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10 Best Practices in PHP Development Every Programmer Should Follow

PHP remains a cornerstone of web development, offering a blend of simplicity, flexibility, and power for programmers. As the language continues to evolve, staying abreast of best practices is crucial for efficient and secure coding. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, the following books offer a wealth of knowledge to hone your PHP skills. Here are 10 PHP development practices distilled from the top literature on the subject, each with key takeaways to help you master the art of PHP programming.

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the synergy between PHP, MySQL, and front-end technologies for full-stack development.

  • Approach PHP learning with a 'brain-friendly' guide that simplifies complex concepts for better retention.

  • Discover the joy and creativity in PHP programming by building interactive web applications.

  • Utilize visual guides to quickly grasp PHP web development essentials and best practices.

  • Advance your PHP knowledge with object-oriented programming techniques and modern PHP features.

1) Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript: With jQuery, CSS & HTML5

Dive into the world of web development with a book that's all about making things click! 'Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript: With jQuery, CSS & HTML5' is your ticket to mastering the building blocks of dynamic websites. With a user-friendly approach, this book is perfect for those who want to create sites that not only look good but also work seamlessly across devices.

  • User Experience Design comes alive as you learn to craft interactive elements.

  • Usability Testing is no longer a chore, thanks to practical examples that make debugging a breeze.

  • Responsive Web Design is broken down into digestible chunks, ensuring your sites look great on any screen.

  • Accessibility in Web Design is given the spotlight, empowering you to make the web inclusive for all.

With clear explanations and a hands-on approach, this book is a favorite among beginners and seasoned developers alike. It's not just about code; it's about creating an experience that users will love. So, grab your copy and start transforming your ideas into reality!

2) Headfirst PHP & MySQL (A Brain-friendly Guide)

Dive into the world of PHP and MySQL with the brain-friendly guide that makes learning a breeze! 'Headfirst PHP & MySQL' isn't just a book; it's a journey into the heart of programming that's as enjoyable as it is educational.

Imagine creating a social network from scratch, one that looks great on both desktop and mobile browsers. That's the kind of project you'll tackle by the end of this guide. It's not just about code; it's about applying Design Heuristics to make your site user-friendly.

With 812 pages of rich content, this book by Lynn Beighley, published by O'Reilly, is your ticket to reducing the Cognitive Load in Design. You'll learn to craft websites that are intuitive, engaging, and downright fun to interact with.

Here's a quick peek at what you'll learn:

  • How to set up a PHP environment

  • The basics of MySQL databases

  • Integrating PHP and MySQL to create dynamic websites

  • Best practices for security and efficiency

Ready to become a PHP whiz? This guide is your first step!

3) The Joy of PHP: A Beginner's Guide to Programming Interactive Web Applications with PHP and MySQL

Dive into the world of PHP with Alan Forbes' The Joy of PHP. This book is your golden ticket to mastering the basics of PHP and MySQL, tailored for those who dream of creating dynamic web applications. With a focus on practical learning, you'll be writing your first scripts in no time!

  • Author: Alan Forbes

  • Publisher: BeakCheck LLC

  • Edition: 6th

  • Pages: 174

The Joy of PHP simplifies complex concepts and breaks them down into bite-sized lessons. It's not just about reading; it's about doing. You'll learn how to install PHP, grasp basic syntax, and understand control structures. Plus, you'll get your hands dirty with MySQL databases, all explained in a way that's easy to digest.

Remember, good code is like a good story. It's not just about the commands; it's about the readability and the journey your code takes the reader on. So, as you embark on this adventure, keep in mind the importance of meaningful names, breaking down problems, and peppering your code with comments to guide your fellow programmers.

4) PHP for the Web: Visual QuickStart Guide

Dive into the world of PHP with the 'PHP for the Web: Visual QuickStart Guide' by Larry Ullman. This book is your golden ticket to mastering the basics of PHP, tailored for both beginners and those at an intermediate level. With its latest 5th edition, spanning 496 pages of rich content, it's like having a PHP guru right by your side!

Color Theory in Design isn't just for artists; it's crucial for web developers too, and this guide ensures you're well-equipped to create visually stunning and functional websites. Here's a quick peek at what you'll learn:

  • Installing and configuring PHP

  • An introduction to HTML

  • Basic PHP Syntax

  • Control structures