every once in a while, I still reach for it to make sure I'm using the right syntax.

Without a doubt, this book will teach you what you've always wanted to learn about the most important language for the web right now.

Great Source
Like any type of learning, you must be committed to obtain the best results. This is an excellent first step in learning PHP and MySql. Your commitment and this book is an excellent beginning to knowing and understanding PHP and MySql. .

I wish there was a 0 star


I am new to PHP but find the book very basic. An awful book 0 stars - Do not waste your money on this one as I did. After first read I was able to point out that examples such as Login. php, login_form. inc have problems with the code (not 100% accurate). Also, the web pet store and the web member area have big design problems. More, missing coding for pages functions. inc and Member_page. php.

You can find much, much better books out there, shop around and Janet Valade should find another carrier. Janet, you suck when it comes to writing about PHP and MySQL.
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