Ok guys, I want to get a php book. I have searched the boards and found great examples. It seems o'reilly is great, and I really liked the cookbook(I just read the table of contents, I don't have the book) but I really don't know what level I am at?
Ok, I will list some things I basically know how to do(I think I would be considered pretty newbie right now, but i want to make sure)
I understand the syntax, and how to write the code(I'm really experienced in flash coding)
I understand variables, arrays, and minimal file understanding(I can open, read, write, and find things throughout the file) I understand the if and else statements, but not really the for(I have a little understanding)
I also understand the comparisons(&& == !=, etc)
So am I still a newbie? Maybe you guys could list some things I need to know before I get a certain book, and I will see if I know them..
ex: If you want to get the cookbook, you better have a good knowledge of..
Also, any good book reccomendations for my level would help, and just ask if you want to know if I understand a certain thing or not.
Thanks,
Chase
LordShryku
12-19-2003, 04:03 PM
Well, according to this thread (http://www.phpbuilder.com/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10257302), you will always be a n00b.
As far as books go, I really can't say. I bought a PHP book a while ago, but have yet to crack it open. The ones my friends have bought have been crap(IMHO), since they assume register_globals is on. I say if you can learn from a book, more power to ya. For me, I can realy only learn from trial and error...
Schwalbach
12-19-2003, 04:12 PM
Yea, I totally understand...That's how I learnt from flash, learning what does what...but the reason for that is there is a list of actions in the program and what actions they are used for, and there is no "program" for php. I could go to php.net, but the thing is there are what seems like 1000's of functions, and I just don't know what to look for to find what function I need.
LordShryku
12-19-2003, 04:15 PM
They are categorized though. First, you have to know what you want to do. So you wanna read from a MySQL database, the functions are probably listed under the MySQL category. Wanna read a file? Probably under the filesystem category. On top of that, you have so many web resources for PHP. Like I said, maybe a book will help you, I dunno.
Schwalbach
12-19-2003, 04:18 PM
Ok, I kind've see that now..
Well, I do like the books though. I just want something explaining everything that I need to know, and just a thing I would like to have(Can't really explain why I want a book, but I do :P)
So any suggestions on how I can tell what kind I need, or what kind for my level?
Schwalbach
12-19-2003, 04:21 PM
For an example....for a person that has never seen this code before, tell me how much this helps me understand it(from php.net)
ftruncate
(PHP 4 )
ftruncate -- Truncates a file to a given length
Description
bool ftruncate ( resource handle, int size)
Takes the filepointer, handle, and truncates the file to length, size. Returns TRUE on success or FALSE on failure.
Moonglobe
12-19-2003, 04:39 PM
Originally posted by Schwalbach
For an example....for a person that has never seen this code before, tell me how much this helps me understand it(from php.net)
ftruncate
(PHP 4 )
ftruncate -- Truncates a file to a given length
Description
bool ftruncate ( resource handle, int size)
Takes the filepointer, handle, and truncates the file to length, size. Returns TRUE on success or FALSE on failure. seems easy to understand, as long as you know what 'truncate' means...
Schwalbach
12-19-2003, 04:48 PM
That's good to know that you understand it, but I don't know what truncate means, and seeing as there is no reference to it on the page, how am I supposed to know that I should know what truncate means first?
Could anyone please just give me some advice on books that I need to look at, that would be good for my level instead of pointing out the things they understand that I don't?
(Sorry if I sound mean, it's just this topic has produced nothing so far.)
Thanks guys :)
LordShryku
12-19-2003, 04:50 PM
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=truncate
Anyway, as I hear, you can't go wrong with O'reilly. This topic has also been discussed thoroughly, many times over, so a search on the forums would help you
Moonglobe
12-19-2003, 04:50 PM
my advice: pick a section of the manual that interests you, and read all the user notes for taht section. it may sound wierd, but there are some very interesting examples posted there. I realize you want a book, but as i have never used one, i can't reccomend any.
Schwalbach
12-19-2003, 04:51 PM
thanks moonglobe, that is more helpful :) I will try that if I can't find anything, I just think that if the book is written and published, it will be a good reference for me...thanks again, any books for my level anybody else?
jebster
12-19-2003, 05:45 PM
Originally posted by Schwalbach
Can't really explain why I want a book, but I do :P
Easy, gives you something to read on the john :)
Originally posted by Schwalbach
For an example....for a person that has never seen this code before, tell me how much this helps me understand it(from php.net)
ftruncate
(PHP 4 )
ftruncate -- Truncates a file to a given length
Description
bool ftruncate ( resource handle, int size)
Takes the filepointer, handle, and truncates the file to length, size. Returns TRUE on success or FALSE on failure.
