Learning PHP and MySQL

Featuring basic concepts explained in plain English, Learning PHP and MySQL is the ideal guide for newcomers attracted to the popular PHP and MySQL combination. Learn how to generate dynamic web content in a slow, easy-to-follow fashion. Also covers error handling, security, HTTP authentication, and more. Part of O'Reilly's bestselling "Learning" series.

The PHP scripting language and MySQL open source database are quite effective independently, but together they make a simply unbeatable team. When working hand-in-hand, they serve as the standard for the rapid development of dynamic, database-driven websites. This combination is so popular, in fact, that it's attracting many programming newbies who come from a web or graphic design background and whose first language is HTML. If you fall into this ever-expanding category, then this book is for you.

Learning PHP and MySQL starts with the very basics of the PHP language, including strings and arrays, pattern matching and a detailed discussion of the variances in different PHP versions. Next, it explains how to work with MySQL, covering information on SQL data access for language and data fundamentals like tables and statements. Finally, after it's sure that you've mastered these separate concepts, the book shows you how to put them together to generate dynamic content. In the process, you'll also learn about error handling, security, HTTP authentication, and more.

If you're a hobbyist who is intimidated by thick, complex computer books, then this guide definitely belongs on your shelf. Learning PHP and MySQL explains everything--from basic concepts to the nuts and bolts of performing specific tasks--in plain English.

Part of O'Reilly's bestselling "Learning" series, the book is an easy-to-use resource designed specifically for newcomers. It's also a launching pad for future learning, providing you with a solid foundation for more advanced development.

 

Table of Contents

Preface

1. Dynamic Content and the Web

     PHP and MySQL's Place in Web Development

     The Components of a PHP Application

     Integrating Many Sources of Information

     Requesting Data from a Web Page

     Chapter 1 Questions

2. Installation

     Developing Locally

     Working Remotely

     Chapter 2 Questions

3. Exploring PHP

     PHP and HTML Text

     Coding Building Blocks

     Chapter 3 Questions

4. PHP Decision Making

     Expressions

     Operator Concepts

     Conditionals

     Looping

     Chapter 4 Questions

5. Functions

     Calling Functions

     Defining Functions

     Object-Oriented Programming

     Chapter 5 Questions

6. Arrays

     Array Fundamentals

     Chapter 6 Questions

7. Database Basics

     Database Design

     Structured Query Language

     Chapter 7 Questions

8. Using MySQL

     MySQL Database

     Managing the Database

     Backing Up and Restoring Data

     Advanced SQL

     Chapter 8 Questions

9. Getting PHP to Talk to MySQL

     The Process

     Querying the Database with PHP Functions

     Using PEAR

     Chapter 9 Questions

10. Working with Forms

     Building a Form

     Templates

     Chapter 10 Questions

11. Practical PHP

     String Functions

     Date and Time Functions

     File Manipulation

     Calling System Calls

     Chapter 11 Questions

12. Modifying MySQL Objects and PHP Data

     Changing Database Objects from PHP

     Manipulating Table Data

     Displaying Results with Embedded Links

     Presenting a Form to Add and Process in One File

     Updating Data

     Deleting Data

     Performing a Subquery

     Chapter 12 Questions

13. Cookies, Sessions, and Access Control

     Cookies

     PHP and HTTP Authentication

     Sessions

     Using Auth_HTTP to Authenticate

     Chapter 13 Questions

14. Security

     Session Security

     Chapter 14 Questions

15. Validation and Error Handling

     Validating User Input with JavaScript

     Pattern Matching

     Redisplaying a Form After PHP Validation Fails

     Chapter 15 Questions

16. Sample Applications

     Building a Blog

     Chapter 16 Questions

17. Finishing Your Journey

     Finding Help on the Web

     Web Sites

     Zend

     Lampshade

     Chapter 17 Questions

Appendix:. Answers to Chapter Questions

Index