I'm just starting to actually develop some web interfaces with PHP, and I'm wondering, do any of you PHP devs out there have any good books you'd like to recommend? It's nice to have the Internet to always use for a reference, but sometimes I'm doing work in places where I don't have the internet, or where it costs money (i.e., Starbucks). Plus, I usually learn something better from a book anyway instead of learning bits and pieces from references on this and that website.
I made one script last night for a very very simple bulletin board, and I like how easy it was. So what books do you guys recommend for PHP and MySQL?
"Php and mysql for dummies"
or
"Teach yourself php, mysql and apache in 24 hours"
Both PHP for Dummies books - PHP for Dummies and PHP & MySQL for Dummies are pretty dang good for beginners. However, as it is that you've already designed a bulletin board, I'm thinking maybe you should try something a little more advanced.
Personally, I'd go search on Slashdot. They've got book recommendations every once in a while, and a simple search on past PHP books should do the trick for ya.
Thanks for your input Pat! 
I liked my books from an author named Welling. Nice for intermediate to advanced users.
I can get some benefits from this thread. Users if you know something about any book on php, please post. Thanks all.
I have learnt all the PHP I know from the book 'PHP5 and MySQL Bible', I guess it's a bit expensive but i really like the way it theaches things. I definately receomend it I read Beginning PHP and MySQL 5, W. Jason Gilmore
Not so bad in fact.
It cover from Novice to Professional. It offers comprehensive information about two of the most prominent open source technologies on the planet: the PHP scripting language and the MySQL database server.
In fact this book likes three books in one, covered PHP 5, MySQL 5, and how these two popular open source technologies work together to create powerful websites. The book is packed with practical examples and insight into real-world challenges. It is based on the author's 7 years of experience working with these technologies. You will repeatedly refer to this book as a valuable instructional tool and reference guide.
| KattPappa wrote: |
| I have learnt all the PHP I know from the book 'PHP5 and MySQL Bible', I guess it's a bit expensive but i really like the way it theaches things. I definately receomend it |
I definitely think I'll look into that one too. I have the JavaScript Bible and I really liked it myself. | PatTheGreat42 wrote: |
Both PHP for Dummies books - PHP for Dummies and PHP & MySQL for Dummies are pretty dang good for beginners. However, as it is that you've already designed a bulletin board, I'm thinking maybe you should try something a little more advanced.
Personally, I'd go search on Slashdot. They've got book recommendations every once in a while, and a simple search on past PHP books should do the trick for ya. |
I agree! 
Php/MYSQL for Dummies is a great book to learn PHP/MYSQL from beginner to advanced! it just learns you all! The Site Point books are my favorites. There's one called, Build your own dynamic Database Driven Web Site, or something like that. Great for beginners.
After that, The PHP Anthology took me from thinking about scripts and actually writing them (and most of them work!!!! )
They're not as easy to find as the For Dummies books, but for the money, I (personally) got a lot more out of them.
i prefer wrox publication books like
begining php or professional php
they have exhaustive knowledge....
WROX books rocks. Professional PHP is a good book.
Oh yeah, I guess a close second, IMHO would be the O'Reilly in a Nutshell series... they're usually a pretty safe bet.
I don't know much about php, still learning. But, I picked up a little at my public library. Check out your library, they may have something good!
Enjoy!
Hello dude! just try to use WROX BOOK beginning PHP5,Apache, MySQL Programming
it's very useful and very nice book! if you are a beginner in web base programming maybe this one is write for you.. I have one at home and it's really satisfactory to me...
I hope it can help to you!
I used a book (can't remember right now) to learn from, but now use PHP and MYSQL for Dummies as a reference. Very helpful.
I would suggest Larry Ullman Books "PHP for the World Wide Web" and "PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites". Larry Ullman PHP and MySQL books are intended and written for those beginners who really want to learn PHP and MySQL.
"Build Your Own Database Driven Website Using PHP and MySQL" by Kevin Yank from SitePoint is a good book too. It is for intermediate and advanced users because most of the chapter of the book discussed Structured Programming and OOP using PHP. The book will also teach you how to do Advanced MySQL Administration. When you know the basic syntax of PHP and MySQL this book is really good for you. if your desperate for php help get this book:
i tried it and its great -worth every penny!
Book name: PHP 5/MySQL programming for the absolute beginner
Author: Andy Harris
here is a picture of the book's cover:
http://img421.imageshack.us/img421/4560/193184132201sclzzzzzzz1nh.jpg
