1. PHP and MySQL Web Development
One of the best books for beginners who want to learn PHP is "PHP and MySQL Web Development" by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to PHP, MySQL, and web development. It covers the basics of PHP syntax, data types, control structures, and functions. Furthermore, it explains how to integrate PHP with MySQL to build dynamic, database-driven web applications.
Here is an example of PHP code from the book:
<?php
$name = "John Doe";
$age = 25;
echo "My name is <strong>$name</strong> and I am <strong>$age</strong> years old.";
?>
In this example, the PHP code assigns values to variables and then uses the echo statement to output a string with the variables.
1.1. Why this book is recommended?
This book is recommended for beginners because it provides a step-by-step approach to PHP development. It starts with the basics and gradually introduces more advanced topics. The authors explain concepts clearly and include practical examples, making it easy for beginners to understand the material.
2. PHP for the Web: Visual QuickStart Guide
Another great book for beginners is "PHP for the Web: Visual QuickStart Guide" by Larry Ullman. This book focuses on teaching PHP in a visual and interactive way, making it easier for beginners to grasp the concepts. It covers topics such as PHP syntax, arrays, forms, sessions, and databases.
Here is an example of PHP code from the book:
<?php
$colors = array("red", "green", "blue");
foreach($colors as $color) {
echo "<div style='background-color:$color;'>$color</div>";
}
?>
This PHP code uses the foreach loop to iterate over an array and output a div element for each color with the corresponding background color.
2.1. Why this book is recommended?
This book is recommended for beginners because it presents PHP concepts in a visually engaging manner. The author uses screenshots, illustrations, and clear explanations to guide readers through the learning process. It also includes exercises and quizzes to reinforce understanding.
3. PHP Cookbook
For beginners who want to dive into specific PHP tasks and problem-solving, "PHP Cookbook" by David Sklar and Adam Trachtenberg is highly recommended. This book provides a collection of recipes that demonstrate how to solve common PHP challenges. It covers a wide range of topics, including strings, arrays, dates, file handling, and regular expressions.
Here is an example of PHP code from the book:
<?php
$string = "Hello, world!";
$reversed = strrev($string);
echo "Original string: $string";
echo "Reversed string: $reversed";
?>
This PHP code uses the strrev function to reverse a string and then outputs both the original and reversed strings.
3.1. Why this book is recommended?
This book is recommended for beginners because it provides practical solutions to common PHP problems. It is organized like a cookbook, allowing readers to quickly find solutions to specific tasks. Each recipe includes a detailed explanation and example code that can be easily modified for specific needs.
Conclusion
If you are a beginner looking to learn PHP, these books are highly recommended. "PHP and MySQL Web Development" provides a solid foundation in PHP and database integration, "PHP for the Web: Visual QuickStart Guide" offers a visually engaging learning experience, and "PHP Cookbook" is a valuable resource for practical problem-solving. Remember to practice writing code and explore different PHP resources to reinforce your learning.