PHP and MySQL are popular open-source technologies that are ideal for quickly developing database-driven Web applications. PHP is a powerful scripting language designed to enable developers to create highly featured Web applications quickly, and MySQL is a fast, reliable database that integrates well with PHP and is suited for dynamic Internet-based applications.

PHP and MySQL Web Development shows how to use these tools together to produce effective, interactive Web applications. It clearly describes the basics of the PHP language, explains how to set up and work with a MySQL database, and then shows how to use PHP to interact with the database and the server.

This practical, hands-on book includes numerous examples that demonstrate common tasks such as authenticating users, constructing a shopping cart, generating PDF documents and images dynamically, sending and managing email, facilitating user discussions, connecting to Web services using XML, and developing Web 2.0 applications with Ajax-based interactivity.

The fourth edition of PHP and MySQL Web Development has been thoroughly updated, revised, and expanded to cover developments in PHP 5 through version 5.3, such as namespaces and closures, as well as features introduced in MySQL 5.1.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 214 Ratings

Shallow and teaches bad development practices - 2009-12-17
Reviewer Rating:
The first reason why I decided to write this review is that the book explain important concepts in a really poor way (sometimes in less than 1 page) and spend many pages with useless examples.

I've bought this book expecting an in-depth view of PHP (just look how many pages this book has...) and I'm really disappointed - I'm an experienced OOP developer and this book simply doesn't fit my needs, the PHP online documentation is way more helpful.

Another bad thing about this book is that it teaches many bad practices and they don't even explain that it's a bad practice at all. Don't even teaches how to structure your code, how to use OOP properly (without polluting the global namespace, etc..) or even how to structure folders/classes in a proper way.

Sure it deserves more than 1 star but it's definitely not a 5 star book.

PS: this review is about the 4th edition.

A Superb Resource for PHP/MySQL Web Development - 2009-12-04
Reviewer Rating:
I love this book. I usually choose well, and this is one of my favorites. The clarity, detail, and breadth of content are superb and empowering, allowing even a novice with minimal PHP and MySQL experience to create powerful web- and database-driven applications. After a comprehensive treatment of PHP and MySQL, the authors provide several extremely well-worked project examples (e.g. generating PDF documents, building a shopping cart, content management system, web forum) and even include a valuable primer chapter on Web services. I've used this book thoroughly and couldn't be more satisfied with my ROI.

Perfect Book - Every PHP programmer must have this book! - 2009-11-20
Reviewer Rating:
PHP and MySQL Web Development (4th Edition)

I am a self taught programmer and I always felt there was more to PHP than i was getting from other PHP books I had.So recently, I embarked on a month long search of a 'good' PHP book. I am glad to tell everyone else that I have finally found that book. This is right here, this book doesn't make assumptions about your programming skills level - It teaches you what is important whether you already know it or not.

I am so pleased with what is in this book that I feel every PHP programmer should go out there and get one for themselves. I give this book 5/5 - Perfect!

Great seller - 2009-12-21
Reviewer Rating:
Great fast shipping. I haven't used the book yet because class starts in january. However seller description of book was adequate and it arrived in stated time frame.

IT Developer - 2009-10-14
Reviewer Rating:
I buy this book last month after reading so many great review about it. I am 60 percent from reading the book cover to cover and I gladly to say this is a well writing book for the subject. the layout of the book is awesome and easy on the eyes. I cannot wait for the 5th edition to come out.

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Top Level Categories:
Databases
Programming

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Databases > MySQL
Programming > PHP