PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide

Coming in at 648 pages, PHP 6 and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites is a definite go-to for help when starting out in PHP. The book offers practical examples from beginner to advanced, but do keep in mind that prior CSS and HTML experience are necessary. Read PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide.

PHP and MySQL Web Development

Another heavy-weight in the industry is PHP and MySQL Web Development, simply because it shows the reader how to build an e-commerce website from start to finish. It keeps security topics in mind, as well as advanced MySQL tactics to help improve speed and reliability. Like the previous book, previous HTML and CSS experience is preferred. Read PHP and MySQL Web Development (4th Edition) (Developer’s Library)
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Beginning PHP and MySQL: From Novice to Professional

Like the title describes, Beginning PHP and MySQL: From Novice to Professional is an excellent guide for beginners to learn from. It covers PHP cookies, authentication, and even delves into MySQL topics in later sections. Beginning chapters even guide users through the process of installing Apache, PHP, and MySQL on your own server. Read Beginning PHP and MySQL: From Novice to Professional, Third Edition (Beginning from Novice to Professional).

Wicked Cool PHP: Real-World Scripts That Solve Difficult Problems

Wicked Cool PHP: Real-World Scripts That Solve Difficult Problems is a diamond in the rough, featuring many different scripts to put into action and learn from. Creating polls, sending e-mail, and even creating one’s own blog is going to be learned through this book. By all means, this is a must-have book for the curious PHP programmer. Read Wicked Cool PHP: Real-World Scripts That Solve Difficult Problems
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MySQL Cookbook

MySQL Cookbook focuses on the database-end of things. Formatting data, perfecting queries for perfect optimization and security, and interacting with web interfaces just brush the surface with what this book has to offer. If you’ve already got a fair amount of PHP experience, and want to become more adept in MySQL, you may want to Read MySQL Cookbook.

Programming PHP

Programming PHP is for those who have had some prior PHP experience and wish to build on it. This book won’t be the best for beginners, but will teach intermediate users how to hone their skills in advanced topics. XML and PDF topics are explored in advanced chapters, as well as the PEAR functionality of PHP that few developers are taking advantage of. Read Programming PHP
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Sams Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL and Apache All in One

Sams Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL and Apache All in One is for the absolute beginner who needs a no-frills guide to installing and using Apache, PHP, and MySQL. Basic concepts such as form creation and database administration are covered, although this is no advanced book by any means. Read Sams Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL and Apache All in One
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Practical Web 2.0 Applications with PHP

Practical Web 2.0 Applications with PHP is the “chic” style of book that is going to teach readers how to code some of the newest technologies available. From implementing Google Maps into applications to taking on AJAX and a bit of JavaScript, this book will allow programmers to keep up on the Web 2.0 craze. Read Practical Web 2.0 Applications with PHP (Practical).

Professional Search Engine Optimization with PHP: A Developer’s Guide to SEO

Professional Search Engine Optimization with PHP: A Developer’s Guide to SEO Is an excellent source for programmers to brush up on their marketing skills. This book will teach programmers how to accurately optimize their creations for search engines such as Google- so they can gain the exposure they need to get on the front page of search results. Read Professional Search Engine Optimization with PHP: A Developer’s Guide to SEO.

PHP Cookbook

PHP Cookbook Offers a large list of solutions to common problems in PHP and data-driven websites. From strings to database manipulation, everyone from the beginner to the expert will find something of use in this book. It’s well worth a spot on any PHP developer’s shelf. Read PHP Cookbook (Cookbooks (O’Reilly)).