Reviews for PHP and MySQL Web Development All-in-one Desk Reference for Dummies

1. concise, fairly straight forward read.

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, October 12th, 2009

   As the author explains, this is a reference book not a learning route. However, having started at the beggining and read through, thus far I have found it an easy book to follow.

2. A Good Place to Start

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, October 12th, 2009

   Coming to PHP & MySQL as a beginner, but with plenty of experience in other programming languages (C, C++, C#), I've so far found this book to be very useful, both as learning material and as a reference book.
   
   I'm a big fan of the Dummies series: I like the logical progression through short-ish chapters and sections, clarity of layout, and friendly tone, and this book is no exception.
   
   The only problem I've had so far was with the book on installing the various software tools (PHP, MySQL, Apache, Windows IIS). The steps to do this are relatively complex, and in some places the instructions jump around ("see next section, then come back here" type of thing). I did manage to get it all to hang together on about the third attempt.
   
   As an introductory book, covering PHP, MySQL, and concepts of object oriented development and database design,
   this is very good value, especially at the Amazon price I got it for. It's quite up to date, covering PHP 6 which wasn't quite released at publication time.
   
   RECOMMENDED.

3. Average

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, September 12rd, 2009

   To be honest it does what it says, just about anyway. When trying to read through it I found myself constantly drifting off due to the way it tries to teach you knowledge of PHP and MYSQL.
   If its your first time trying to learn it I dont recommend this book but what it is basically is a little reference book where you can just skim through it and pick up a piece of coding to use that you have previously forgotten

4. If you need to learn PHP or MySQL buy this!

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, July 12th, 2009

   This book is perfect for learning PHP and MySQL.
   
   PHP is the preeminent programming language of the web and powers the world's most popular websites like Facebook. MySQL is used on nearly all these websites too and the two technologies are fundamental to anyone wanting to create a high quality website.
   
   This book moves at a perfect pace - it makes it very easy for beginners to learn. Also, people with knowledge of other languages won't feel this moves to slowly. The book is also great for quickly finding a feature you need and provides clear and easy to understand code examples.
   
   A great book highly recommended.

5. Even Good For Intellectuals!

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, April 12th, 2009

   All the Dummies books I've seen are good and this one is excellent! Janet Vallade really knows her stuff and she walks you through until suddenly you look back and see how far you've come. I'm already a developer and wanted to build my skills and yet this book is still very helpful.
   
   If you're new to PHP development or even intermediate this book is a must have if you want to advance quickly. I bought it as a reference to keep on the shelf and refer to for years to come. It really does contain everything you need to know.