PHP 5 Fast & Easy Web Development

by Julie C. Meloni

"PHP 5 Fast & Easy Web Development" is an update to the highly successful edition covering version 4 (193184187X). Following the same format, this book includes easy-to-follow instructions and a multitude of actual screen shots. It also includes complete coverage of version 5 updates, including enhanced internal scripting engine, improved OO framework, new Object model, the SQLite embedded database engine, and XML support. It includes coverage of the final version of PHP 5 and is not based on the beta. This comprehensive book also includes coverage of Apache and MySQL, a basic PHP language reference, and MySQL language primer. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of PHP 5 using step-by-step instructions for creating a simple database and sample table.

500 pages, Paperback

Published May 11, 2004

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This may be the most superficial programming book I've ever encountered. On one hand, the author does make sure readers can't possibly be intimidated by PHP. On the other, basics like functions and arrays are considered beyond the scope of the book and relegated to an appendix! At one point, classes come up unavoidably but are waved away with a "this will work--just trust me and don't worry about it." Meanwhile, there are four or five entire chapters on MySQL--apparently that's not outside the scope. Makes no sense to me.

I got this as a free review copy back when I used to teach, and it's a perfect example of why I never picked books published by Thomson/Course Technology. They're always super babyish and lacking in substance.

There is a quick reference in Appendix B that looks like it would be pretty handy, though, so yay for that. I often make myself a 2-page cheat sheet when picking up a new language--the quick reference will speed that up a good bit.

[Notsunil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good for practical usage. It doesn't get into advanced techniques, but is a pretty good primer for PHP. Goes into MySQL as well.