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Holzner, Steven. Spring into PHP 5. Addison-Wesley. 2005. 340p. ISBN 0-13-149862-2. pap. $29.99.
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Holzner, Steven. Spring into PHP 5. Addison-Wesley. 2005. 340p. ISBN 0-13-149862-2. pap. $29.99.
Hudson, Paul. PHP in a Nutshell. O'Reilly. 2005. 352p. ISBN 0-596-10067-1. pap. $29.95.
Newman, Chris. SAMS Teach Yourself PHP in 10 Minutes. SAMS. 2005. 254p. ISBN 0672-32762-7. pap. $14.99.
Ullman, Larry. PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide. Peachpit. 2005. 692p. ISBN 0-321-33657-7. pap. $29.99.
Wenz, Christian. PHP Phrasebook: Essential Code and Commands. SAMS. 2005. 309p. ISBN 0-672-32817-8. pap. $14.99.
Among its other advantages, PHP, a popular free web programming language, plays quite well with the free MySQL DBMS (see above). For beginners, especially those with experience programming other languages, Spring into PHP 5 breaks down each topic into a one- to two-page unit, illustrating points with examples and screen shots. Code samples are available online, and appendixes cover language elements and provide a function reference table. Very clear, very straightforward, and an excellent basic overview for all libraries. Also for beginners, especially those new to programming in general, SAMS Teach Yourself PHP in 10 Minutes introduces the language in ten-minute lessons that encompass an overview of PHP and what it can do to how to install other developers' code. Useful for the basics; supplement with more thorough guides. For all PHP programmers, the more thorough PWP in a Nutshell provides a handy developer's reference, moving from an introduction to PHP to how to improve performance. Oddly, an image manipulation chapter captions the book's gray-scale illustrations in color, but this is a minor annoyance. Libraries would do well to invest in this owing to its clear explanations, pointers to best practices, and in-depth discussions.
The free web programming language gets two treatments: an in-depth look for developers and a basic introduction
With its focus on developing dynamic web sites with both of the languages in its title, PHP and MySQL makes for a good all-in-one guide for cost-conscious libraries. Its two-column format will aid in comprehension: code and output examples are on one side, and the explanation is on the other. Step-by-step instructions and clear explanations and examples add up to a good self-study choice for beginning to intermediate developers. A companion web site offers code examples and a text file of SQL commands, while appendixes cover installation, reference material, and resources. Highly recommended for all libraries. PHP Phrasebook, part of a new SAMS series of compact code references for beginning to intermediate users, contains reusable code snippets that serve common functions or solve common problems, with brief introductions and discussions. Developers can use the book's code for routine activities rather than constantly rewriting their own or having to remember how to accomplish each function. This nicely indexed and handy reference is a good supplemental purchase for all libraries.
Rachel Singer Gordon ([email protected]) is Consulting Editor, Information Today Inc., Books Division, webmaster, Lisjobs.com, and author of The NextGen Librarian's Survival Guide (ITI, 2006)
Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier, Inc. Apr 1, 2006