Paperback: 624 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.12 x 9.16 x 7.08

Publisher: O'Reilly & Associates; (November 21, 2002)

ISBN: 1565926811

I ordered this book from the Internet the other week and got it three days ago. I have to say that I haven't been able to put this book down. In a few short days I've already learnt a ton of useful information (although I wasn't an expert PHP user by far). A book of this nature obviously isn't aimed at beginning PHP users, it is written more for the intermediate and advanced users who already understand PHP basics and syntax, although the first 4 chapters of the book discuss various entries on everything from working with Strings to Arrays. The next couple chapters discuss variables and functions before jumping head first into Classes and Objects in chapter 7. From there on out the book moves quickly throughout topics on XML, file and directory handling, Web Services using SOAP, exchanging data with other sites using WDDX, encryption, database access, regular expressions (which can be a book in itself -- and in fact is) and even how to find and install PEAR packages.

This isn't a book which is meant to be read cover to cover, but is an excellent reference book which you will undoubtedly find yourself referring to on a regular basis. This book can be somewhat frustrating at times as the code can sometimes be snippets, so you don't always get the grasp of what the author is trying to say in the scope of the entire application. You also may want to consider a book on Apache or MySQL as well since there were times while reading this book that I came across problems which were outside the scope of the Cookbook. I found the Apache Cookbook to be an excellent companion, although I probably would have been better served with an Apache book aimed at a beginner like myself.

If you're new to PHP, I'd wait a few months before picking this book up. Instead, start with something like the PHP Bible, 2nd Edition (Wiley, 2002) or Mastering PHP 4.1 (Sybex, 2002). Or, perhaps you're better off waiting for the new crop of PHP books which will be released shortly after the release of PHP 5.

Bottom line, unless you are a beginner PHP developer get this book. If you are new to PHP, buy a beginning PHP book THEN buy this book.

You can find more information, as well as a sample chapter, errata and table of contents at O'Reilly's site at http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/phpckbk/.

Rating: 5/5 .