[COLUG] Best PHP/Apache/MySQL/Linux book?

[Jim]

Peter Kukla wrote:

> I'm familiar enough with similar stuff that I
> can feel my way through both PHP and MySQL without
> much trouble...I'm looking for an overview of website
> design in such an environment more than anything.

I am not aware of any LAMP overview books 
and since you're an experienced programmer, 
I'm not sure how much of an overview you need. 

Here's mine: 

   The PHP code cranks out HTML with an entry form, 
   based on data it got from the database. 
   When the user submits their filled out form, 
   the PHP code checks the data for reasonableness, 
   and then submits it to the database. 
   When the PHP code gets the response from the database, 
   and it cranks out new HTML based on that data. 

As far as programming goes, it's pretty mundane. 

Individually, I liked: 

   "MySQL" by Paul DuBois

      http://www.kitebird.com/mysql-book/

   "Programming PHP" by RasmusLerdorf & Kevin Tatroe (O'Reilly)

      http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/progphp/

Both are good, Paul DuBois wrote _remarkably_ well. 
I did not even know what a relational database was, 
and his first chapter was a superb pratical explanation 
of that. 

Try the local libraries. Initially, I borrowed DuBois' book 
from Columbus Metropolitan Libraries. It was good enough 
that I bought it. I haven't looked to see if they have the 
PHP book. Just graze the shelves for nearby stuff also. 

I've done PHP programming. I haven't mixed it with MySQL, 
but having read enough of those books, I'm not afraid of 
doing so. I think the PHP book will have enough overview 
to suffice.