Customer Reviews: Read 28 more reviews...
 Decent addition to your library July 9, 2008
Mr. D. J. Hinton
This book does exactly what it says on the tin. There's no mucking about, no extra direction, and no fun.
I have some prior experience with scripting, but this was my first foray into the server-side process. As one reviewer has previously mentioned, getting everything you need up and running can be a real headache, but with the help of the 2008 edition of this book, it is painless. I can highly recommend Xampp to manage your server, language and database if you're not lucky enough to start off with a remote host, as configuring everything individually yourself can go completely FUBAR, and turn you off completely.
I've only got through the first few pages (variables, test page etc) but I can see that as with other QuickPro Guides the subject matter is handled clearly and competently.
HOWEVER:
Having recently devoured Head First HTML - and been entertained whilst doing so - I was extremely disappointed to discover that this book is very, very dry. I hate to admit to being bored by a scripting guide, but this is boring. I can see that I'll have to force myself through this - but hopefully it'll all be worthwhile.
 Absolutely Superb June 7, 2008
Mr. J. O'nolan (Sussex, UK)
I would normally write more for a review, but for this book I really don't need to. It is superbly well written and easy to follow without being dumbed down to the point where you feel like an idiot (as is often the case with programming books). The case studies are well thought out and presented neatly and always within a very relevant context to scripts that you might actually be able to make use of in the future.
It is both an excellent cover to cover read, as well as a reference book for when you're in the middle of coding.
Highly highly recommended, worth every penny. (especially since its now half price on amazon compared to what I paid for it, you really have nothing to lose!)
Highly recommened guide for php & mysql May 22, 2008
A. Loughlin
I got this book a couple of months ago and read through it once completely within a couple of days, i just couldn't put it down. It covers every aspect of php & mysql that i know about and plenty more i didn't.
I've done php development before this book, but used the old stlye php mysql interface rather than mysqli (i for improved), so this book was an excellent guide on doing things right, it even has a chapter on security which most other books never seem to talk about, so extra points on this from me.
This book lays good foundations to ensure you only need this book to get started. The layout of the book is quite cool and easy to follow, as the book title suggests.
I now use this book as a reference every time i do any php work and highly recommend it.
Gets you up and running within a few pages April 4, 2008
Jenny Watson (Farnborough, Hampshire)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I didn't know any php and am already putting it into practical use (contact forms etc). Very clear and enjoyable to follow. I wish more manuals were like this.
well, 4 and a half really! December 17, 2007
sharp (uk)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I'm a slow reader, but determined and I know what I want. I wanted to learn php and mysql. I followed this book from page 1 to 692 (more than most books) by Larry Ullman who is clear and direct but not in a manner which is too steep. Infact, you'll go from zero to hero in 3 months (yes, I told you I was slow) but like I said, if you want to learn php, this will show you the way.
Php is not easy no matter what people say. Its a programming language and will be as hard or easy as you make it. For some its harder than others, but you won't get a better guide than Larry, who answers almost all emails and has a forum of equally friendly and helpfull readers. This should be the first step for every budding php developer.
I should just mention, getting sql up and running with a cooperative server can be a real ordeal - It took me a week of reading a serious amount of things before I got it sorted. It's not the books fault, its the complexity of the situation. Don't be put off though, php is getting more exciting for me every day!
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