[SOLVED] Advice on the following PHP books

[nubby]

I know it is easy to get the eBooks or find online tutorials, but there are some times I am not anywhere near a computer and want a little something to look at since I am still a beginner at php. I found the following 6 books, but only really want to get 2 of them, but 3 at tops.

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Beginning-PHP-and-MySQL-5_W0QQprZ47022671QQtgZinfo

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Learning-Php-And-Mysql_W0QQprZ52639532QQtgZinfo

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Spring-Into-PHP-5_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ43890924

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/PHP-5-for-Dummies_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ2351599

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Php-Mysql-for-Dummies_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ4477174

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Beginning-Php-5-and-Mysql_W0QQprZ30207584QQtgZinfo

 

I want to learn PHP5 and I checked and I do believe they are all PHP5, but correct me if I am wrong. So if you guys can help out I would appreciate it.

[gigas10]

Please just read tutorials on the internet and save yourself some money. PHP is one of the most well documented languages on the internet and you should have no problem finding information about it.

 

www.php.net/manual

[nubby]

Please just read tutorials on the internet and save yourself some money. PHP is one of the most well documented languages on the internet and you should have no problem finding information about it.

 

www.php.net/manual

 

As my first sentence reads, "I know it is easy to get the eBooks or find online tutorials, but there are some times I am not anywhere near a computer and want a little something to look at since I am still a beginner at php."

 

I have read tutorials, I know of tutorials and ebooks. But like I said I want something on-the-go.

[gigas10]

File -> Print

[unsider]

File -> Print

 

Buying 1 book can be cheaper, assuming the book is around 700 pages, uses a lot of printer ink, and paper. Shrug, maybe printing is cheaper/better, but you can get some used books on Amazon really cheap.

 

Edit: don't personally know any of those books to offer opinion, but Larry Ullman is a great author, even though his stuff might be a little more advanced. You should look him up, and speed up your learning. Or maybe buy that and another beginner book, and use those 2.

 

1 is enough, 2 is overkill, 3 is just adsurb, no more than 2...

[nubby]

File -> Print

 

Buying 1 book can be cheaper, assuming the book is around 700 pages, uses a lot of printer ink, and paper. Shrug, maybe printing is cheaper/better, but you can get some used books on Amazon really cheap.

 

Edit: don't personally know any of those books to offer opinion, but Larry Ullman is a great author, even though his stuff might be a little more advanced. You should look him up, and speed up your learning. Or maybe buy that and another beginner book, and use those 2.

 

1 is enough, 2 is overkill, 3 is just adsurb, no more than 2...

 

Well, seeing as how inefficient my print is that wouldn't be the best bet to print a 700page ebook. 3 is absurb, but like I said at most 3. I found it easier earlier reading one page on a site about something and reading a page on a different site about the same thing, but worded different and it is easier to pick up. That is why I was thinking 2 books. Or one more moderate level book and another beginner one. I will look up that person you mentioned.

[trq]

I am a big fan of physical books as well, not sure why, but I find it much easier.

 

While I have not read any of the books you mention I definitely wouldn't recommend anything with for dummies in the title, I'm sure these books are actually written by novices.

 

From my experience, anything O'Reilly are pretty good. There is a link in my signature to a free wiki/book which is also available in a physical copy. PHP in a nutshell, again, another  O'Reilly publication.

[dannyb785]

Yes, books are great for when you're on the john, somewhere like school where you might not be near internet(or a computer), something to read while waiting for something(I read mind while waiting at the laundromat), or if you're about to go to bed and don't care to stare into a screen.

 

As I said in another thread, get php/mysql for dummies(provided you have little or no experience with php/mysql). I guarantee you won't regret it. It gives just enough to get you going so that more advanced techniques aren't as hard to grasp.

[nubby]

I am a big fan of physical books as well, not sure why, but I find it much easier.

 

While I have not read any of the books you mention I definitely wouldn't recommend anything with for dummies in the title, I'm sure these books are actually written by novices.

 

From my experience, anything O'Reilly are pretty good. There is a link in my signature to a free wiki/book which is also available in a physical copy. PHP in a nutshell, again, another  O'Reilly publication.

 

I too like physical books. I have an O'Reilly book for C programming already and like it so I might look for one in PHP. I have checked out that wiki already, but will thoroughly tomorrow. I might as well just pick out a cheap book from that list. The prices aren't bad.

 

Yes, books are great for when you're on the john, somewhere like school where you might not be near internet(or a computer), something to read while waiting for something(I read mind while waiting at the laundromat), or if you're about to go to bed and don't care to stare into a screen.

