The best book to learn PHP from?

[NathanielB]

I am wondering what is the best book to learn PHP from..

The, basically everything there is to know book:
PHP5 and MySQL Bible
http://www.amazon.com/PHP5-MySQL-Bib.../dp/0764557467

Or, the more laid-back type of book such as:
http://www.amazon.com/Sams-Teach-You...4354620&sr=1-1

What would you think is best?

My programming knowledge is somewhat limited;
I understand what variables, arrays, operators, and stuff are..
I know HTML/CSS
I know some Java, Turing..

Take that knowledge with a grain of salt though because I have a friend who wants to learn as well and his knowledge is basically just the understanding of what variables are.

Now I know some will say learning from books just' dont work, but, lets say if it did, what type of book would be best? The big bible, or the strait to the point Sams'.

Additionally, do you know if the PHP5 and MySQL Bible is a good book? Amazon has negative reviews which sorta scares me.

If you have any other books, please let me know about them!

[stymiee]

PHP and MySQL Web Development
by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson

[NathanielB]

PHP and MySQL Web Development
by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson

Is there a perticular reason as to why you perfer this book?

[stymiee]

Yes, it rocks! I learned from as did a good friend of mine. It probably is the best book to learn PHP and MySQL from.

[TheRedDevil]

I would recommend that you get ahold of "PHP and MySQL Web Development" as well.

Though please note that parts of the book is outdated now, but I still think its a great resource to learn php from.

[elduderino]

I learnt from Larry Ullmans book. http://www.amazon.com/PHP-MySQL-Dyna.../dp/0321186486

it really did make things easy, really great for a complete newb...i cant recommend it enough! Lots of examples ive used again and again in my programming.

[stymiee]

I would recommend that you get ahold of "PHP and MySQL Web Development" as well.

Though please note that parts of the book is outdated now, but I still think its a great resource to learn php from.

I think they released a new revision to cover changes in PHP like PHP 5 objects and such.

[TheRedDevil]

Yes, it seems that you are correct John.

I thought I had the last revision of the book, but when I took a look on mine it was only second edition, not the third.

Please disregard my comment in the last post

[thejackel]

PHP and MySQL Web Development is indeed a good book (i picked this up while at uni).

The first book I learned with was PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide. It covers the basics very well but is not as indepth as PHP and MySQL Web Development.

Also sitepoints own Kevin Yank has written some good books on the subject.

[mrwooster]

I learned from a Sams book because it was the first one I came accross, it was good but it did not really go into that much depth, especially when it came to php security.

[frank1]

PHP and MySQL Web Development is indeed a good book (i picked this up while at uni).

The first book I learned with was PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide. It covers the basics very well but is not as indepth as PHP and MySQL Web Development.

Also sitepoints own Kevin Yank has written some good books on the subject.

well this has been discussed many times i agree with this answer...
php mysql bible is good but not the best one

[hamidof]

PHP MySQL Web Development is the best!

[Dr John]

Yes, it seems that you are correct John.

I thought I had the last revision of the book, but when I took a look on mine it was only second edition, not the third.

Please disregard my comment in the last post

Yes, it's unlikely you'll have the latest edition - "4 edition (April 6, 2007)"
which according to amazon is selling rather well!

[Tom Brokaw]

make sure to also read Essential PHP Security when you're done with your first book.

[silentcollision]

I learned with Sams Teach Yourself PHP in 24 Hours.

It was pretty good. Covered topics that I was interested in, and he writes it so its pretty easy to understand. The reviews on Amazon are also quite good, except for one, one star, where the guy wrote:

One thing this book and ALL of these books dont tell you is WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE CODE ONCE YOU WRITE IT? WHERE THE HELL DOES IT GO?

I laughed

[htmldad]

I too am trying to learn PHP as it is necessary for my website. I got a tip on a book called "PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Websites (Second Edition) All the reviews are 4 to 5 stars (out of 5) I'm going to puchase it today. I'll let you know what the result is. I tried Yank's Sitepoint book, but it has alot of holes between examples. It leaves me struggling to understand the content. Maybe it is just me. One book I definately would not suggest is "PHP 5 / MySQL for the absolute beginner." This book left me reeling jumping from example to example using different games as a teaching tool. Not very real world! So we will see how my 3rd purchase goes. Hope I helped.

DAD

[htmldad]

I promised a reply to my last post, so here it is. GET PHP AN MYSQL FOR DYNAMIC WEBSITES! This book explains PHP extensively. All the content I struggled with in Yank's book becomes ridcuously obvious. The examples are "real world" and explained thoroughly. I got mine at Borders in the States ( get the 20% off online coupon and the book wiil cost you $26.00). Can't beat that with a stick! Believe me, this book is the REAL DEAL..... I was beginning to think I was a real moron. Some people may still reserve that opinion, but who cares. I'm laughin'. Best $26.00 I have spent in a long, long time. I went through 75 pages in 3 hrs! Can't say enough about this book. Sorry Yank, but your book is going to the Adolf Hitler archives!

[Dr John]

htmldad - author??? Do you mean Ullman?

Just a rarely is never enough

[htmldad]

Author: Ullman

Book Name: Php and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites

Later.

DAD

[e-man]

If you come from a webdesign background rather than programming then PHP Solutions is an excellent introduction.

[Dr John]

Author: Ullman

Book Name: Php and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites

Later.

DAD

Yes, I have had a look at that one and thought it was a good beginner's book.



I've just ordered a second hand copy of the Welling book 2nd Ed from amazon at a VERY low price. When a new edition comes out, you can get some bargains in the second hand section, and as no host I use has PHP5, the older version suits me perfectly.

[NathanielB]

Thank you all immensely for your input, I will look at PHP and MySQL Web Development and PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web sites thorughly!!

Thanks again everyone!

[cherie]

I have the "PHP and MySQL web development" by Welling and Thomson book. My only problem is that I could only find one for PHP 5. Most of the servers (6 out of 7) I work with are still running a version of 4.

I have attempted to find an older version of the book and have been completely unsuccessful.

Besides finding a server that runs php5, any suggestions on how to use this book (which seems very easy to understand) and still learn the version of PHP I have access to?

[Dr John]

I have the "PHP and MySQL web development" by Welling and Thomson book. My only problem is that I could only find one for PHP 5. Most of the servers (6 out of 7) I work with are still running a version of 4.

I have attempted to find an older version of the book and have been completely unsuccessful.

Besides finding a server that runs php5, any suggestions on how to use this book (which seems very easy to understand) and still learn the version of PHP I have access to?

Amazon, used copies, that's where I ordered mine from yesterday.
Specifically, search on Welling and Thomson, then find the older version you need (4 and 3 are for php5, so like me you'll want 2nd Ed). click on the older version, then go straight to the Used & New link to third party sellers. Choose your bargain!