Beginning PHP4 (Programmer to Programmer) 1st Edition

by Wankyu Choi (Author), Allan Kent (Author), Chris Lea (Author),

45 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0764543647

ISBN-10: 0764543644

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What is this book about?

PHP is a rapidly growing web technology which enables web designers to build dynamic, interactive web applications, incorporating information from a host of databases, and including features such as e-mail integration and dynamically generated images. PHP4 added tons of features to make web application development even easier, and this book will show you how to make the most of the language's powerful capabilities.

This book is a complete tutorial in PHP's language features and functionality, beginning with the basics and building up to the design and construction of complex data-driven websites. Fully working examples in the book include a directory-style web search engine, a mailing list management system, a web-based file editor, and a graphical online shopping mall guidebook.

What does this book cover?

Here are just a few of the things you'll find covered in this book:

Complete tutorial in the PHP language
Installation guide and troubleshooting tips
Introduction to relational databases and MySQL
Practical worked examples throughout, including a detailed case study
All code written for both Windows and UNIX systems
Detailed language reference included

Who is this book for?

Anybody who knows HTML can use this book. If you've done any programming, that will be useful, but it's not a requirement. You can run all of the code on either a Windows or UNIX (e.g., Linux) system, and the book explains how to set up a web server and database in both of these environments.

Beginning PHP4 (Programmer to Programmer)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Beginning PHP4 offers an almost ideal introductory tutorial to one of today's hotter scripting languages. This book really is everything that the novice needs to start building dynamic Web sites that are powered by PHP4, but old hands at programming also will find in it valuable information.

PHP, of course, is introduced in the book, but there's also an approachable and effective introduction to programming in general. The conscientious tutorial on basic concepts like variables, keywords, and flow control will give even beginners an understanding of the basics of writing programs. PHP, it turns out, is not only a great way to generate HTML dynamically, but a very marketable skill. Web fundamentals like HTTP, HTML form variables, and managing session information using no less than four different techniques are explained thoroughly and effectively. You also find out how to install PHP and other tools on your system, with the assistance of plenty of screen shots.

That's not to say that this book will cramp the style of more experienced developers. Some chapters delve into such important and advanced topics as database programming (with MySQL) and PHP's support for XML. One standout section demystifies the new support for objects and classes in PHP4. Basic topics like managing files and directories on the server, plus graphics processing, are addressed, of course, and a nifty sample program shows you how to build a Web-based text editor. Except for the final case study--a "URL directory manager" (akin to Yahoo!) that's rather specialized--the examples are right on, and illustrate everyday programming tasks. You'll learn also how to generate e-mail with PHP--certainly a valuable skill to have.

The appendix lists several hundred PHP functions in over 50 pages--a handy and useful feature. In all, Beginning PHP4 provides a strong choice for learning about one of today's most powerful and easy-to-use scripting languages; it's concise, fast moving, and thoroughly approachable. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered:

Introduction to PHP 4

Downloading and installing PHP

Basics of HTTP and Web pages

PHP as a scripting language

PHP data types

Constants and conversions

HTML primer

Form variables

Decision making in PHP

Loops and arrays

PHP functions

Error handling in PHP

Tips on writing more maintainable code

Debugging hints

Preserving state with hidden form variables

Query strings

Cookies and PHP4 native sessions

Using PHP objects

File and directory functions

PHP database programming

Installing and using MySQL

Tutorial for SQL syntax

Querying and updating records

XML "quickstart" for PHP users

Creating e-mail and electronic newsletters

PHP graphics processing (including image maps)

Case study for a URL directory manager

ODBC tutorial

PHP4 function reference

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

This book assumes some familiarity with HTML and the mechanics of the web, but is for people new to PHP who want to start developing web applications. This includes HTML users, ASP and ColdFusion developers looking to learn a new platform and web development managers wanting to move development to Linux. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

Series: Programmer to Programmer
Paperback: 816 pages
Publisher: Wrox; 1 edition (November 15, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764543644
ISBN-13: 978-0764543647
Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 1.7 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,261,799 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2522 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > Web Programming > JavaScript
- #9437 in Books > Computers & Technology > Web Development & Design > Web Design
- #11894 in Books > Textbooks > Computer Science > Programming Languages

Customer Reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars

5 star		44%
4 star		29%
3 star		16%
2 star		2%
1 star		9%

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Top Customer Reviews

by far the best beginning php book i own

By Amy M. Sheflin on April 3, 2002

Format: Paperback

Whenever anyone asks me which book I recommend for someone just starting out with PHP I recommend this one. The book is an excellent introduction to not only PHP but also to mySQL , database design, and elementary programming prinicipals such as arrays and datatypes. With confidence I can recommend this book to a beginner that has never used a database before (let alone designed one) or programmed before and know that with this one book they can get a handle on how to create a simple database driven php site. I found the examples to be excellent. In fact, I have reused code in this book on my projects several times.
As a book for beginners should be written, it assumes no prior knowledge whatsoever and is easy and enjoyable to read. The one thing the book does assume, which I think is a must, is prior knowledge of HTML and some Javascript. If you've never even built a webpage before, you should start with learning those 2 things first before picking up this book.

