PHP: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE

Essential Skills--Made Easy! Learn how to build dynamic, data-driven Web applications using PHP. Covering the latest release of this cross-platform, open-source scripting language, PHP: A Beginner's Guide teaches you how to write basic PHP programs and enhance them with more advanced features such as MySQL and SQLite database integration, XML input, and third-party extensions. This fast-paced tutorial provides one-stop coverage of software installation, language syntax and data structures, flow control routines, built-in functions, and best practices. Designed for Easy Learning: Key Skills & Concepts--Lists of specific skills covered in the chapter Ask the Expert--Q&A sections filled with bonus information and helpful tips Try This--Hands-on exercises that show how to apply your skills Notes--Extra information related to the topic being covered Tips--Helpful reminders or alternate ways of doing things Cautions--Errors and pitfalls to avoid Self-Tests--Chapter-ending quizzes to test your knowledge Annotated Syntax--Example code with commentary that describes the programming techniques being illustrated Table of contents Part I: Understanding PHP Basics Chapter 1. Introducing PHP Chapter 2. Using Variables and Operators Chapter 3. Controlling Program Flow Chapter 4. Working with Arrays Chapter 5. Using Functions and Classes Part II: Working with Data from Other Sources Chapter 6. Working with Files and Directories Chapter 7. Working with Databases and SQL Chapter 8. Working with XML Chapter 9. Working with Cookies, Sessions, and Headers Part III: Security and Troubleshooting Chapter 10. Handling Errors Chapter 11. Securing PHP Chapter 12. Expanding PHP Part IV: Appendixes Appendix A. Installing and Configuring Required Software Appendix B. Answers to Self Test Index