Product Description

PHP is a powerful (and free) scripting language used to create dynamic Web sites and Web applications. With PHP, Web application developers can perform both simple and complex functions with a few lines of additional code in a standard HTML Web page. PHP is frequently being used to replace forms and functions formerly created by CGI scripts. PHP for the World Wide Web: Visual QuickStart Guide is geared for beginning and intermediate Web developers looking for an introductory guide. The task-based format gets users started with basic syntax, testing scripts, working with variables, creating Web applications, and more. Throughout the book, sample scripts and projects show the readers just what they need to know, and a companion Web site offers every script in this book available for downloading.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #800404 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From Amazon.co.uk
PHP for the Word Wide Web is a well-presented introduction to this popular server-side scripting language. Aimed at beginners, the 14 chapters cover programming basics such as using variables, performing numeric calculations, creating user-defined functions and reading or writing to files. There are also chapters on HTML forms, databases, cookies and use of regular expressions.

Like other books in the Visual Quickstart series, it uses wide margins and plentiful illustrations, although it has to be said that simple browser screens and code examples do not score highly on visual appeal. Even so, the combination of short, carefully explained topics, numbered steps and illustrations of the output makes for a clear, easy to follow tutorial. An appendix covers installation on both Linux and Windows.

This is a slim title, and does not pretend to cover advanced use of PHP. The database coverage, in just one short chapter, is particularly thin. If you already have a little programming knowledge, you might prefer one of the more detailed PHP books, such as , from Wrox, or Leon Atkinson's Core PHP Programming. On the other hand, those looking for a keenly priced guide to PHP fundamentals will find PHP for the World Wide Web an ideal starting point. --Tim Anderson

Book Info
Beginner to intermediate level self-study guide on PHP for the World Wide Web. Takes a visual approach, offering readers step-by-step instructions with illustrations and screen shots to clarify procedures. Includes a companion Web site which features the code for the text, updates, and online resources. Covers PHP versions 3 and 4. Softcover.

From the Author
This book is intended for the beginner PHP programmer--those with little or no programming experience but basic Web development know-how. It teaches the aspects of PHP you'll need to understand today in order to have your dynamic Web application up and running tomorrow. All the examples in the book are real-world scripts which you can incorporate into your Web sites (no demonstrations of things you'll never need or long-winded explanations for techniques you may or may not ever use).

The book covers the very fundamentals of PHP programming, including: regular expressions, connecting to a database, sending e-mails, and more. Certain topics (such as Object Oriented Programming and sessions) aren't covered but references will take you to where you can learn more, should you feel that's necessary.

The text is well supported by its accompanying Web site where you'll find: all the scripts up-to-date and downloadable; a listing of any corrections; over 100 links to different PHP-related topics; latest news; and more! The author currently answers every email he receives and attempts to support the readers as much as possible.

PHP for the World Wide Web: Visual QuickStart guide aims to be the best beginner's guide to PHP in terms of practical knowledge, clear demonstrations, author support, and price!