Recommended PHP5/MySQL Books

Hey Guys,

Over the summer I really want to develop a project completely on my own, however since the project is fairly large and will involve complete custom programming I need to get down and dirty with PHP5 and MySQL.

Just wondering on your best book recommendations for a fast learner who's new to database programming.

Cheers

I actually did the same a couple months back. I can't remember the book I used but I don't think it really mattered for me, because I only used it for learning the basics which almost any book can do.

I then used online tutorials to help me increase my skills. I think they work much better, because they're more specific, and free!

Good luck!

My first book was
http://safari.oreilly.com/0672326728 [first edition ]

I also recommend this
http://www.informit.com/store/produc...sbn=013147149X

Thanks guys.

I actually found a book I bought not too long ago and it's proving to be a great reference for those little mistakes I keep making along the way!

Just to let you know that the second book is available for download
http://www.informit.com/content/imag...7149X_book.pdf

Good reading!

Thanks Tony, I'll get it now and have a flick through

I want to learn PHP and MySQL too! Just give more suggestions.Many thanks .

I really like the Sitepoint book Build Your Own Database Driven Website Using PHP & MySQL for a good starting place. I read the first edition a few years ago and learned the basic principles I've used in a ton of projects ever since, including a content management system for my church.

It's not a great reference book, but it's an easy and entertaining read and gives you a good idea of what's possible.

Hmmm....

to be honest with you I think the best way of learning a programming language (as well as SQL actually) is just to sit down and start coding - assuming you already have a clear picture of the project you want to accomplish.

I find that http://www.php.net/manual/en/ is EXCELLENT! You will see that there are code examples included throughout the manual, all contributed by users of PHP - great way to get different opinions, no matter how skewed sometimes

And as far as MySQL, nothing better than http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.1/en/index.html - same idea with user-contributed comments and examples.

I also think you can download both manuals as PDFs (if I'm not mistaken).

Cheers,

Mike

I agree with ThinkMinds, especially on the PHP manual. Although, for books, one I've personally read is:

Beginning PHP and MySQL: From Novice to Professional (Third Edition) by Jason Gilmore - http://www.beginningphpandmysql.com/

Mainly because it goes over both PHP5 and PHP6.