Table of Contents
- How to Learn PHP and MySQL
- PHP and MySQL Web Development, 4th Edition
- Programming PHP, 2nd Edition
- The Definitive Guide to MySQL 5, 3rd Edition
- A Practical Guide to MySQL: Database Development, Optimization, Administration, and Maintenance
- PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites
- Summary of PHP and MySQL Web Development Books
PHP is one of the world's most widely used scripting languages for creating dynamic websites, while MySQL is one of the world's most widely used relational databases, and both are open source. Many of the websites and open-source programs we browse every day are developed with PHP and MySQL. For example, the WordPress blogging system used by the Baishou Qijia Net I blog you are reading is built on PHP and MySQL; larger systems such as Facebook were also once developed extensively with PHP. So PHP and MySQL are powerful tools for website development.
Yes, if you want to become a successful web developer, PHP and MySQL are among the skills you must master. According to statistics from outsourcing platforms such as Taskcity, because PHP and MySQL are easy to use and deploy, related projects have long been among the most in-demand, while there are not actually many programmers who can truly handle PHP and MySQL projects well. So becoming proficient in PHP and MySQL development means holding a key to freelancing and increasing your personal income.
How to Learn PHP and MySQL
W3Schools has an excellent introductory tutorial on PHP and MySQL, but to truly master web development with PHP and MySQL and become an expert, you still need to read the right books. If you choose classic books on PHP and MySQL programming and combine them with diligent study in your everyday programming work, becoming a senior programmer proficient in PHP and MySQL web programming is not an unreachable goal. But if you do not choose the right books, your path to learning PHP and MySQL may become bumpy. The PHP and MySQL web development books I recommend today are all classics I read when I was learning PHP and MySQL. Through studying these books, I became proficient in PHP and MySQL development and created WordPress Jam to take on WordPress and other projects, so I believe these books are well worth reading carefully when you have time.
PHP and MySQL Web Development, 4th Edition
PHP and MySQL Web Development, 4th Edition, recommendation rating: ★★★★★
PHP and MySQL Web Development is an essential desk reference for PHP and MySQL programmers. You could say that a PHP programmer who has not read this book is like a Christian who has not read the Bible: it is hard to understand. This book combines PHP development with MySQL applications and analyzes both PHP and MySQL in an accessible yet in-depth way. It not only introduces the general concepts of PHP and MySQL, but also gives a fairly comprehensive explanation of their web applications, including several classic and practical examples. The fourth edition has been fully updated, rewritten, and expanded, covering improved PHP 5.3 features such as better error and exception handling, MySQL stored procedures and storage engines, Ajax technology and Web 2.0, and security issues that web applications need to consider. Major companies that use PHP as a primary development language, such as Facebook and Yahoo, also regard this book as an excellent PHP learning resource, which shows that it is a must-have for PHP programmers everywhere.
Programming PHP, 2nd Edition
Programming PHP, 2nd Edition, recommendation rating: ★★★★
Getting started with PHP is very easy, but grasping the essence of PHP and mastering it comprehensively is not. Programming PHP is an industry-standard book that can help us gain a complete command of PHP, and one of its authors is Rasmus Lerdorf, the creator of PHP, so it includes unique insights from Rasmus Lerdorf and other PHP experts. Programming PHP covers all the real essentials of the PHP language itself. By carefully walking through PHP syntax, it helps you study systematically and build a complete PHP knowledge system. All the book's technical points, such as syntax and programming techniques, are explained in concise language and clear expression, with code examples showing correct and idiomatic usage. It also includes advice on code style and real-world development. These will not only help you become a PHP programmer, but also help you become an excellent PHP programmer. This book is worth reading carefully again and again.
The Definitive Guide to MySQL 5, 3rd Edition
The Definitive Guide to MySQL 5, 3rd Edition, recommendation rating: ★★★★
Poor database design or slow SQL execution can easily become one of a website's bottlenecks. If you want your programs to run more robustly and your entire website to perform better, then The Definitive Guide to MySQL 5 is one of the books you must read. Solutions to basically every MySQL problem can be found in this book; it is definitely a good one. The Definitive Guide to MySQL 5 is an essential reference for all MySQL database administrators and developers. This book gives a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to MySQL's features. Its main content includes the use of important MySQL system administration tools and user interfaces, the basics of MySQL database system design and the process of designing MySQL databases in different languages, as well as SQL syntax, tools, options, and API application guidance, helping you learn and master the design and use of MySQL database systems as quickly as possible. The Definitive Guide to MySQL 5 covers the features of MySQL 5.0, such as new programming interfaces including mysqli in PHP 5 and new system administration tools.
A Practical Guide to MySQL: Database Development, Optimization, Administration, and Maintenance
A Practical Guide to MySQL: Database Development, Optimization, Administration, and Maintenance, recommendation rating: ★★★
This book, A Practical Guide to MySQL: Database Development, Optimization, Administration, and Maintenance, written by the manager of NetEase's technical department DBA group and senior DBAs, is definitely one of the best practical MySQL textbooks. Its content is very detailed, covering MySQL fundamentals, MySQL development, MySQL optimization, MySQL administration, and more. It basically includes the MySQL issues you may encounter when running a large website. Since the authors are all experienced DBAs from major internet companies, the book not only incorporates their rich work experience and many years of practical knowledge, but also provides a large number of examples from real work settings. It is highly practical and actionable, so I strongly recommend that DBAs responsible for operating large websites take a serious look at this book.
PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites
PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites, recommendation rating: ★★★★
Every language evolves, and PHP is no exception. Opportunity always favors those who prepare in advance, so as a PHP programmer, you must understand where the PHP language is heading if you want to stay competitive. PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites is a book that lets you plan ahead and study new PHP and MySQL technologies early. Modern language features such as Unicode support and namespaces were once planned for inclusion in PHP 6. Are you ready to learn these features or make your programs compatible with them? If not, hurry up and buy this book to study them.
Summary of PHP and MySQL Web Development Books
Using PHP and MySQL for web development is an agile development process. Getting started is not difficult, but the further you go, the more problems and challenges you will encounter. So choosing the right learning reference books from the beginning is essential and can help you achieve twice the result with half the effort. For PHP programmers who have already made some progress, choosing a book that can help organize their existing PHP and MySQL knowledge system may also make them much stronger.