In this chapter you created a simple working PHP extension and learned the steps necessary to build it for most major platforms. In the coming chapters, you'll add to this extension, ultimately including every type of PHP feature.
The PHP source tree and the tools it relies on to compile and build on the many platforms it supports is constantly changing. If something in this chapter failed to work, refer to the php.net online manual under Installation to see if your version has special needs.
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