Since the thread i just saw was a year old mabe something better has come out. Can anyone recommend a good PHP book? By the way mabe someone can help me clarify some things. What exactly does PHP do? Is it basically another way to make websites? like html but better? I know html but i dont want to learn PHP if its basically the same thing only it adds some features here and there.
PHP is a dynamic server side scripting language. It does not handle any display features like XHTML/HTML would for modifying text, or placement. Basically it allows you to make your websites respond to user input or actions. As far as PHP books go, I never read any so I can't recommend them. Just google 'PHP Tutorials' I gaurantee you will find sufficient information.
The guy does not have even an idea of what php can do. So I think the best approach for him would be to get a PHP book, because tutorials work for those people who have done some sort of programming in another language, but I guess he has not. So visit Amazon, look for "Beginning PHP 5 & MySQL: From Novice to Professional ". I have not used this book but looking at contents, it should be a good point to start. After you feel comfortable, start flirting around with online tutorials and php.net (user manual, best resource). HOpe this would save you many trouble. Of course, the first hurdle would be to set up PHP, MySQL & Apache on your machine
The best thing I ever did was buy a PHP book, within a year I have create a huge website from scratch without any previous knowledge of PHP, PHP and MySQL Webdevelopment. Its a purple book with an aqeduct on the fornt, although later versions have collesium I think.
Hi, I suggest Php 5 Unleased by John Coggeshall http://www.amazon.com/PHP-Unleashed-John-Coggeshall/dp/067232511X and for advance php programmer PHP 5 Power Programming (Bruce Perens' Open Source Series) by by Andi Gutmans, Stig Bakken, Derick Rethans. http://www.amazon.com/Power-Program...7149X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/104-5103315-3459125 It will answer your question "What exactly does PHP do?". Thanks, Mike
i know very very basic php, if i really remember i can make a calc. lol but i still wasn't sure what exactly php did. i know c++ so i mean i thought it was the same thing kinda
Practical PHP is a good read. Best thing about it is that its free.. You cannot download it though. You'll have to read it from the site. It gives a good introduction to PHP.
I have learned some stuff from this book: PHP and MySQL Web Development, but the first stuff I learned from a PHP 4 book in 2003. Link to the book: http://www.amazon.com/PHP-MySQL-Development-Developers-Library/dp/0672326728/ref=pd_bbs_2/104-8706526-8063160?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173603601&sr=1-2 It was pretty interesting. I talked with some frends and they showed me: echo 'world i'm here'; PHP: And I was like... WHY do I need that when I can do that in HTML? Then I saw Variabiles...and I was like "Ahaaaaa....." Everytime, even now, when I read about something, first I must think of a way ... "WHY will I need to use that?"
Stupid forum bug. Can't attach a NORMAL Link bechose it says "Live links and signatures are not available to you yet".
This is the best book to start with, you can also take a look at best PHP books thread in my forum for some good books on PHP.