Build Your Own Database-Driven Website Using PHP & MySQL is a practical guide for first-time users of PHP & MySQL that teaches readers by creating a fully working Content Management System, Shopping Cart and other real-world applications. There has been a marked increase in the adoption of PHP, most notably in the beginning to intermediate levels. PHP now boasts over 30% of the server side scripting market (Source: http://www.php.weblogs.com).

The previous edition sold over 17,000 copies exclusively through http://www.sitepoint.com alone. With the release of PHP 5, SitePoint have updated this bestseller to reflect best practice web development using PHP 5 and MySQL 4.

The 3rd Edition includes more code examples and also a new bonus chapter on structured PHP Programming which introduces techniques for organizing real world PHP applications to avoid code duplication and ensure code is manageable and maintainable. The chapter introduces features like include files, user-defined function libraries and constants, which are combined to produce a fully functional access control system suitable for use on any PHP Website.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 46 Ratings

Excellent Book - 2006-07-10
Reviewer Rating:
I highly recomend this book. I think it best serves those who already know the syntax of PHP, but it is a excellent book. I recomend either "Learning PHP" (The O'Reilly book) or "PHP for the World Wide Web : Visual QuickStart Guide" for a beginner. Both of these books will help you learn the syntax and concepts of PHP, but then it is best to move on to a book that gives practical examples, and this book excells at giving practical examples.

Great for biginners, but out of date for today. - 2007-09-10
Reviewer Rating:
True to Site Point's method and style, this book makes it easy to jump into the basics of it's subject. Easy to navigate and full of helpful tips and hints, all the matieral is easy to access.
However a word of warning for those who may wish to purchase this book- get a newer version! This version covers PHP4.0 which is being discontinued from use in November of 2007. Learning PHP4.0 will not be very helpful after November, so Look for the newer version of this book and you will be set.
I found this to be the newest version as of this posting: Build Your Own Database Driven Website Using PHP and MySQL
I was quite sad when I realized I had purchased, and then read through, the whole book and then found out that PHP4 will be discontinued. You need PHP5 or PHP6 to be effective and up to date.
Also, if you are not an absolute beginner at the subject, this book is probably not for you. You can find more advanced books on the subject that will help you in your php quest. I found the first couple of chapters to be a bore, and maybe even an insult, because they covered 'how to use windows' how to open notepad, or how to do the equivalent in mac.

Great book, extremely helpful. - 2009-03-28
Reviewer Rating:
This book was great! It helped step through the basic and not so basic aspects of mysql and how it relates to php. The examples were easy to follow, but not condescending. It was helpful to have online access to the code. I really enjoyed the fact that he would give you enough information to understand the concept, but then had you figure things out on your own before giving the rest of the program. I have been impressed at the detail and helpfulness of this book.

Excellent book! - 2008-11-26
Reviewer Rating:
An excellent book for the very beginner to intermediate user, providing a lot of knowledge in the area of PHP and MYSQL. You will learn about relational database design, how to make a content management system, advanced SQL queries, etc. At the end you will use what you learned to create a dynamic driven website.

Book is too old - 2007-10-19
Reviewer Rating:
This book is way out of date. There are more up to date versions available.

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