PHP 5

This book aims to teach the reader how to program in PHP, a popular language for creating dynamic web pages. Of course, the author does not assume any previous knowledge of PHP or related languages, but knowledge of the hypertext environment and HTML is useful. In the first part, the reader is introduced to the complete basics of the language in great detail, learning how to work with variables, expressions, and data types. More complex structures such as arrays, including multidimensional or string manipulation, are not left out. Readers will also learn how to insert PHP code into HTML pages, combining it with HTML tags to create optimal output. A separate chapter is devoted to working with classes and objects, which have been significantly extended in PHP5. The book also contains detailed descriptions of working with functions, including creating custom functions and using them, and controlling the program using conditions, loops, and other constructs. The next chapters build on these basic features to address specific problems and applications that are most commonly addressed in PHP. The handling of forms is covered in great detail, including an explanation of the actual creation of forms in HTML so that any reader will be able to create professional looking and professional behaving forms. One of the most important and commonly used areas of PHP is interaction with databases. This makes it possible to create fast, reliable and secure data manipulation applications. PHP for databases offers very good support and makes them easy to work with. In the chapter on databases, the reader will learn how to set up appropriately designed databases and tables, modify their structure and, of course, manipulate the contents of the database (adding records, record editing, Search, lubrication), both through PHP, directly or by using other tools. The book also describes other areas of PHP, such as working with e-mail, working with files, creating, editing and manipulating XML documents, and editing graphical documents. Of course, there is also a detailed description of all the necessary software required for the development of applications in PHP and their operation in the WWW environment or a description of the installation and configuration of these applications. The book will serve very well as a language textbook for any novice programmer with no experience with PHP. The reader will learn how to create small applications for the first time and, thanks to many well-annotated examples, will also gain insight into how to create larger applications, take care of various potential error conditions, and create an overall professional dynamic web site.