PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide (Visual QuickPro Guides)

For the beginner there are the SQL and PHP chapters themselves. I knew SQL and was familiar with the basics of PHP and so I simply started reading at chapter 3. After that there are advanced topics for PHP and MYSQL use, which are in the format of, box with code in, followed by screenshots, and then an explanation. This conveys the meaning perfectly, and you know how you will implement it into your own website.

Finally, there are additional topics for those people who master PHP/MYSQL and have created their dynamic website. These include a user registration system, and content management system which I am thouroughly looking forward to. Despite the PHP/MYSQL title, the book also covers javascript and html use as they are so much a part of the subject. All this is in a slim 500 page book, which also manages to be a good reference book for the SQL and PHP functions available. I could go on all day...


Learn PHP and MySQL from the ground up   April 19, 2005
downsider (UK)
44 out of 46 found this review helpful

As a complete novice to both PHP and MySQL, I found this book totally accessible. [The last language I learned was - wait for it- FORTRAN! - things have moved on a bit...] The progressive tutorial was paced at a perfect rate, introducing just enough new material each time to keep the interest level high and not too much to be overwhelming (unlike a lot of other computer books). The database section of the book explained relational databases in understandable and practical terms too. Another good feature is the wealth of good quality reference material, encouraging the reader to supplement knowledge in specific areas if desired. The overall thrust of the book is towards what I, and I imagine a lot of others, want to do - make a database driven website. The book succeeds in this objective very well indeed.
It's also a very handy reference to Open Source PHP, which helped me to understand how to configure and use several packages.
My only slight criticism is the lack of detail when discussing security - something which is surely a top concern of any operational website. Apart from that, I can't praise it highly enough. If only all computer books were written like this.....


Excellent Content, Well Written, Well Supported   February 14, 2007
Mr. H. Richards (Oxford, UK)
44 out of 46 found this review helpful

The content will take you from zero knowledge of PHP and MySQL (even not having it installed!) to a point where you can feel confident approaching the development of a fully functioning dynamic website. The examples cover ecommerce, user registration and content management. There are consistent references to other sources and alternative functions which could be used. For me it took me from a very limited knowledge of PHP/MySQL (gained from a few days searching the web) to this point of confidence where I'm now designing my own ecommerce website. I would agree with another reviewer that a prior knowledge of HTML is important although I think you could scrape by without, you should learn HTML seperately before starting this book.

Well written: Books like this can have all the content in the world and still be useless. This book is by far one of the best 'textbooks' I've ever used. It is clear and concise without omitting any vital details. It covers useful material and refers to more detail. It is 'friendly' and doesn't assume much (if anything). Overall it reads easily and gets the point across very effectively.

Well Supported: The scripts (php and mysql) are all available on the author's website. This is useful to compare your practice and problem-solve if you get really stuck! One SQL script was not available but it affects one small example only and won't impact your progress. The author maintains a web forum on which you can ask questions. He seems to respond to them all (quite a feat!) and I got a reply to a question I asked within 24 hours. That's quite impressive!

If you are looking at a few books with a similar title as I did a few weeks ago, then I can fully recommend this book. I have devoured it - working full time 10 hours a day - in about 8 days. It has been a steep learning curve and I got to the end which wouldn't happen with every book of this sort.


Excellent book!   September 21, 2004
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Let me say one thing, if you spend time with this book and read it all the way through properly, at the end you will come out with a very good undersatnding of how PHP and MySQL works.

It is very easy to follow, so you wont be getting stuck, and even if you did you can just visit the books website where you are guarenteed to get help. But hey, it wont even comedown to that anyway as you wont be getting stuck.

After reading this book, I am now working on creating my first dynamic website. I had no experience of php, only little bit of SQL when starting this book. But now I am sure I could class my self as an intermidiate PHP MySQL user.

Just take my advice and try it, you wont be disapointed.


Excellent - highly recommended   December 10, 2003
mike hall (catford, london United Kingdom)
50 out of 53 found this review helpful

This book is great. Easy to follow, well written and concise. I'm a 4th year student and have used this for much of my final year project based on PHP and MySQL.

It explains really well how to set up a user login system, form entries, some basics of SQL, all you need for this kind of project. Mine is possibly the most used and worn text book ive had in 4 years!

In summary, if you need a book on PHP and MySQL then this will suite you. I'd say its aimed at an beginner to intermediate level user and some HTML experience comes in handy.

I hope this helps you make the right decision.