| Re: More advanced PHP books [message #171549 is a reply to message #171540] |
Sat, 08 January 2011 22:28   |
Tony Gravagno
Messages: 5
Registered: January 2011
Karma:
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Junior Member |
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> I may have a couple of books bookmarked in my books24x7 account. When
> I can remember the credentials, I'll take a look.
>
> However, I think that the reason you are having problems finding such
> a book is that you are asking the wrong question. You state: "a
> reference manual is for reference for someone who is already familiar
> [with the] functionality", but I don't necessarily agree with the last
> word. A reference manual shows me the functionality and the syntax
> required to use that functionality. What one needs to be familiar with
> is the paradigms of programming and a general understanding of
> semantics. Once you know that, a reference manual will tell you how to
> implement your program in a particular language. If you ar fluent in
> oo concepts, the php manual will tell you how to implement those
> concepts in php. A c++ manual will tell you how to do it in c++ and a
> COBOL manual will tell you likewise in COBOL (although oo COBOL is no
> laughing matter).
About reference manuals, my intent was that there is a rich library of
functions in every language/framework, and the ref is more for going
back and getting details than learning something new from scratch.
That said, I have no problem reading categorized/alphabetically sorted
reference manuals from beginning to end, just to absorb the content.
Beginner books discuss syntax, statements, and common built-in
classes, but rarely go deep into the library. What I'm looking for is
a book of functions in context, based on the most frequent usage and
increasing complexity. From there I can refer back to the Reference
manual for details, user contributed examples, etc. I just don't know
which functions I should focus on as part of my education with the
language.
The same experience applies whether we're talking about PHP, Java, or
the .NET Framework which is absolutely huge.
The traditional approach is to start planning or writing code, say "I
need a function that does X", and start looking under categorized
functions. Then I would check script sites and forums to see if
someone else has solved the problem, then I would take it upon myself
to just write what I need. The other common scenario is to learn from
live code by ensuring complete understanding the the use of syntax and
the class libraries being employed. An advanced tutorial on common
functions would provide the information I need up front so that I can
spend less time hunting and more time coding or learning nuances.
I haven't seen the PHP Cookbook for a while but that's probably close
to fitting my definition. The Wiked Scripts book is OK but just not
enough.
If I had the same expertise in PHP as I do in .NET I'd probably write
the book I'm asking for. :)
Thanks for the exchanges!
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