 

As I said in another thread, get php/mysql for dummies(provided you have little or no experience with php/mysql). I guarantee you won't regret it. It gives just enough to get you going so that more advanced techniques aren't as hard to grasp.

 

I keep hearing for dummies books are good and others say they are horrible. Hmm, is it personal preference or are they really horrible?

[trq]

I keep hearing for dummies books are good and others say they are horrible. Hmm, is it personal preference or are they really horrible?

 

It is likely personal preference, but to me, they all seam far too basic. they are truly aimed at dummies. That being siad, Ive never read one, just skimmed through a few in the bookshops.

 

That wiki I linked too is now this book. While the 'in a nutshell' books usually assume some experience, they also usually provide a good introduction to a language. Ive never looked at that book, but if its anything like the wiki I would say its a great place to start with php.

[nubby]

I keep hearing for dummies books are good and others say they are horrible. Hmm, is it personal preference or are they really horrible?

 

It is likely personal preference, but to me, they all seam far too basic. they are truly aimed at dummies. That being siad, Ive never read one, just skimmed through a few in the bookshops.

 

That wiki I linked too is now this book. While the 'in a nutshell' books usually assume some experience, they also usually provide a good introduction to a language. Ive never looked at that book, but if its anything like the wiki I would say its a great place to start with php.

 

Alright I will pick up that book. I checked it out on books.google.com and it looked good. I also heard some good stuff about the Jump into PHP5 book I listed and it is cheap so I might get that as well. I finished reading the full php tutorial at Tizag.com today and understand basically all of it, except the PHP Strings part which I am going to reread a few times.

[dannyb785]

I keep hearing for dummies books are good and others say they are horrible. Hmm, is it personal preference or are they really horrible?

 

It is likely personal preference, but to me, they all seam far too basic. they are truly aimed at dummies. That being siad, Ive never read one, just skimmed through a few in the bookshops.

 

That wiki I linked too is now this book. While the 'in a nutshell' books usually assume some experience, they also usually provide a good introduction to a language. Ive never looked at that book, but if its anything like the wiki I would say its a great place to start with php.

 

A dummy is different to different people. To a php expert, a dummy is someone who doesn't understand complex php OOD and functions, handling big arrays, and doing complex mysql queries. Dummies is just a funny way to describe someone who needs a starter. An easy-to-read starter with pictures, lots of examples, that doesn't feel like a school textbook when reading. The authors usually incorporate a little humor and stuff to keep the reader from getting bored.

[nubby]

http://product.half.ebay.com/Php-in-a-Nutshell_W0QQprZ48645050QQtgZinfo

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Php-Mysql-for-Dummies_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ4477174

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/PHP-5-for-Dummies_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ2351599

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Spring-Into-PHP-5_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ43890924

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Learning-Php-And-Mysql_W0QQprZ52639532QQtgZinfo

 

Here is the new set of books, I cannot edit my original post, but I changed some books. If you guys had to choose the for dummies books or o'reilly series which would it be?

[redbullmarky]

my own recommendation, as well as those of others, can be found here. For the lazy who can't be arsed to click and read, I got alot from "PHP and MySQL Web Development" by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson. The chunk of time between reading that book and my current read of "PHP5 Objects, Patterns and Practices", everything was either gained via this site (especially this sticky) or Googling for stuff as and when necessary or just when I get stuck.

 

The problem with the 'Dummies' books is the series seems a bit too "jack of all trades" - rather than expert and in-depth. They're ok if you really are getting started and have a need to learn quick - otherwise, forget them. PHP/MySQL development is a specialist area thus requiring specialist books.

 

 

[nubby]

my own recommendation, as well as those of others, can be found here. For the lazy who can't be arsed to click and read, I got alot from "PHP and MySQL Web Development" by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson. The chunk of time between reading that book and my current read of "PHP5 Objects, Patterns and Practices", everything was either gained via this site (especially this sticky) or Googling for stuff as and when necessary or just when I get stuck.

 

The problem with the 'Dummies' books is the series seems a bit too "jack of all trades" - rather than expert and in-depth. They're ok if you really are getting started and have a need to learn quick - otherwise, forget them. PHP/MySQL development is a specialist area thus requiring specialist books.

 

 

 

Yeah, I read every post in that thread already, but the reason I made a thread was to ask about the books I listed since I didn't see much talk about them in that thread. But I keep hearing good reviews and recommendations on the book you said. I might get that if none of these other books end up being good. I have tried to read a for dummies book on C/C++ awhile back and returned it after reading, I think the 5th page, I am not really into much of the writings of previous books they did. But if these are good then I guess I can bare through it.

 

Do you happen to know the difference between the two books below other than the price, cover, and publication date?

