Beginning PHP4

PHP is a server-side scripting language. It is an open source, cross platform technology (NT, Linux, UNIX), rapidly gaining popularity as a scripting language for people running dynamic websites. Using practical examples and a step by step approach, this book explains how to develop web applications using PHP. Topics include: Introduction to PHP 4; Downloading and installing PHP; Basics of HTTP and Web pages; PHP as a scripting language; PHP data types; Constants and conversions; HTML primer; Form variables; Decision making in PHP; Loops and arrays; PHP functions; Error handling in PHP; Tips on writing more maintainable code; Debugging hints; Preserving state with hidden form variables; Query strings; Cookies and PHP4 native sessions; Using PHP objects; File and directory functions; PHP database programming; Installing and using MySQL; Tutorial for SQL syntax; Querying and updating records; XML "quickstart" for PHP users; ODBC tutorial.