I didn't know what the word meant, but guessed and was right cause I could tell in what context they were using it in :)
And I would suggest Wrox books but maybe try finding one written more recently cause I have Beginning PHP4 and it was written in 2000 and the code is sloppy IMO and they also assume global variables too if I am not mistaken!
Also be sure to stop by Amazon before you buy a book and read some reviews on it ;)
Elizabeth
12-19-2003, 06:23 PM
I can recommend a really good book if you can wait until March to get it :D
-Elizabeth
Schwalbach
12-19-2003, 07:02 PM
Lol, any books I can buy now(and what book is that anyways, the one you are going to recommend?)
pipe_girl
12-20-2003, 12:40 AM
Doesn't anybody use the library anymore?? I have a tough time bringing myself to buy a $40 or $50 book that I'm not sure will be any good, and even then I won't buy it unless I know I am going to constantly be referencing it.
I've checked out some great books on PHP and MySQL from the library (though usually they are in demand), and it can really help you to decide what to buy.
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 05:07 PM
Originally posted by Elizabeth
I can recommend a really good book if you can wait until March to get it :D
-Elizabeth
Oh, beth, getting pretty anxious, are we? :D
Me too!
jebster
12-20-2003, 05:14 PM
Originally posted by stolzyboy
Oh, beth, getting pretty anxious, are we? :D
Me too!
And I'm lost.. did someone here right a book or something?
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 05:16 PM
Taking from the previous "You're all out of the loop" thread, I'm guessing the mods here wrote a book....
jebster
12-20-2003, 05:22 PM
Geez, I must be really out of the loop cause I have never even seen this "You're all out of the loop" thread.. LOL
But if the mods here did right a book, I hope it will be widely available cause I would want it! :)
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 05:24 PM
I really don't remember what the thread was about, but it ended with the mods aluding to this huge project they had just finished.
Merve
12-20-2003, 05:50 PM
Back on track here, DON'T BUY PHP BOOKS!
The manual is a great reference for any function that you'd want to check up. There are countless articles on the internet that are teaching examples, and like pipe_girl said, go to your local public library and borrow the PHP/MySQL development books. They are usually a good source, but assume you're using an old version of PHP, such as 4.1.0 , but quite a few of the books I see assume register_globals is off (and explicity state that the HTTP_*_VARS arrays are depecrated).
Like I said, the web is a good source. Codewalkers (www.codewalkers.com) is a good site. I have never used a PHP book and never plan on using one. I just enjoy programming PHP stuff. What you've got to do is search around. Ask a question to yourself...how can I do $this? Then Google or AltaVista or Kart00 or $favourite_search_engine for an article that will answer that question. 99% of the time, you will find one. There are good articles right here on the site. I have found numerous articles that I keep referring back and keep referring newbs like myself to. All I can say is that the internet is your best friend for this kind of stuff, and PHP books should be borrowed from the library and should remain as display pieces in bookstores.
Happy PHP-ing! :)
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 09:12 PM
Yes, the manual is great, but it is wonderful to have a reference on hand if you don't have the manual handy.
Hint: Keep in mind, not all books are just for function reference.
Especially what we're talking about. There is some very useful code and examples you can learn from, not just simple examples to instruct the user on how to use the function, but real-life examples on what you can do for your websites.
:D
stolzyboy
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 09:31 PM
And I can't seem to find the forementioned "Out of the loop" thread. Only looked for a couple minutes though. :)
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 09:34 PM
I've seen your code stolzy. I'll have to buy the book just for sheer comic value :p :D
BTW, the thread (http://phpbuilder.com/board/showthread.php?s=&postid=10444488&highlight=project#post10444488)
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 10:17 PM
Aww, that thread was in my search results, but I didn't go through all the pages... Too impatient...
stolzyboy
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 10:18 PM
So when the big annoucement gonna be?
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 10:24 PM
Dunno!
Book not available til March!
Give you a hint though, do a google search for "Jeremy Stolz" and you'll likely stumble upon it!
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 10:26 PM
AHHH! Now all the Wrox publishing jokes make sense!
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 10:27 PM
SSSHHHHHH!!!
J/K!!
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 10:28 PM
Well, congrats to you all :)
Only, who's Yann Le Scouarnec?
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 10:29 PM
De' Bunker!
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 10:31 PM
Yarr! I see :D
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 10:34 PM
You should no everyone else, correct?
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 10:37 PM
Yeah, everyone else I know. That's the only one that didn't sound familiar. Someone needs to do a mods bod thread :)
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 10:39 PM
Well, it's test time, match the name with the username!
