Description



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 Beginner'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 & Concepts--Lists of specific skills covered in the chapter.

- Ask the Expert--Q&A sections filled with bonus information and helpful tips.

- Try This--Hands-on exercises that show how to apply your skills.

- Notes--Extra information related to the topic being covered.

- Tips--Helpful reminders or alternate ways of doing things.

- Cautions--Errors and pitfalls to avoid.

- Self-Tests--Chapter-ending quizzes to test your knowledge.

- Annotated Syntax--Example code with commentary that describes the programming techniques being illustrated.





Table Of Contents:

1 Introducing PHP 3

2 Using variables and operators 21

3 Controlling program flow 49

4 Working with arrays 85

5 Using functions and classes 121

6 Working with files and directories 159

7 Working with databases and SQL 185

8 Working with XML 249

9 Working with cookies, sessions, and headers 293

10 Handling errors 317

11 Securing PHP 349

12 Extending PHP 377

A Installing and configuring required software 391

B Answers to self test 419

Index 445