PHP 5 / MySQL Programming for the Absolute Beginner

This book is an introduction to programming with a specific focus on programming web servers with the PHP programming language. Much of the original content from the first edition (1931841322) will be retained, while also including updates relating to the upcoming PHP 5.0 release. Following the same format as the popular first edition, this book provides easy-to-follow instruction. Readers will use the concepts presented in the book to create games using PHP and MySQL. As each concept is put to the test, readers will acquire programming skills that will easily transition to real-world projects. A true beginner's guide, this book enables readers to acquire programming skills that they will be able to use in the next language that they tackle.

Assuming a familiarity with HTML and basic coding, this guide uses game code written in PHP to illustrate the programming principles of variables, conditions, functions, loops, arrays, string handling, and databases. The PHP 5 edition adds chapters on object-oriented programming and XML. The CD-ROM contains PHP, the Apache web server, MySQL, PHP-Nuke, and source code for the games. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Andy Harris began teaching computing at the university level in the late 1980s as a part-time job. Since 1995, he has been a full-time lecturer at the Computer Science Department of Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). He now manages the IUPUI Streaming Media Lab and teaches classes in several programming languages. Andy resides in Noblesville, Indiana.