Publisher: Wiley
Number Of Pages: 508
Publication Date: 2008-05-05
ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0470258241
ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780470258248
Binding: Paperback
Quickly develop dynamic Flash applications with PHP
The demand for rich Internet applications (RIAs) such as complete storefronts and interactive surveys is skyrocketing, as is the pressure to create these dynamic apps overnight and at low cost. This in-depth Bible provides the step-by-step instructions you need to quickly create RIAs in Flash using cost-effective, open-source PHP programming tools. You’ll learn how PHP works, when you should use it in Flash, and above all, vital security techniques for keeping your interactive sites secure.
Install, configure, and explore the basics of PHP
Connect Flash to PHP and PHP to MySQL
Create contact forms and search capabilities
Clean, store, and check your interactive data
Apply advanced security techniques
Develop an RSS reader or banner tracking with PHP
Extend Flash and PHP with third-party libraries
Learn best practices for backing up and updating your server
Companion Web Site
On the book’s Web site you can see real-world examples of Flash applications and how they were developed. The Web site also includes all the source files associated with the examples. Visit www.wiley.com/go/flashandphpbible.
Summary: Not for beginners, but great for experienced developers
Rating: 5
This book is not for beginners, but full of real world examples if you understand the basics of PHP, MySQL, and Actionscript already. I liked the fact that the book doesn’t treat you like an amateur and gets down to the working examples right at the start (after a short part about creating a server). Its full of code that’s usable right out of the book, like a shopping cart and a user login service and many more advanced topics.
Summary: The Worst Book I Ever Read
Rating: 1
I am sorry to say this, but this has been one of the worst books I have ever read on Flash and/or other type programs.
I made it to Chapter 5, and was hoping it will get better, but no such luck..it was getting worse.
Particularly, whether you are an advanced or a novice programmer, if you try using the book’s examples with the available downloads, it will be a nightmare.
Summary: Flash and PHP Bible
Rating: 2
Like the other review, i also was waiting for this book to come out, but found it to be pretty disappointing when it did. The topics covered are useful for real world projects but its the way the book is laid out that had me confused.
For example, in the section for installation of PHP the author describes what to do for Windows, then Linux then on the same page of installation for Linux it says about configuring PHP, does this mean for Linux or Windows or both? There are quite a few cases like this that spoil the book.
The books just seems a bit garbled and not put together as well as it could have been.
Summary: 4 Stars For Exp. PHP Users, 3 for Newbies.
This is a solid book, with great examples of PHP and Flash together; however, this isn’t ideal for PHP novices .
I’ve waited for this book for a while, and I put off sharpening my PHP skills until I received it. I wish instead I had more experience building MySQL databases with PHP first. It’s odd, there is some introduction to PHP and MySQL, but it doesn’t really prep you enough if you’re a newbie…
The title “Bible” is misleading; rather, it’s more a cookbook. There is a lot of great info in here- lots of code and explanation of it, but the scope of the explanation is only how it pertains to the example given. For example, while explaining an example to output dynamic XML from a database, the author only focuses on the PHP script to retrieve the data, then parsing it into XML. I would have liked to have seen the XML as a file and how the MySQL database was structured. It would be repetitive, but that’s what makes a good teaching book- or at least a “Bible” book.
The other drawback for Mac PHP newbs will be: the author does a good job of explaining installation of Apache and PHP on Windows and Unix, but NOT Mac. I contacted the author as he promptly replied:
“The reason for no OS X install notes was due to OS X shipping with a version of PHP which would cause issues without a large amount of editing and modifying.. which I felt was beyond the scope of the book.”
He did tho, create a forum on his website for readers to post questions. He quickly replies. On this forum I posted a walkthrough (with pictures) on how to quickly get PHP and MySQL running on your mac.
On the whole, it’s full of excellent code and various examples, but the scope is narrow and explanation is right to the point. Experienced users will welcome it, others may feel discouraged and have to look to other sources to fill in the gaps.
