Atlanta PHP User Group

Web Database Applications with PHP and MySQL
By Hugh E. Williams, David Lane
Second Edition May 2004 (O’Reilly Media, Inc.)
ISBN: 0-596-00543-1

This is an excellent book for the moderately experienced programmer. I disagree that one does not need to have programming experience to read this book. This is not a book that teaches programming concepts, top-down design or even object orientation. True, one can gain some understanding, but I don’t think this is the first book to pick up.

However, if someone is already familiar with other languages, this is the perfect book to learn PHP and MySQL. The wine store example that is performed throughout the book is an excellent way to showcase PHP and MySQL. Personally, I’m able to learn faster if I have a project to work on and to apply the language. This example served that purpose for me.

Once again, a great book, an easy read for programmers.

Review by Steve Reynolds

When: Thursday, August 4, 2005—7pm-9pm
Where: New Horizons

Topic: Open Source and the Enterprise

The August meeting introduces a change of pace and features James Logsdon as the speaker. James will be giving a presentation on Open Source and the Enterprise. We’ll, again, meet at New Horizons in Tucker, GA, and those who wish to grab pizza and drinks afterwards are encouraged to make their way to the Mellow Mushroom following the meeting. (Those who have requested review copies of O’Reilly books should expect to receive their books at this meeting.)

Open Source and the Enterprise
In a world where Closed Source owns (literally), Open Source is trying to poke its way in. However, it’s not easy. Open Source has many flaws when it comes to providing a package for an Enterprise. Ranging from the level of Documentation to the License, Open Source and the usual Enterprise Closed Source have many differences. My goal is to show how the OS world is already on the right track, what still needs work, and what OS applications (focusing on PHP) are doing to reach out.

Come expecting great networking opportunities and chances to learn what other PHP developers are doing in the Atlanta area!