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Excellent for the PHP Beginner

By JC-Austin on July 11, 2002

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

I recently purchased this book, and as some of the other reviewers have said, it rarely leaves my desk. I found this book to be written at an ideal level of difficulty for someone with a good working knowledge of HTML, and NOTHING more.
This book has helped me develop from a static HTML designer to a capable PHP programmer. The book covers a number of topics that I'd always wanted to use on my sites, including: cookies, sessions, interactive forms, and database connectivity, including an introduction to using SQL to connect to a number of different databases.
The book has a number of tutorials and examples which perform the key function of transferring what you are learning into practical examples (often lacking in beginning books).
There is also a great appendix of functions that gives the new programmer a reference to which they can refer for quick answers. Finally, and maybe best of all, Wrox has a great Web site with a number of forums related to the topics covered in the book.
Overall, it's a great book for beginners. I used what I'd learned in the first week to add a number of dynamic features to my own Web sites, and the difference was instantly noticeable. Best of luck!

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Informative

By Gene Ballard on August 10, 2001

Format: Paperback

I am a complete beginner and found the book fairly easy to read and apply. However, some of the scripts I downloaded don't seem to work. Maybe its my lack of understanding, I don't know...
You must know how to read html to get anywhere with PHP. You can use Dreamweaver or any other HTML editor to write your scripts in.
The book has a good Appendix for all the PHP functions and the authors do a great job at explaining PHP at the beginning of the book.
Each chapter starts off with a real basic script as it develops and adds more functions to the script until you end up with a fairly advanced script. Every time they add more stuff to a script they break each line down with explanations.
Over all its a good place to start with a lot of Reference material for advanced users. However, if you have never programmed or want to get an easier start with php, I recommend "Php : Your Visual Blueprint for Creating Open Source, Server-Side Content" ISBN: 0764535617. Then move to the PHP Cookbook.

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I went from Zero to Expert and this book was a big help

By A Customer on June 22, 2004

Format: Paperback

I like this book and highly recommend it. It is good for people who are new to PHP but not so good for people who are new to programming. I've done a lot of programming in other languages and needed to learn PHP in a big hurry for a project that I was about to take on. This book got me up to speed fast. I'm inclined to think that a lot of the negative reviews are from people without any programming background. I agree this book is not the right place to start if you are a non-programmer. I've also done a fair amount of html prior to reading this book, I found that it's html section and php techniques for generating forms was really excellent, I learned some really great things!
As far as depth goes, such as discussing details of the functions. Well, that's what the php manual is for ([...] Initially I tried to learn the language from the php manual alone but didn't get very far, I couldn't see the forest because the trees were in the way, eg too much detail without a big picture. What this book does is to focus on the big picture of how and why to do something. It also shows multiple approachs to the same problem and compares them so that you get an idea of the alternatives and trade-offs.
Starting from not knowing php to writing some very sophisticated programs... I learned it all with two books and the manual. The other book that I read is PHP Developers Cookbook. The two books are very complimentary, there is not that much overlap between them instead they fill each others gaps. Note that the "Cookbook" is more advanced and assumes that you already know a lot of php.
Okay, the one big gripe that I have is their lack of proof reading. They must have really rushed this to press. There are literally hundreds of errors and the errata sheet is incomplete.Read more ›

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Coffee, Keyboard, Mouse, Big Red PHP Book.

By Todd L. Quatier on January 2, 2002

Format: Paperback

I am very pleased with Beginning PHP 4 and it's rarely off my desk. I'd highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get a fast, no nonsense tutorial and a great reference for PHP.
This book is probably not for someone creating their first Web site. It assumes that the reader can code and publish HTML. I also think it would be a good idea for prospective buyers to visit some PHP sites ... before jumping into "Begining" PHP 4.
Beginning PHP 4 teaches by example so the reader learns functions and techniques VERY quickly as they build working projects. Plus, the layout of the book is such that the reader can drop into any chapter and get a brush-up tutorial and sample code.
So... get a basic feel for PHP, write a few simple PHP enhanced pages on your own and you'll REALLY enjoy this book. You'll find the difference in PHP's power after reading this book is like the difference between throwing a bullet and firing one from a gun.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

It Gets The Job Done, But It's Nothing Special

If you've been programming for a while, the pace of this book is too slow to read cover to cover. The best thing to do is read the first half of the book (through chapter 9) and... Read more

Published on May 25, 2004 by Philip R. Heath

Warning: error in most code

This book is very well written, but you should know that the code in the book is written with "register_globals" turned on in the php engine. Read more

Published on April 19, 2004

Dissapointingly inconsistent book

This book was an alright general introduction to PHP4 let down by a great number of inconsistencies between authors. Read more

Published on December 2, 2003

Dissapointingly inconsistent book

The book is out of date as it covers PHP4 before security changes were made. It is also very inconsistant later on, as the various authors seem to believe in very different... Read more

Published on December 2, 2003

I was stucked at chatper 6

I was having headache when i read the book, that because the examples were all related to MATH . it's no use for building a real website . Read more

Published on June 17, 2003 by LuckyStar

Train gives it four stars

The book was great. I learned from in-depth examples. The only problem I had with the book was that some of the examples didn't work. Read more

Published on June 13, 2003 by Seth Buntin

Great Reference

This book turned me onto the Wrox press style of computing references.
The book manages to teach the inside and out of php while not boring the user to death. Read more

Published on January 29, 2003 by Paul M. Reinheimer

Better then O'Reilly

I requested that my Parents buy me this book over two years ago. Sure I paid them for it but I demanded this book. Read more

Published on January 26, 2003 by Richard Sexton

Excellent for the beginner - get this red book!

I began php with two books, one being this wrox publication and the other a more advanced sams publication. The wrox publication was the fundamental lifesaver in my php learning. Read more

Published on January 19, 2003 by Richard York

Beginning PHP4 is not well written

This book reads as if someone recorded a group of teen-aged programmers telling someone how to write PHP scripts, and then simply transcribed what they said into a book. Read more

Published on January 10, 2003 by Syd Allan (www.jagular.com/beowulf)

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