Ive started a PHP programming book thats in PDF format for beginners, just let me know what you think of it so far. It contains an almost finished first chapter and an overview of the second chapter. I also will be writing one eventually on C++ once this books done.

 

EasyPhp.pdf

very good, really good explanations also

Noticed a couple of places where you use terms without defining them, like the first place you mention types.

 

Get your grandmother (or any other genuine beginner) to read through it with you.

Maybe add an introduction that explains how to install PHP and run scripts.

Maybe add an introduction that explains how to install PHP and run scripts.

 

Yea i thought of this also but then again in most PHP books ive noticed it takes up a few chapters lol so imma just end up suggesting Xammp which installs all of that for you

It's not quite slow enough for a beginner and as RD said your'e using terms that are unfamiliar to a beginner. I am currently learning Php (at very early stages) so if you like I'd be happy for you to use me as a test subject if you like.

 

Yea i thought of this also but then again in most PHP books ive noticed it takes up a few chapters lol so imma just end up suggesting Xammp which installs all of that for you

 

Yes, I've seen more than a few bloated IT books. Probably a few simple steps that show the reader how to get everything they need to run the code would be enough.

It's not quite slow enough for a beginner and as RD said your'e using terms that are unfamiliar to a beginner. I am currently learning Php (at very early stages) so if you like I'd be happy for you to use me as a test subject if you like.

 

Sure drop me a message

Basically what most said above me. If your target audience is beginners, then you should explain how PHP operates in the grand scheme of things.

 

Here are some questions you may want to consider answering before diving into programming basics and PHP language constructs:

• "What is server side scripting?"
  
• "What is PHP?"
  
• "What do I need in order to code in php?"
  
• "How can I run PHP code?"
  
• "Why can't I view PHP source code in the browser?"
  

Furthermore, I know what you've shown us is incomplete, but what I've read so far is not beginner friendly. Here are just a list of some things I noticed...

• "Variables in programming are containers that “you” the programmer would pass a value to such as a object,string,array or boolean." What is an object, string, boolean, or array? Perhaps you don't want to explain the various data types in depth just yet, but at least conveying that there are 6 various PHP data types and 2 special types could prove useful. By doing so, the reader can understand exactly what can be stored in a variable. You can then expand on some of the more advanced non scalar types later on in your book.
  
• A beginner may not understand the concept of "hard coding" despite the fact that you attempt to explain it, so it's usage can be intimidating and confusing. It may be better to not mention it at all.
  
• The globals section doesn't have a proper explanation of what a "global" actually is. Instead, you continue to mention the "global" keyword and how it relates to functions. What is a function? How do I know if my variable is global or not? As "Scope" can be a pretty difficult topic for learners to grasp, you may want to avoid tackling some of it's major concepts in the very beginning.
  
• In my opinion, superglobals needs a more thorough explanation. In fact, I'd suggest you don't discuss them so early in your book (while you're still in the process of explaining the basic variable) as it could lead to major confusion.
  

Perhaps it would be better to explain some core concepts of programming instead of jumping into PHP so quickly. The reader needs to understand the concept of a "statement" before anything else.

 

Kind Regards.

 

PS: There's nothing wrong with directing readers to XAMPP as it seems the purpose of your book is to teach readers how to program in PHP as opposed to how to configure it. With that being said, consider providing links to resources where the reader can learn more about tweaking their server.

Edited October 6, 201213 yr by Pete Prosper

I sent you a message

 

+1 Pete

Basically what most said above me. If your target audience is beginners, then you should explain how PHP operates in the grand scheme of things.

 

Here are some questions you may want to consider answering before diving into programming basics and PHP language constructs:

• "What is server side scripting?"
  
• "What is PHP?"
  
• "What do I need in order to code in php?"
  
• "How can I run PHP code?"
  
• "Why can't I view PHP source code in the browser?"
  

Furthermore, I know what you've shown us is incomplete, but what I've read so far is not beginner friendly. Here are just a list of some things I noticed...

• "Variables in programming are containers that “you” the programmer would pass a value to such as a object,string,array or boolean." What is an object, string, boolean, or array? Perhaps you don't want to explain the various data types in depth just yet, but at least conveying that there are 6 various PHP data types and 2 special types could prove useful. By doing so, the reader can understand exactly what can be stored in a variable. You can then expand on some of the more advanced non scalar types later on in your book.
  
• A beginner may not understand the concept of "hard coding" despite the fact that you attempt to explain it, so it's usage can be intimidating and confusing. It may be better to not mention it at all.
  
• The globals section doesn't have a proper explanation of what a "global" actually is. Instead, you continue to mention the "global" keyword and how it relates to functions. What is a function? How do I know if my variable is global or not? As "Scope" can be a pretty difficult topic for learners to grasp, you may want to avoid tackling some of it's major concepts in the very beginning.
  
• In my opinion, superglobals needs a more thorough explanation. In fact, I'd suggest you don't discuss them so early in your book (while you're still in the process of explaining the basic variable) as it could lead to major confusion.
  

Perhaps it would be better to explain some core concepts of programming instead of jumping into PHP so quickly. The reader needs to understand the concept of a "statement" before anything else.

 

Kind Regards.

 

PS: There's nothing wrong with directing readers to XAMPP as it seems the purpose of your book is to teach readers how to program in PHP as opposed to how to configure it. With that being said, consider providing links to resources where the reader can learn more about tweaking their server.

 

These are very good observations but i know when i picked up a PHP book when i first started learning they never really did sugar coat anything , they pretty much jumped right into concepts i did not understand at the time but yea i do agree with you and im going to take a lot of your tips and try to rework a few things