Michael Morris: Question about learning PHP...

TheFool1972 · 26th February 2005, 03:33 PM

Do you have a book (real paper) that you would advise an old-school programmer in learning PHP/MySQL programming.
I would kinda like it cheap, and with a function list of commands in the index...

I was looking, but it kinda looks like there are too many to tell apart.

DethStryke · 26th February 2005, 04:03 PM

I have a related question to this as well:

I started learning C# and ASP.NET lately, and PHP is a great way to compliment that in my opinion (marketability AND covering the commonly used bases on the net).

To that end, I picked up this PHP Pocket Reference. It's from O'Reilly, which I generally like their publications on any topic. If possible, I would like to know what your evaluation of this purchase (if you have it or ran by it ever) for the purpose of learning / working with PHP.

I typically reverse-engineer code or only have to clean up bugs / test code. I have not had to actually write my own code all from scratch for any project to date, so the reference is handy for figuring out what I'm looking at and how to edit something with a new tag or what-have-you.

Thanks in advance for jumping in with any insights!

Michael Morris · 26th February 2005, 07:32 PM

Start at www.php.net That's the comprehensive list of php commands and structures.

PHP follows the same structure as C++, so if you know that it should be ridiculously easy to learn as there are very few differences between the two (the largest of which is how PHP handles variable scope).

TheFool1972 · 26th February 2005, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Morris

Start at www.php.net That's the comprehensive list of php commands and structures.

PHP follows the same structure as C++, so if you know that it should be ridiculously easy to learn as there are very few differences between the two (the largest of which is how PHP handles variable scope).

So you don't have a "real paper book" you would refer someone to. Ok, thanks. Sadly, that doesn't help me away from the computer.

Later,

BSF · 27th February 2005, 06:09 AM

I worked in a bookstore for 4 years.

OK, semi-seriously, I did work in a bookstore for 4 years, including being involved with some of the computer book purchasing. O'Reilly and Associates consistently has good books. The drawback is that they are sometimes pricey.

If you are an old school programmer, there are a lot of introductory books that will be a bit of a waste for you. They will cover the basics you already know. If you are already familiar with C++, then you are probably best served with an O'Reilly reference title. But I will see if any of my programmer friends has a good suggestion for you and I will dig through my lists of book sites to see if I can find a good source for inexpensive books for you.