⌊ K™¦krizzna.web.id ⌉

I’ve only gotten through the first two and a half chapters, but so far it’s a great introduction to the web technologies necessary to make a Web 2.0 site. The author has a great writing style for this kind of book–he is engaging and knowledgeable, while not speaking down at you too much.

No programming knowledge is required, and the book does discuss basic concepts like variables, arrays, etc. But it does look like that is all covered in the first few chapters and that by the end you can create working, powerful websites.

And when you’re done with this book, the author himself gives you a list of what books to go onto when you want to learn more about any of the technologies covered.

Overall, a great book so far and a fine addition to the stellar O’Reilly series!
Rating: 5 / 5

Here is my background:

Java, Cold Fusion, ASP.net, C#, Rails; sys admin for Windows and Unix boxes.

Picked up several books to learn PHP – yuck!

Picked up this book. Wow. In 2 days I was on my way!

1. all the code examples actually work. Yes, it’s true. I know it’s shocking.

2. the explanations are excellent. Wow can this person communicate. Again shocking.

3. Tons of examples. Talking is great but I learn through code examples. There are plenty here. That is why in 2 days you will be like: Wow I can code in PHP.

4. Here is the best part – Nixon helps you setup everything so it works. I mean in less than 30min I was running PHP via Apache on my Windows using Mysql. I have days with other books trying to make things work because the author did not care enough to actually help me do setup.

Then pick up the PHP Web Dev Wellin/Thompson book and bang with Nixon’s – you are a PHP intermediate level programmer.

Really – that easy.

I wasted so many hours with other books – crap. Live and learn.

Thank you Robin Nixon. This book is a godsend. With the hours I saved, I am partying – yee ha!
Rating: 5 / 5