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 10:42 PM
Okie
Michael K. Glass = Buzz
Yann Le Scouarnec = Bunker
Elizabeth Naramore = Elizabeth(that one was hard)
Gary Mailer = goldbug
Jeremy Stolz = I dunno :p
stolzyboy
12-20-2003, 10:46 PM
Sorry, Gary Mailer, is NOT goldbug, that is trooper, not a mod, well neither is goldbug, but... goldbug IS involved, although technically not an author, more of a project organizer/editor/type person.
LordShryku
12-20-2003, 10:49 PM
Oh. I guessed goldbug. I knew I'd heard the name before. Thought it was goldbug.
So, when was this idea brought to a reality?
Merve
12-21-2003, 12:53 PM
Congrats on the new book! :)
BTW, Who's Gary Mailer?
Sorry we highjacked your thread, Swallbach
Schwalbach
12-21-2003, 12:55 PM
Lol, very ok, I already got the cookbook, it's just fun watching you guys, I bet i'll buy the book released from here too :P
stolzyboy
12-21-2003, 02:31 PM
Originally posted by Merve
Congrats on the new book! :)
BTW, Who's Gary Mailer?
Sorry we highjacked your thread, Swallbach
Sorry, Gary Mailer, is NOT goldbug, that is trooper, not a mod, well neither is goldbug, but... goldbug IS involved, although technically not an author, more of a project organizer/editor/type person.
jwb666
12-22-2003, 04:11 AM
PHP and MySQL Web Development Second Edition (By Luke Welling and Laura Thompson) - cannot reccomend it enough. absolutely massive, explains everything, tutorial + referenc in one. A bit expensive but its worth it.
Also for the very begginer who barely knows what code is:
PHP In Easy Steps (by Mike McGrath) - Yes it assumes register_globals is turned on but that is easy enough to change. It really guides you through everything, really simple, with technical bits which are optional whether you read them or not. It gives total newbs a great start, and they'll be writing there own code in no time. You'll soon want to move on, the above book is absolute GOD, honest.
The Chancer
12-22-2003, 09:46 AM
With reference to the above
ISBN: 0-7645-5744-0
:D
stolzyboy
12-22-2003, 10:19 AM
to which above?
piersk
12-22-2003, 10:41 AM
Oooh, oohh, where can I get a signed copy of this great book by my fellow mods?? Will there be an international book signing tour??
stolzyboy
12-22-2003, 11:16 AM
Originally posted by piersk
Oooh, oohh, where can I get a signed copy of this great book by my fellow mods?? Will there be an international book signing tour??
Umm, Fargo??? :D
piersk
12-22-2003, 11:38 AM
Originally posted by stolzyboy
Umm, Fargo??? :D
Huh?? :confused:
stolzyboy
12-22-2003, 11:40 AM
Originally posted by piersk
Huh?? :confused:
The tour can start in Fargo, ya know, the city, Fargo, ND. It's NOT just a movie, it is a real live city! :)
piersk
12-22-2003, 11:47 AM
Sorry, got completely confused (yes, again :rolleyes: ). Not planning on venturing further afield... you sure wrox cant pay for it :(
bad76
12-22-2003, 11:52 AM
Originally posted by piersk
Sorry, got completely confused
Hint:
look under the stolzyboy's avatar...
:D:D
stolzyboy
12-22-2003, 11:52 AM
Originally posted by piersk
you sure wrox cant pay for it :(
I'm sure they could afford it, whether they would or not, probably NOT!!
Just get in a boat and paddle over here, don't forget your bike, cuz you'll need that to get form New York to Fargo! :D
Merve
12-22-2003, 03:26 PM
It would be a lot easier to use an amphibious vehicle :D
stolzyboy
12-22-2003, 03:52 PM
Originally posted by Merve
It would be a lot easier to use an amphibious vehicle :D
But it'd be funnier for me to see him rowing in a little boat with his ten speed behind him! :D
Merve
12-22-2003, 05:01 PM
Behold, stolzy: the airplane (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=airplane)!
:D:D
sorry, couldn't resist
stolzyboy
12-22-2003, 05:07 PM
Originally posted by Merve
Behold, stolzy: the airplane (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=airplane)!
:D:D
sorry, couldn't resist
OK, we'll strap large quantities of eagle feathers to his arms and watch him flap over here. That'd be the funniest yet!!
Merve
12-22-2003, 05:15 PM
What may become of piersk: 1010, 1162, 1536, 1678 (if lucky) (http://www.flight100.org/history/timeline.cfm?period=pre-1700s)
GilesGuthrie
12-23-2003, 12:59 PM
Back on-topic...
I think that what's needed isn't necessarily a reference on PHP itself, but more a sort of general programming primer. The PHP.net site does assume that you can interpret their terms.
goldbug
01-05-2004, 04:11 PM
Originally posted by stolzyboy
Sorry, Gary Mailer, is NOT goldbug, that is trooper, not a mod, well neither is goldbug, but... goldbug IS involved, although technically not an author, more of a project organizer/editor/type person.
