As one of the most popular open–source web–programming languages in use today, PHP is an ideal server–side scripting language that connects HTML–based web pages to a backend database for dynamic content. It allows you to create anything from a simple form–to–email script to a web forum application, a blogging platform, or a content management system. This guide introduces the PHP language and shows how to write powerful web applications using PHP.

*

Looks at the ways that PHP programs interact with web servers and other technologies such as HTML
*

Teaches you how to build robust web applications and change the flow of your scripts with decisions and loops
*

Examines ways to create and use strings, arrays, objects, functions, and files in your scripts
*

Shares tips for creating interactive web forms in PHP, as well as capturing user input
*

Unveils methods for preserving an application′s state between page views
*

Offers advice on how to work with MySQL® databases using PHP
*

Includes best practices for using PEAR to speed up your application development
*

Presents techniques for manipulating XML from within your PHP scripts
*

Walks you through the creation and manipulation of web graphics using PHP