Learning PHP...

[DesignIt]

Does anybody have any recommendations for Intro type books for learning PHP? I mean, something that really explains the concepts of what php is for designer types like myself. =)

I mean, I look at php and it looks like a foreign language to me. hee hee Ok, sorry for the sad attempt at humor. =)

I was leaning toward the "dummies guide..." for php at the moment. Any opinions on this book?

[chris_bcn]

www.lynda.com

http://foundationphp.com/phpsolutions/

[DesignIt]

www.lynda.com

http://foundationphp.com/phpsolutions/

Thanks for your rapid response Chris!

Well, the PHP solutions looks like a great book. Although, from what I have read, it isn't the best for a complete beginner. Maybe a second book option.

Also, I love Lynda.com, but i don't see any php books on their website.

Just one more question to throw out there...

Coldfusion or PHP? =) I've already decided against ASP, since I'm in a Mac environment.

[DesignIt]

Here are the two I have decided to get:

PHP Solutions: Dynamic Web Design Made Easy

Visual QuickPro Guide: PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites, 2nd Edition

[nyc_skater]

I'm actually trying to tackle PHP myself and besides Lynda which I find a huge help is a book called Codin' for the Web - A designers guide to developing dynamic websites by Charles Wyke-Smith.

Seriously this is the only book that makes any sense to someone like me who is so visual and struggles with code.

He covers the basics but skips the whole "hello world" crap that if I see one more time I'm gonna jump out a window.

He also wrote a book called Stylin with CSS which in all ways has helped me over the hump over grasping the CSS concept..now I breeze through it no problem.

http://www.codinfortheweb.com/
(http://www.codinfortheweb.com/)
http://www.amazon.com/Codin'... (http://www.amazon.com/Codin-Web-Designers-Developing-Dynamic/dp/0321429192)

[chris_bcn]

Thanks for your rapid response Chris!

Well, the PHP solutions looks like a great book. Although, from what I have read, it isn't the best for a complete beginner. Maybe a second book option.

Also, I love Lynda.com, but i don't see any php books on their website.

Just one more question to throw out there...

Coldfusion or PHP? =) I've already decided against ASP, since I'm in a Mac environment.

It's actually perfect for the beginner! - ASP is outdated - if you really wanted to go windows, the ASP.NET would be the way to go.CFM is also not worth it - you have a pay a fortune for hosting too

[DesignIt]

It's actually perfect for the beginner! ...

Here's to hoping your right as that is one of the two I am buying. =)

By the way...how much does knowing php increase the value of an interactive designer? Currently I know html/css and all the standard graphic design programs. Just curious...

Thanks!

[fiend]

By the way...how much does knowing php increase the value of an interactive designer? Currently I know html/css and all the standard graphic design programs. Just curious...

Thanks!

It depends.

If your a visual/front end designer who knows how to work with php (i.e. using includes, manipulating existing code, seting up mysql etc.) it can increase your value to an employer, but that is pretty standard stuff.

If you can design and write your own apps from scratch, you can really increase your value. This is a whole different ball game however.

I think it's a good idea for any web designer to at least have some knowledge of how to work with php and mysql. If you can setup and customize a cms or ecomm system, your services are that much more valuable. And if you are a freelancer, I think these skills are essential, static sites are on their way out.

[nyc_skater]

^^ well put, I recently changed jobs from a straight up print/some web design position to a more focused web develope/usability position. Even though there are two hard core developer programmers where I am now who do all the coding, it's something I myself and my new employer really want me to learn.

Same way at my last job even though it was mostly design I was highly involved in marketing...there's always crossover.

[DesignIt]

It depends.

If your a visual/front end designer who knows how to work with php (i.e. using includes, manipulating existing code, seting up mysql etc.) it can increase your value to an employer, but that is pretty standard stuff.

If you can design and write your own apps from scratch, you can really increase your value. This is a whole different ball game however.

I think it's a good idea for any web designer to at least have some knowledge of how to work with php and mysql. If you can setup and customize a cms or ecomm system, your services are that much more valuable. And if you are a freelancer, I think these skills are essential, static sites are on their way out. To answer you, I want to learn all aspects of php, not just how to manipulate the front end code that is already added by a "programmer". Thanks for your input!