Learning PHP 5

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 368 pages
• Published by: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
• Edition: 1st Edition July 2004
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0596005601
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0596005603
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.1 pounds

Reader Reviews
From the title I would have expected that the book spend all of it's slim 300 page frame on a soup to nuts language introduction. For the first six chapters it looks that way as it rolls through language basics, variables, conditionals, arrays, etc. But then it veers into the practical for the rest of the book and covers topics such as database access through Pear DB and the use of XML. There is a lot to like about this book. The chapters are short, focused and practical. And I have no issues recommending the book on a technical level. Especially the database section which advocates simple safe SQL practices. In particular you should follow the advice on page 126 about using the '?' operator in your SQL queries. There isn't much new for PHP 4 programmers looking to learn about PHP 5. In fact there is little or no emphasis placed on teaching you to write classes. The only information about classes is about their consumption. This is definitely not a book for the experienced PHP developer, but for a beginner this is one of the best. Comment | | (Report this)