Learning PHP & MySQL

Learning PHP & MySQL
Michele E. Davis & Jon A. Phillips
O’Reilly Media, Inc.
ISBN: 0-596-51401-8
Non-Fiction, Computer
Reviewed by Charles Lesher

Computer manuals by their very nature are designed to disseminate information. The authors do a reasonably good job on a difficult and extensive subject. This book covers the history of open source software, Apache, PHP and MySQL in particular, gives detailed instructions on how to download and install these programs locally, then walks through the rudimentary first steps in using them. It does not go into great detail and should be considered only as a starter manual for those already familiar with database and web design. These are subjects requiring their own manuals to properly document. However, this book will get someone with minimum experience started very nicely.
I did find typos and grammatical errors but nothing that I could not get past. Some code was wrong and required online sources to find out why but again, nothing major. My biggest regret is that the code was not included on a CD or available on the web. All in all, this is a very well written and concise guide to getting started with Apache, PHP and MySQL. It is a welcome addition in any library.