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noktulo · 22-03-2004, 16:47

What is the best book for learning PHP for someone without any programming experience? I've used HTML and CSS extensively, but no programming.

mike_m · 22-03-2004, 23:22

begginers php by wrox is the one I found easiest to understand

Bill Posters · 23-03-2004, 03:15

I can vouch for the helpfullness/usefullness of PHP for the World Wide Web. It's one of the Visual Quickstart range which I've always regarded as a very good set of intro books.

PHP in Easy Steps is also a good starter book.

PHP by Example and Essential PHP for Web Professionals can both provide a good next step once you've go the very basics down (though all of the books cover the basics to a greater or lesser extent).
Their delivery is a little drier than the first two titles, but both offer step-by-step tutorials on a slightly more developed range of tasks.
Of the two, Essential PHP… is the better book as it's presentation is slightly more friendly.

All four books have helped me take my first steps into PHP. The two beginner books have been especially helpful in easing the learning curve.

Try before you buy by grabbing copies via your local library.
Worked for me.

spl1nter · 23-03-2004, 10:54

I used PHP/MySQL For Dummies. It's really, really good. It comes complete with loads of examples (and they are all on a CD as well) plus it guides you through creating a members only area and a catalog system.

Definately worth the money

noktulo · 23-03-2004, 17:17

Thanks, peoples. I'm reserving a few at the library right now and I'll decide which I like best when they come in.

dan · 24-03-2004, 03:44

SAMS Teach Yourself PHP in 24hrs was fairly simple to understand for me... I still go back to it (probably 'cos I haven't advanced much further) now for it's simple explanations.

Jeffrey · 30-03-2004, 20:53

To have a conventional book of any topic you'd like to know is highly recommeded. Knowing that certain topic through the web is helpful as well. But buy a book first.

Just my 2,0000 cents.

noktulo · 30-03-2004, 21:46

I got PHP for the World Wide Web. It's great! Thanks for the recommendations.

/R7 · 31-03-2004, 14:48

ive found - if you use a blog software, or a free board software, looking at the code for long periods of time can in someway familiarize you with the way php works, i know i have a better understanding myself after a few nights of trying to create a first hack for one, even as simple as a few lines or something, gets your started somewhere while your waiting.

22-03-2004, 16:47	#1 (permalink)
noktulo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 6	Beginners' PHP What is the best book for learning PHP for someone without any programming experience? I've used HTML and CSS extensively, but no programming.

22-03-2004, 23:22	#2 (permalink)
mike_m Work faster microphone .. Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cambridge, UK Posts: 1,709	begginers php by wrox is the one I found easiest to understand __________________

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23-03-2004, 03:15	#3 (permalink)
Bill Posters trouble free and loverlee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: YooKay Posts: 2,930	I can vouch for the helpfullness/usefullness of PHP for the World Wide Web. It's one of the Visual Quickstart range which I've always regarded as a very good set of intro books. PHP in Easy Steps is also a good starter book. PHP by Example and Essential PHP for Web Professionals can both provide a good next step once you've go the very basics down (though all of the books cover the basics to a greater or lesser extent). Their delivery is a little drier than the first two titles, but both offer step-by-step tutorials on a slightly more developed range of tasks. Of the two, Essential PHP… is the better book as it's presentation is slightly more friendly. All four books have helped me take my first steps into PHP. The two beginner books have been especially helpful in easing the learning curve. Try before you buy by grabbing copies via your local library. Worked for me.

23-03-2004, 10:54	#4 (permalink)
spl1nter Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 33	I used PHP/MySQL For Dummies. It's really, really good. It comes complete with loads of examples (and they are all on a CD as well) plus it guides you through creating a members only area and a catalog system. Definately worth the money

23-03-2004, 17:17	#5 (permalink)
noktulo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 6	Thanks, peoples. I'm reserving a few at the library right now and I'll decide which I like best when they come in.

24-03-2004, 03:44	#6 (permalink)
dan Iris Folder Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: smokey Posts: 2,676	SAMS Teach Yourself PHP in 24hrs was fairly simple to understand for me... I still go back to it (probably 'cos I haven't advanced much further) now for it's simple explanations.

30-03-2004, 20:53	#7 (permalink)
Jeffrey Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cebu Posts: 20	To have a conventional book of any topic you'd like to know is highly recommeded. Knowing that certain topic through the web is helpful as well. But buy a book first. Just my 2,0000 cents.

30-03-2004, 21:46	#8 (permalink)
noktulo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 6	I got PHP for the World Wide Web. It's great! Thanks for the recommendations.

31-03-2004, 14:48	#9 (permalink)
/R7 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 75	ive found - if you use a blog software, or a free board software, looking at the code for long periods of time can in someway familiarize you with the way php works, i know i have a better understanding myself after a few nights of trying to create a first hack for one, even as simple as a few lines or something, gets your started somewhere while your waiting.

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