ISBN:0672326728Amazon.com
The PHP server-side scripting language and the MySQL database management system (DBMS) make a potent pair. Both are open-source products--free of charge for most purposes--remarkably strong, and capable of handling all but the most enormous transaction loads. Both are supported by large, skilled, and enthusiastic communities of architects, programmers, and designers. PHP and MySQL Web Development introduces readers (who are assumed to have little or no experience with the title subjects) to PHP and MySQL for the purpose of creating dynamic Internet sites. It teaches the same skills as introductory Active Server Pages (ASP) and ColdFusion books--technologies that address the same niche.
Authors Luke Welling and Laura Thomson's technique aims to get readers going on their own projects as soon as possible. They present easily digestible sections on specific technical processes--"Accessing array contents" and "Using encryption with PHP" are two examples. Each section centers on a sample program that strips the task at hand down to its essentials, enabling the reader to fit the process into his or her own solutions as required. Tables that list options and other nuggets of reference material appear as well, but the many examples and the authors' commentary on them take center stage.
For reference material on MySQL, have a look at Paul DuBois's MySQL. On the PHP side, Web Application Development with PHP 4.0 is excellent. --David Wall
Topics covered:
- The MySQL database server (for both Unix and Windows)
- Accessing MySQL databases through PHP scripting (the letters don't really stand for anything)
- Database creation and modification
- PHP tricks in order of increasing complexity--everything from basic SQL queries to secure transactions for commerce
- Authentication
- Network connectivity
- Session management
- Content customization
Reviews From AMAZON.COM
Not that great
I had hoped this book would help me with my site, but much of the code DOES NOT WORK. At least with my setup of PHP 4.4, MySQL 4 and MS IIS. You can get all this information and more just by searching the internet. What a waste of money.
I can't recommend this book highly enough!
This book will help you understand everything you want to understand about PHP and MySQL, period.
This is the second book I've read by Luke Welling and Laura Thompson, and I have to say that they produce incredibly well-organized and well-conceived books that teach whatever subjects they tackle remarkably well.
I have read many other PHP books on the market, and this book is covers the topic, both in breadth and depth, far greater than any other book I've read.
You may have heard that MySQL and PHP come with significant security considerations. Try to find a plain-english explanation of these security considerations in any other popular PHP book out there, and you'll be disappointed. After reading this book, you will be able to make informed security decisions that don't simply parrot the prescriptive security measures described in other texts.
Beyond simply recommending this book, I recommend the authors. If you're considering *any* topic that this writing duo has addressed, I recommend them, hands down. Their writing style is clear, the examples are methodical and concise, and their explanations are extremely informative!