About This Book

This book teaches how to develop dynamic Web sites with PHP and MySQL, covering the knowledge that most developers might require. In keeping with the format of the Visual QuickPro series, the information is discussed using a step-by-step approach with corresponding images. The focus has been kept on real-world, practical examples, avoiding "here's something you could do but never would" scenarios. As a Web developer myself, I wrote about the information that I use and avoided those topics immaterial to the task at hand.

The structure of the book is very linear. It begins with three chapters covering the fundamentals of PHP (by the second chapter, you will have already developed your first dynamic Web page). After that, there are two chapters on SQL (Structured Query Language, which is used to interact with all databases) and MySQL. Both chapters address the basics of SQL, database design, and the MySQL application in particular. Then there's one chapter on debugging and error management, followed by another specifically on using PHP and MySQL together, a remarkably easy thing to do.

The following three chapters teach more application techniques to round out your knowledge. Chapter 11, "Extended Topics," will show you some extra ideas worth consideration but not required by all applications. Finally, I've included three example chapters, in which the heart of different Web applications are developed, with instructions. The appendices discuss installation and provide references and resources for more information.