Essential Skills--Made Easy Learn how to build dynamic, data-driven Web applications using PHP. Covering the latest release of this cross-platform, open-source scripting language, PHP: A BeginnerAnd#39;s Guide teaches you how to write basic PHP programs and enhance them with more advanced features such as MySQL and SQLite database integration, XML input, and third-party extensions. This fast-paced tutorial provides one-stop coverage of software installation, language syntax and data structures, flow control routines, built-in functions, and best practices. Designed for Easy Learning: Key Skills Andamp; Concepts--Lists of specific skills covered in the chapter Ask the Expert--QAndamp;A sections filled with bonus information and helpful tips Try This--Hands-on exercises that show how to apply your skillsNotes--Extra information related to the topic being coveredTips--Helpful reminders or alternate ways of doing things Cautions--Errors and pitfalls to avoidSelf-Tests--Chapter-ending quizzes to test your knowledgeAnnotated Syntax--Example code with commentary that describes the programming techniques being illustrated

Table of Contents

Part 1 - PHP BasicsChapter 1 - Introducing PHPChapter 2 - Using Variables and OperatorsChapter 3 - Controlling Program FlowPart 2 - Advanced PHPChapter 4 - ArraysChapter 5 - User-defined Functions and ClassesPart 3 - Working with Data from Other SourcesChapter 6 - FilesChapter 7 - DatabasesChapter 8 -XMLChapter 9 - Sessions and CookiesPart 4 - Security and TroubleshootingChapter 10 - SecurityChapter 11 - ErrorsAppendix A - Obtaining and Installing PHPAppendix B - Obtaining and Installing MySQL

Author Biography

Vikram Vaswani is the founder and CEO of Melonfire (http://www.melonfire.com/), a company specializing in software consultancy and content creation and syndication services. He is also the author of PHP Programming Solutions, How to do Everything with PHP and MySQL, and MySQL: The Complete Reference (all McGraw-Hill/Osborne titles) and XML and PHP (New Riders Publishing). He is also the author of numerous well-received articles on open-source technologies (including Perl, Python, XML and the very popular PHP 101 series), all written with the goal of making complex technologies accessible and understandable to novice users. He has been developing software since 1995, was first introduced to PHP in 1998, and hasn't looked back since. He is regular columnist with Zend Technologies (creators of PHP), as well as with IBM DeveloperWorks, CNET Builder.com, DevX.com and other OSS sites.