MySQL and PHP from Scratch

Book Description

Apache, MySQL, PHP3, and IMP<193> the pieces exist. Each piece has been described ad nauseam. What does not exist is a guide to the marriage of these software technologies into a useful book, until now. This book puts together information on installing, setting up, and troubleshooting each of these technologies into one complete volume. You also learn how each piece is part of a whole by learning, step-by-step, how to create a web-based e-mail system. Learn to run the Linux equivalent of Active Server Pages (ASP) using PHP3, set up an e-commerce site using a database and the Apache web server, and create a data entry system (such as sales, product quality tracking, customer preferences, etc) that requires no installation in the PC./p>

Reviews From AMAZON.COM

A total bait 'n' switch

Add me to the list of those who found this book's title to be totally misleading.

The first surprise comes when the author reels off the list of things he expects the reader to already know, and they're anything but basic. But worse, this book isn't about PHP and MySQL...it's detailed instructions for doing one and only one thing, one and only one way, using one and only one set of software. Sure, PHP and MySQL are involved, but this book's content amounts to instructions for installing a web-based e-mail program (Microsoft's Web Mail, or similar)...and that's it.

To its credit, the book does baby-step the reader through the process of doing exactly this one thing this one way, and the information on installation and set-up of the Apache server, Red Hat Linux, MySQL, etc is good, so if that's what you're looking to do...I mean EXACTLY what you're looking to do...it may be of interest to you.

But as for myself, I was interested in learning PHP and MySQL from scratch, not setting up an e-mail program. As my host company already has the server, database, and even the great graphic database editor, phpMyAdmin installed, I can't say that I really found anything of use in the book.

Also, I accept part of the blame for my being misled by the book's title. I bought it used online and didn't read the reviews. Still, I feel that WEB MAIL FROM SCRATCH, MY WAY, FOR GEEKS is the appropriate title for this book's content.

Not a good book

If you want to learn PHP & MySQL, you will NOT find in this book. Much of it is reference. I bought it used for about a third of its price, but still feel a waste of money.