PHP Bible, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

by Tim Converse (Author), Joyce Park (Author) "This first chapter is an introduction to PHP..." (more)
Key Phrases: workout calculator, certainty quiz, radio str, Zend Engine, North America, Internet Explorer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
* Covers why users need PHP, how to get started, how to add PHP to HTML, and how to connect HTML Web pages to MySQL or Oracle databases.
* Authors have extensive experience using PHP and provide case studies of how and where to use PHP.
* Covers advanced topics, such as HTTP, cookies, Web services, redirection, building graphics, and sessions.

From the Back Cover
"This book was all that I needed to learn PHP. Far more than a language reference, it contains the advice and recommendations of two true PHP experts."
—Jeff Barr, Founder and Developer, Syndic8.com

• Get up to speed fast on PHP programming fundamentals
• Explore the ins and outs of MySQL and Oracle database connectivity
• Master new features for XML parsing, Web services, graphics, and more

If PHP can do it, you can do it too . . .

If you want to create dynamic, database-driven Web content, you will not find a better, more cost-effective tool than PHP. Now expanded with more case study examples and thoroughly updated to cover the latest features of PHP 4.2, this is the one good book on PHP you need, whether you’re a Web designer, a programmer, or an ASP, JSP, or ColdFusion veteran. From programming and database connectivity basics (including all-new coverage of Oracle) to weblogs, cookies, e-mail, XML, Web services, graphics, security, and more, it delivers all the tips, techniques, and "gotchas" you need to get up and running quickly – and take PHP to the limit.

Inside, you’ll find complete coverage of PHP

• Get up to speed on PHP programming using a running fitness calculator example
• Connect HTML-based Web pages to MySQL or Oracle databases
• Create database-linked forms
• Use PHP to output JavaScript or send e-mail
• Harness new PHP features for XML applications and Web services
• Generate on-the-fly graphics using the GD library
• Integrate other people’s PHP into your applications – skins, styles, and more
• Get the scoop on security, cryptography, configuration, and tuning
• Put it all together with two complete case study examples – a user authentication system and a trivia game

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 1012 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 2 edition (September 11, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764549553
• ISBN-13: 978-0764549557
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #640,515 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Overall Tutorial - Lacks Advanced Info, February 4, 2003

By	Bill Manning (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book because I needed a good PHP reference, and I don't regret it. It is current through PHP 4.2 and it describes many features that are available in Zend Engine 2 (ZE2 wasn't released yet at time of publication).

It is an easy read (an important element often overlooked in technical references), without leaving out any of the requisite technical 'goodies', but I would have liked a little more in-depth advanced information. While technically correct, several 'advanced' topics only received the most superficial of explanations, and in one case, a common (and beguiling) misconception involving Object Oriented Programming techniques was explained away as "Obscure".

There are plenty of excellent discussions about the most awkward aspects of PHP development, and it is obvious that the authors are experienced web developers. I learned much that I didn't know, and I enjoyed the authors' candor when, in several instances, they admit that they were confused or stumped at first by one feature or another.

I think most beginning to intermediate web developers, whether independent or as part of a team, will find this book very useful and full of good information; but if you need a truly advanced understanding of PHP, you'd better look elsewhere.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, August 17, 2003

By	Nobel Khandaker (lincoln, NE United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a php programmer at UNL. I have been using this book for some time. PHP bible (2nd ed) is a great book for the beginners and intermediate programmers. And it also includes directions for the advanced users where to find code pieces, classes or programming techniques (like PEAR). The Language of this book is clear and concise. And the code samples works perfectly. If you are interested in PHP, this book is definitely worth checking out.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not a good book for experienced programmers, November 8, 2003

By A Customer

I know that many people love this book, but I'm not one of them. I'm an experienced programmer and this book was not helpful to me. The way the book generalizes about programming concepts, databases and PHP itself makes me think that it is perhaps intended for beginners. Within the zillion pages that this book contains, I'm sure there is useful information. But the book rambles, it doesn't teach. Another book -- "PHP and MySQL Web Development" by Welling and Thomson -- takes an approach focused on real-world examples. That book works a lot better for me.