Rating: 
Summary: A total bait 'n' switch
Review: Add me to the list of those who found this book's title to be totally misleading.
The first surprise comes when the author reels off the list of things he expects the reader to already know, and they're anything but basic. But worse, this book isn't about PHP and MySQL...it's detailed instructions for doing one and only one thing, one and only one way, using one and only one set of software. Sure, PHP and MySQL are involved, but this book's content amounts to instructions for installing a web-based e-mail program (Microsoft's Web Mail, or similar)...and that's it.
To its credit, the book does baby-step the reader through the process of doing exactly this one thing this one way, and the information on installation and set-up of the Apache server, Red Hat Linux, MySQL, etc is good, so if that's what you're looking to do...I mean EXACTLY what you're looking to do...it may be of interest to you.
But as for myself, I was interested in learning PHP and MySQL from scratch, not setting up an e-mail program. As my host company already has the server, database, and even the great graphic database editor, phpMyAdmin installed, I can't say that I really found anything of use in the book.
Also, I accept part of the blame for my being misled by the book's title. I bought it used online and didn't read the reviews. Still, I feel that WEB MAIL FROM SCRATCH, MY WAY, FOR GEEKS is the appropriate title for this book's content.
Rating: 
Summary: big BIG BIG mistake
Review: I bought this book before publication, being seduced by the title. I expected a beginners book with tutorials. Instead, it seems to be an abbreviated distillation of PHP and mysql syntax manuals, along with a very lengthy discussion of how to install PHP etc. Nothing in this book is helpful. For the beginner, get PHP Fast & Easy PHP Web Development by Meloni....lots of good tutorial examplies integrating PHP.
Rating:
Summary: Does not live up to its title
Review: I bought this book hoping to learn PHP and MySQL from scratch....that didn't happen.This is not a tutorial, unless you want to set up a web based e-mail client that is. I do use this book as a syntax reference quite often but I could have printed that out from the web. Save your money.
Rating:
Summary: This book is completely misleading
Review: I had this book on order for several months before it was published. I was excited when I heard that Amazon had finally shipped the book. Boy was I disappointed when I finally got a chance to look through this book. I was under the impression that this book would teach me to create a web based email server. All it really does it walk you step by step through installing IMP.
Rating:
Summary: MySQL & PHP from scratch
Review: I was rather excited when Amazon alerted me on this book. I had been looking for a book which would help me with developing a web-based email application for ages. I was extremely disappointed when I finally received the book. It was totally misleading! If you are looking for a book to understand what tools and software is required for developing web based applications then you might find it useful but then again any MySql and PHP book will explain. It unfortunately does not take you under the hood to see how the MySql database is designed/created or writing the necessary PHP code to integrate it all.
Rating:
Summary: Title should be IMP, and a little php and mysql.
Review: I was really disappointed by this book because the majority of this book is about setting up IMP, MySql, and Php on a generic Linux box. I was hoping for some good Php and MySql coding information. There are 2 whole chapters dedicated to IMP. Which is a real waste for most users that are not interested in running IMP. Over all I rate the book as poor. The last half of the book is a MySQL and PHP reference which was another disappointment. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Not a good book
Review: If you want to learn PHP & MySQL, you will NOT find in this book. Much of it is reference. I bought it used for about a third of its price, but still feel a waste of money.
Rating:
Summary: Not a good book
Review: If you want to learn PHP & MySQL, you will NOT find in this book. Much of it is reference. I bought it used for about a third of its price, but still feel a waste of money.
Rating:
Summary: Not a good book
Review: If you want to learn PHP & MySQL, you will NOT find in this book. Much of it is reference. I bought it used for about a third of its price, but still feel a waste of money.
Rating:
Summary: Mistake
Review: Like the first reviewer, I ordered this book while it is still not published. I have read the other PHP books and I was eager to get this book that will show me how to write a webbased email system. Imagine my surprise when I tore open the book and found that it was more of an installation manuals for Linux, PHP, MySQL and IMP rather than a programming guide. Chapter 1 was a diaster as I don't even know what's going on because it probably uses material in Chapter 3 to 5, Chapter 2 is where you are surposed to go and download the files, chapter 3 went off into never never land, 'explaining' commands of MySQL which I have no ideas what the author was talking about. And Half the book was Appendix A on PHP. If I wanted a history book and an installation manual and a quick reference to PHP I would have bought them seperately. Summary, the book did not even come close to what it promised. I hope the author or Que would at least accept a refund for publishing an outdated, useless paperweight
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