You want to make your websites more dynamic by adding a feedback form, creating a private area where members can upload images that are automatically resized, or perhaps storing all your content in a database. The problem is, you're not a programmer and the thought of writing code sends a chill up your spine. Or maybe you've dabbled a bit in PHP and MySQL, but you can't get past baby steps. If this describes you, then you've just found the right book.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 39 Ratings

Mediocre book at best... - 2009-11-03
Reviewer Rating:
Don't purchase this book expecting to actually learn php. The book is written mostly as a "follow my example to get this done" rather then actually teaching php syntax and the php namespace, which is alright but not very pedagogical at all. I guess you can use it as one would use an O'reilly cook book, as reference guide with examples on how to do a web form, gallery, etc. It would have been much better if the author didn't go all out with the progressive enhancement on steroids routine so early on, it's just not conducive to teaching someone how php or any coding language works and gets in the way initially. He could have saved it for a later chapter where he introduces the principals of progressive enhancement and then applies it to the past tutorials. This book is good if you are a lazy designer who just wants someone to show them how to write a simple gallery or a php webform but you won't be writing your own php scripts just from reading this book.

this book is Amazing!! - 2009-08-27
Reviewer Rating:
I have read David Powers book on DreamWeaver CS4 and was blown away by how great it was so I ordered PHP solutions. I find it hard to put this book down it is chock full of knowledge and I love knowledge. Some people may say "why don't you just read the php documentation?" The truth is that the PHP documentation is boring as all get out and could get you into some very bad programming habits. Davids book makes programming exciting and helps you avoid bad programming habits. I find this book very exciting, but then again I love programming. I took the book to my flash programming college class and one of my classmates plans to buy it because they were so impressed by the few pages they read and how much I loved it. I could rave on how great this book is for ten more paragraphs but I'm going to stop.

The_Missing_Link

Highly Recommended Book!!!! - 2009-07-27
Reviewer Rating:
I've purchased many books on PHP and MySQL, but this one is my absolute favorite! I like the style in which the author writes. It's like a person is teaching you rather than following steps or a very technical 1-2-3 pattern as many of the other books do. This one is fun to read and I'm actually learning the language, setting up a database (real examples that are fun and not boring) and it's one of those books that I reach for over all the rest because I'm not intimidated or bored with it. I have soooooo many books on languages including PHP, but I'm so happy to have found one here that really keeps me eager in the reading. I actually feel like the author is walking me through much like a one on one approach in a classroom with a good teacher.....a fun and personable teacher that makes the learning exciting. I think that's how I'll sum up this review - the author is very personable and down to earth in his writing. It doesn't feel like he's going over your head in any part of the book. He's got a comical and yet very informative approach that I credit for getting me through the learning process of PHP and MySQL whereas the other books have been left collecting dust....this one is helping me push forward in my skills. I highly recommend it!!!! I hope he writes more books. To find an author like this to write and teach a subject like this - I'm impressed, and I hope he puts more books out there in other areas too.

Exceptionally good! - 2009-05-06
Reviewer Rating:
This book is exactly what I needed. If you're new to php or web-programming then this book is definitely worth a look. It has everything you need to know to begin programming in php without the programming jargon and unnecessary details.

PHP - the solution book - 2009-01-25
Reviewer Rating:
I've been using this book as a started. It takes you from zero to hero in minimal time. Teaching the techniques and cool stuff as soon as you have the requirements for understanding them and them walks you through the entire process. Great book - worth every penny.

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