Introductory Books 3

[cian]

I'm sure this has been asked many times.
I am searching for the ideal book for PHP, from rookie to advanced level (if possible). I have tried the PHP4 Bible and didn't think much of it. I have also been reading reviews of many books from Wrox. Problem is I keep getting very mixed reviews on all the books.

So how about you guys, if there one good book you'd recommend as being essential? Should I go for O'Reilly, Wrox, who??

All recommendations appreciated!!


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http://www.endamcg.com

 

[jimoblak]

Do not buy a book with over 400 pages. These books are too detailed with PHP version-specific info. PHP is constantly evolving. Get a basic book like either of Larry Ullman's two PHP books from the Visual Quickstart Guide series. These smaller books will give you a good intro to specific tasks. Then you can access the current PHP documentation at php.net for more advanced functions.

Visual Quickstart books are $20-$30: ideal for tightwads like myself.

 

[cian]

jimoblak
Thanks for your help. I'll check out Larry Ullman's books.
How would you rate the O'Reilly books?

Thanks again,
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http://www.endamcg.com

 

[gwinn7]

With large books, you just have to pick and choose which topics are helpful to you. I began picking up PHP at about the middle of last year and started off with the following good books...

PHP and MySQL Web Development ("SAMS" publishing)
Core PHP ("Atkins" author)


Gary
gwinn7
A+, N+, I+

 

[cian]

Thanks Gary,

i'll check those out too!


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http://www.endamcg.com

 

[Dragonfish]

you can also download documentation at

http://www.php.net/download-docs.php.

They used to have php-Files but they´re not available at the moment

Cheers
DavidinGermany

 

[cian]

Thanks David,
i've downloaded the manual and found it quite useful. Still, there's nothing like a good book!


É
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http://www.endamcg.com

 

[jimoblak]

there's nothing like a good book

I agree. While the manual download from PHP.net will ensure the most current documentation, laptops (or even desktops, if you are daring) make poor bathroom reading.