Here's what Web designers need to know to create dynamic, database-driven Web sites
To be on the cutting edge, Web sites need to serve up HTML, CSS, and products specific to the needs of different customers using different browsers. An effective e-commerce site gathers information about users and provides information they need to get the desired result.
PHP scripting language with a MySQL back-end database offers an effective way to design sites that meet these requirements. This full updated 4th Edition of PHP & MySQL For Dummies gets you quickly up to speed, even if your experience is limited.
* Explains the easy way to install and set up PHP and MySQL using XAMPP, so it works the same on Linux, Mac, and Windows
* Shows you how to secure files on a Web host and how to write secure code
* Packed with useful and understandable code examples for Web site creators who are not professional programmers
* Fully updated to ensure your code will be compliant based on PHP 5.3 and MySQL 5.1.31
* Provides clear, accurate code examples
PHP & MySQL For Dummies, 4th Edition provides what you need to know to create sites that get results.

Janet Valade is a technical writer, Web designer/programmer, and systems analyst. She has designed and developed data archives, supervised computer resource operations, and conducted seminars and workshops. She has written all previous editions of PHP & MySQL For Dummies.

Introduction 1

Part I: Developing a Web Database Application Using PHP and MySQL 7

Chapter 1: Introduction to PHP and MySQL 9

Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Work Environment 21

Chapter 3: Developing a Web Database Application 47

Part II: MySQL Database 73

Chapter 4: Building the Database 75

Chapter 5: Protecting Your Data 111

Part III: PHP 131

Chapter 6: General PHP 133

Chapter 7: PHP Building Blocks for Programs 165

Chapter 8: Data In, Data Out 211

Chapter 9: Moving Information from One Web Page to the Next 285

Part IV: Applications 305

Chapter 10: Putting It All Together 307

Chapter 11: Building an Online Catalog 321

Chapter 12: Building a Members Only Web Site 359

Part V: The Part of Tens 387

Chapter 13: Ten Things You Might Want to Do Using PHP Functions 389

Chapter 14: Ten PHP Gotchas 397

Part VI: Appendixes 403

Appendix A: Installing PHP, MySQL, and Apache from XAMPP 405

Appendix B: Configuring PHP 415

Index 421