Good PHP/MySQL Book

Anon

I've done a lot of fairly basic PHP/MySQL stuff for the web, database queries, inserts and updates with a web interface, simple searches. Right now I'm working on a project that's a little over my head and I'm hoping that someone can recommend a good book that can help me out.

I'm building a completely database driven website with a user interface where they can log in, edit their account information and search the database, and some other neat tricks.

The database is all built, now I'm working on the user interface. I'm fine with the logic of the complex queries, it's the syntax I'm having trouble with. For example, I need to search multiple tables based on multiple, optional search criteria that's input by the user, then do additional searches of the data that's returned by the original search. Did that make sense?

Anyway, if anyone has some suggestions regarding reference books with some good practical, relevant examples that might apply to this type of project I'd be much obliged.

Thanks and Happy Holidays.

Anon

I started out on a book teaching the basics. Most books would say that it would be best to refer to the php manual for more functions not covered in the book. I find the manual is a better reference tha the book. Books only cover what functions they find are basic and can help the person start out (They would be extremely large if it were to cover all the functions). If you already know the basics of PHP then you should take a look at the php manual at http://www.php.net

Can't go wrong with this. Then just ask questions here for support on confusing functions.

Anon

I personally started with PHP and MySQL Web Development from Sams. I would highly recommend it. It briefly covers database design, but then dives right into the PHP coding. I thought it was fantastic due to the real-world examples and it gave very practical applications.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Anon

I am able to find answers to a lot of my questions in the manual but sometimes I find part of the answer in one section and part in another and I have to figure out how to put them together. That's when it would be handy to have some practical examples.

It's true, it is a pretty broad subject. It would be difficult for a book on a language like this, where there's as many different ways to do things as there are users, to be really comprehensive.

But, always in search of the shortest route to anywhere I'm required to go to more than once, I have to keep looking.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Your input is much appreciated.

Anon

For learning about how to design, plan, and examples of different solutions, I like

Web Application and Development with PHP 4.0 by New Riders publisher, Author(s) Ratschiller, Gerken -- its very helpful in designing and planning a web app. The thing I don't like about this, is it uses PHPLIB in some of the examples. Which, some may find helpful.

I also like Professional PHP Programming, by WROX Publishers. It explains different concepts and has small examples as well as some applications.

-- Nola