advice on how to get started

alpine

Hi gang,

I'm an experienced programmer, have worked with c++ and java as well as Sybase and Oracle dbs. I've also done a lot of web design.

Other than some simple ASP stuff with oledb I haven't really done much server side programming.

I've never used PHP nor mysql except for setting up shopping carts. So that just involved installing and making some minor changes to code already written.

So that brings us to why I am writing. I'd like to get started with PHP and MySQL. Can anyone recommend a book or tutorial for newbies that would get me started? (I'll have a look around this site) Or any other ways to approach this language? I'm on my own now working as a consultant so I no longer have my colleagues to rely on.

Thanks for any help.

drawmack

If you're already an experienced programmer then php is very easy to learn (took me about a week)

as for mysql you've got sql experience so just do what you know and when something doesn't work look it up in the manual

http://www.php.net/manual/en
http://www.mysql.com

alpine

Thanks. I just started looking at the manual and the getting started section on this site and realize how all very familiar it sounds.

I'd still like a recommendation for a book, specifically php and db applications on the web.

How about the O'Reilly book "Web Database Applications with PHP & MySQL" or the PHP Bible I see on the home page of this site?

Drebin

Originally posted by drawmack
If you're already an experienced programmer then php is very easy to learn (took me about a week)

A week, that's it? Damn you! 😉

Since you already know other programming languages, you might want to check out Core PHP. You should also go to amazon.com and check out the reviews of some php books.

Kudose

My favorite book is called CORE PHP4 Programming. It is a white book with a purple spine. I dont have it with me right now, so I cant tell you the author and such. But I will try to remember to post the author in this thread when I get home.

motorcycleboy

I am currently working through "PHP and MySQL Web Development" by Luke Welling and Laura Thompson. Published by SAMS publishing. Starts with the basic (which if you are an experienced programmer you can skip past). But I am finding it very good. Getting back into programming after a very long layoff.

alpine

Thanks everyone. I just ordered "PHP and MySQL Web Development" as well as "Web Database Applications with PHP & MySQL" (O'Reilly). Could be overkill, but what the heck.

motorcycleboy - I, too, am getting back to programming after about 2 years of nothing but relatively simple web design. That's why I wanted a good book. Welcome back!