As Web sites and intranets become larger and more complex, static HTML files hit their limits. In the first part of Web Application Development with PHP the authors explain PHP's advanced syntax like classes, recursive functions and variables. They present software development methodologies and coding conventions which are a must-know for industry quality products as well as to help making develop faster and more productive. This part covers also many standard algorithms for tree-structures, string sorting and searching. Part Two focuses on the concept of Web Applications (as opposed to single scripts) and gives much insight into user and session management, e-commerce systems, XML applications and WDDX.PHP is an open-source Web scripting language that's gaining steam in the development community, especially in the Apache Web server realm. With a syntax that draws heavily on C, PHP appeals to advanced programmers who are moving to the Web from traditional software development.

Web Application Development with PHP 4.0 isn't your run-of-the-mill language tutorial. Authors Ratschiller and Gerken purposely designed its content to appeal to coders who already are proficient in PHP, but in need of advanced programming techniques and high-level application-development skills. Assuming a strong programming foundation, this book can be considered a next-level PHP tutorial.

Drawing on their own experience of what's really important in PHP development, the authors dive into topics such as linked lists and associative arrays. They also weave together topics like security and database access with such software-development issues as three-tier architecture, versioning, and program requirements. This balance makes for a nice fit for developers who have mastered the basics, but are looking to hone their skills to move to the next level.

The book also goes into how to extend PHP by modifying its Zend language engine via the C source code. A companion CD includes PHP, MySQL, and Apache, as well as a number of utilities and the source code from the book. If already you're deep into PHP and want to graduate to guru status, this book's for you. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered: Development planning, coding conventions, advanced PHP syntax, associative arrays, polymorphism and self-modifying code, application design, HTTP and sessions, PHP normal form, database access with PHP, PHP, and XML, and extending PHP Zend engine.