Now that PHP is installed with all the right options, you're ready to move on to generating a real, functional extension. In the next few chapters you'll be introduced to the anatomy of a PHP extension. Even if you only plan on embedding PHP into your application without extending the language any, you'll want to read through this section because it explains the mechanics of interfacing with the PHP environment in full detail.
The PHP Life Cycle
Variables from the Inside Out
Memory Management
Setting Up a Build Environment
Your First Extension
Returning Values
Accepting Parameters
Working with Arrays and HashTables
The Resource Data Type
PHP4 Objects
PHP5 Objects
Startup, Shutdown, and a Few Points in Between
INI Settings
Accessing Streams
Implementing Streams
Diverting the Stream
Configuration and Linking
Extension Generators
Setting Up a Host Environment
Advanced Embedding
Appendix A. A Zend API Reference
Appendix B. PHPAPI
Appendix C. Extending and Embedding Cookbook
Appendix D. Additional Resources