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Php-And-Mysql-Web-Development_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ2435692

 

http://product.half.ebay.com/Php-And-Mysql-Web-Development_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ30789070

[nubby]

Sorry for double post, but I guess the modify option goes away after time.  ???

 

But if these books are good I suppose I should get the 2008 edition of it for $32, although more than I wanted to spend.

http://www.amazon.com/PHP-MySQL-Development-Developers-Library/dp/0672329166/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215374964&sr=1-1

 

Edit: Nevermind the book isn't out yet. It comes out Sept 12.

[redbullmarky]

of the "PHP and MySQL Web Development" book, one of the links you posted (the more expensive) will be the more revised copy - though to be honest, either will do as the revised copies rarely carry much extra aside from corrections and a few more examples and pages, etc. It won't take you far into advanced areas, but it will sure give you all you need to knock out a website (even an advanced one) plus will give you your own legs to stand on in terms of knowing what to do, what to look for, how to find stuff out, etc.

 

Like I say - IMO, avoid the Dummies books. Programming is not really a trivial "hobby" - it's a proper industry that takes time, effort and fuckloads of hard work. I tend to steer very very clear of "professional" books that belong to the same range as books about gardening and aromatherapy and other totally unrelated stuff.

[nubby]

of the "PHP and MySQL Web Development" book, one of the links you posted (the more expensive) will be the more revised copy - though to be honest, either will do as the revised copies rarely carry much extra aside from corrections and a few more examples and pages, etc. It won't take you far into advanced areas, but it will sure give you all you need to knock out a website (even an advanced one) plus will give you your own legs to stand on in terms of knowing what to do, what to look for, how to find stuff out, etc.

 

Like I say - IMO, avoid the Dummies books. Programming is not really a trivial "hobby" - it's a proper industry that takes time, effort and fuckloads of hard work. I tend to steer very very clear of "professional" books that belong to the same range as books about gardening and aromatherapy and other totally unrelated stuff.

 

Alright so those 2 books, although different editions, are basically the same? Still PHP5? I do not find if there is some errors in the earlier revision, gives me something to learn trying to find what is wrong in the code.  Also for that first book some of the cheaper copies do not have the CD, do you think it is necessary? Do you think I can just find the CD online or something?

 

I might also pick up the o'reilly php in a nutshell since I heard it was pretty decent.

[TheFilmGod]

PHP and Mysql by Example

 

Written by: Ellie Quigley

 

Best book I have read regarding php/mysql. I read it as a beginner, and I still reader as an advanced php developer. It covers both php and mysql, and it has everything you need to start you off. In my opinion, it is covers all the bases (literally EVERYTHING), unless you need to stress "performance" which is not covered by the book.

 

I enjoy reading php books, and have read quite a few, - and this one is still my favorite.

 

Another one you should consider is:

 

PHP 6and Mysql 5 by Larry Ullman.

 

I just started reading this, and I really like it.

 

- I hope that helps! 

 

[unsider]

PHP 6and Mysql 5 by Larry Ullman.

 

Larry - There he is

[nubby]

Should I get a book on PHP4 or PHP5? I was leaning more towards PHP5. The 2 books above are PHP4 and PHP5. The 2nd revision, the cheaper one is PHP4 and the more expensive is PHP5.

[redbullmarky]

well - PHP4 will give you a basic understanding but PHP came on leaps and bounds with v5 in terms of features and ability to stick to "good practice" a bit better. I tend to find the ones aimed at PHP5 cover a broader skillset, too - they tend to cover the basics but also get into OOP a bit, giving you more of a varied knowledge base to build on.

Plus - consider PHP6 is just around the corner, getting a book two versions old is probably not great. Only problem with PHP6 books is that PHP6 is still under development, so a) you won't find any hosts yet (and probably for a long while) that will support it, unless you get a VPS or dedicated server and install it yourself and b) i find it kinda scary that people release a book based on something that's not even finished - and possibly subject to changes. Seems a bit too  "early bird" to me.

 

Also - personally, I wouldn't worry too much about cost - see it as an investment instead. Sure, it might cost £30 or £40, but it's a one-off, not a monthly payment or something - and making your money back isn't too tricky.

 

Cheers

Mark

[trq]

Only problem with PHP6 books is that PHP6 is still under development, so a) you won't find any hosts yet (and probably for a long while) that will support it, unless you get a VPS or dedicated server and install it yourself and b) i find it kinda scary that people release a book based on something that's not even finished - and possibly subject to changes. Seems a bit too  "early bird" to me.

 

All these php6 books are just publishers trying to push there books as being more up to date. The ones I've looked at don't even cover unicode or namespaces in detail, two of the bigger changes in php6.

 

This really is just some scam by publishers to try and get you to buy there books over something with php5 on the cover IMO.