Redjr said
This book can teach you dynamic web development using PHP and MySQL quickly. I bought this book because I needed to learn PHP quickly for a site I planned to build. I was able to write scripts quickly using this book. I gave this book four stars because there were problems with setting up the environment which could of been avoided if they gave more attention to the setup. For beginners that never setup a local test environment, this will be very frustrating. But, that's the only problem. The book keeps you on your toes and noticed as you went along in the book they left stuff out of the instructions because at that point in the book you should know what to do. So you get weened off the hand holding for simple tasks such as creating a database. So, this is a great learning book. Don't get scared off by the setup. I found if you google WAMP and download the WAMP server, it will set the environment up for you. They should mention that in the book. If you're purpose is to learn PHP and MySQL, this book is the one to get.
George Lychock said
This book gets you going. I had bought 2 books prior to this but I couldn't get excited about php. Now I am. The examples are good, but I tended to create my own apps as I was going along which is good about this book in that it is flexible.
Definitely sign onto their blog for error notices and such. I hit a snag and someone got back to me overnight so they have a good support community.
Enjoy. I know I looking forward to my next Head First book.
George F. Greene said
I knew nothing about MySQL or PHP except that if I didn't update my ancient website my business would be toast. I bought PHP & MySQL for Dummies and found it extremely confusing.
I needed hand holding and have found the OReilly books to be just the right mix of handholding and depth. I needed to understand, not just do. O Reilly books and this one in particular succeed. Sure it's goofy and even fun but what do I care? I need to learn and if goofiness works then great!
I'm sure I'll use the Dummies book as a reference, as it does have more depth, but if you need to start from only knowledge of HTML and basic database concepts, this is the book for you.
Tony L. Lewis Jr. said
I was starting to learn PHP and MySQl and bought countless other books. Each of them had many errors or were just outdated. When I got this book, I read to page 100 on the first day. They constantly repeated things which made me remember it and most of it was pictures. Once you buy this book, you'll never need another. I recommend this for anyone wanting to learn PHP.
Steve D said
The materials presented in this book are very confusing I had to stop reading and pick up another PHP book.
The writers quiz you on stuff they haven't talked about and wants you to learn from the answer afterward... How annoying!
I am giving the book two stars because I did learn a few things from it.
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