Wow, I'm still alive! :)
Actually, I think my role would best be described as the middle term, "editor"...
...in that case, "editor" meaning "one who mangles code and words into a big mess and generally slows things down" :D
leatherback
01-05-2004, 05:07 PM
Hey Guys!
Congrats on the book!
I'd love a copy once it comes out. But eeeh... ND si a bit far off. (And nope.. Sold my boat when leaving Oz..) Any chance of you guys sending them of/ Have a little orderform & CC payment?
J.
stolzyboy
01-05-2004, 05:10 PM
OH, I'm sure you can order it online somewhere! :D
Merve
01-05-2004, 07:18 PM
Any chance it'll be selling in Canada?
Moonglobe
01-05-2004, 07:41 PM
merve it's not like it'll cost too much to ship it up here..... but it is easier to ship to the US and have a friend bring it up ... hehehe
Merve
01-05-2004, 08:15 PM
Have a friend? I don't have any American friends, only Canadian ones.
The companion Web site features sample PHP scripts, as well as two fully functional working applications from the book
I know a website that does that.... :p
stolzyboy
01-06-2004, 11:27 AM
Originally posted by LordShryku
I know a website that does that.... :p
Good idea, huh? :D
Schwalbach
01-06-2004, 04:03 PM
Hey,
Just to let you guys know :) I have the cookbook, it helps alot with simple things and gives alot of ideas, I highly recommend..Thank all you guys for all your recommendations(yea...) lol, but good luck with the book, is it officially released yet? If so, anyone read it?
LordShryku
01-06-2004, 04:05 PM
I read it. It was good. Really cute that stolzyboy let his kid write his code for him :D :D
Not released until March....
stolzyboy
01-06-2004, 04:06 PM
It won't be available til March 1...
stolzyboy
01-06-2004, 04:06 PM
Originally posted by LordShryku
I read it. It was good. Really cute that stolzyboy let his kid wirte his code for him :D :D
She did pretty good for being only 1 month old though :D
Schwalbach
01-06-2004, 04:07 PM
Woah, now that is gonna be one talented girl right there :)
Merve
01-06-2004, 07:53 PM
Must get book....:D No seriously, all the other PHP books assume you have register_globals turned on and some even use the HTTP_*_VARS arrays...and that's assuming you're running PHP 4.1.0 or higher! What a bunch of dumbass books those are! Can't wait for a book written by a bunch of developers for developers instead of a book written to make money, that have a whole line of crappy books!
mellymell
01-10-2004, 01:05 AM
I personally recommend the PHP Bible 2nd Edition. I've had it for a couple of months now and it has really enhanced my understanding of PHP. I started off with Sitepoint.com's Build Your Own Database Driven Website by Kevin Yank...
I really suggest that PHP Bible, though. About the cookbooks, I bought one, the PHP Developer's Cookbook, and it's pretty good; although I don't necessarily like the concept of a cookbook. It's like a tutorial in Photoshop... You'll only learn how to duplicate their work, but it's hard to bring it over to your own imagination's use (maybe that's just with me)... Instructional books, moreso than cookbooks, work best for me.
Moonglobe
01-10-2004, 01:15 AM
are you dissing our mods?:D
BuzzLY
01-10-2004, 05:22 AM
Been away a while, thought I'd come in and visit for a while :)
As far as the book goes, I really hope people will like it. We do assume register_globals is turned off, since we wrote the book for version 4.3.2 -- that will be a nice change, I hope.
As for the tour -- it should most definitely begin in Cincinnati, since 3 of us live here :D Seems like a strange coincidence, I know, but I met Elizabeth and goldbug both at a meetup here in Cinci, and invited them to get involved in the project.
We went through a few ups and downs (including the bankruptcy of Wrox's parent company in England), but it's finally become a reality. I'm pretty excited about it -- it's my first book. With any luck, we'll "get" to write a revision for PHP5. Can't wait til then :rolleyes:
wheeler08
03-26-2004, 01:05 PM
This post comes a bit late, but might still be helpful.
I really found the book "PHP and MySQL Web Development" by Wellington and Thomson a great reference book for many of the most common used features in PHP. Anything that wasn't in the book, I was able to find online. The book is easy to follow and great for looking up PHP functions.
Maybe you should swing by a Chapters or another bookstore and take a look at their collection. Flip through and see how "easy" or "difficult" the code and logic seems. I find the library usually has older books and not as many as a bookstore.
Good Luck!
Nixon
03-30-2004, 11:18 AM
PHP and mySQL books are my lively hood :rolleyes: I must turn to them to solve any problems I have before coming, here although if something doesn't work that you've copied directly theres no way to ask why, but, thats why I have you guys :D .
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