A good book for PHP?

[igowerf]

So far, all the PHP I've learned has been from random stuff on the internet. I picked it up pretty quickly because I had experience with C++.

Well, I just got a job as the webmaster for my university's associated students website, but it doesn't officially start until the summer and I don't really start working regularly until the fall. So this summer, I want to properly learn some PHP coding techniques with a good book.

Before you start telling me to just learn it from articles and tutorials in the internet, I want to say that I prefer reading from a book. It'd also be nice to have the book for reference.

I found this book on Amazon and seems to be really good: PHP MySQL Website Programming.
The entire book is oriented at designed a DVD collector's online community where users can log-in, post at a forum, and even buy DVDs. It seems to cover everything that I want to learn.

Any other suggestions?

 

[JW310]

PHP and MySQL Web Development, Second Edition seems to be a great book for learning PHP... I've got the first edition of this book and have found it to be a very good book.

JW

 

[igowerf]

Originally posted by: JW310
PHP and MySQL Web Development, Second Edition seems to be a great book for learning PHP... I've got the first edition of this book and have found it to be a very good book.

JW

Hmmm... this one is in stock and it's a lot cheaper too. I'll consider this one. Thanks.

 

[anxman69]

I also used the book recommended by JW310. It's great, I learned a lot. I highly recommend. Don't skimp out on the last few chapters once you go through 1-18. The last few (especially debugging and what not) are the most useful in terms of long-term coding.

-Ankur

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: anxman69
I also used the book recommended by JW310. It's great, I learned a lot. I highly recommend. Don't skimp out on the last few chapters once you go through 1-18. The last few (especially debugging and what not) are the most useful in terms of long-term coding.

-Ankur

Is it a good book for newbies?

 

[JSang]

PHP Essentials, 2nd Edition was a good book for me

 

[RossMAN]

I think I'm going to check out PHP and MySQL Web Development at Powell's books.

 

[GoSharks]

off topic - but i need to take a programming class, and i am wondering if java or c++ is closer to php. i have a bit of experience with php, but none with the other two. i am registered for a java class right now, would it be better (as it easier to pick up) if i were to take a c++ class instead?

 

[bUnMaNGo]

Originally posted by: GOSHARKS
off topic - but i need to take a programming class, and i am wondering if java or c++ is closer to php. i have a bit of experience with php, but none with the other two. i am registered for a java class right now, would it be better (as it easier to pick up) if i were to take a c++ class instead?

both are object oriented programming languages... you shouldn't have any trouble picking up either of them. Personally, I had an easier time w/ C++

as for the PHP book question, look into the wrox books. I just picked up a couple through the Borders friends & family 20% discount deal

 

[Placer14]

Wrox is a little tough to follow sometimes and doesn't giv the best examples. I'd got with PHP Bible, VERY good for newbies. PHP and MySQL Web Dev is good as well but I would suggest a little bit of coding experiencing but if you're a logical thinker, it shouldn't be hard to pickup.

Between those two, i third that recommendation for PHP and mySQL Web Dev. Best one out there so far that I've read.

(Feel free to pick up some interface/web design books while you're at it, or find someone to show you some good astetics.)

 

[Blieb]

go check out ...

http://www.sitepointforums.com

Great info there ... I mean, from developers who might recommend a great book ...