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Top rated php programming books

AI-generated summary · updated July 27, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

  1. Best overall

    PHP & MySQL: Server-side Web Development

    4.5/5 $30-$50

    Comprehensive guide covering PHP and MySQL integration with hands-on projects and clear explanations.

    • Hands-on projects
    • Clear explanations
    • Covers both PHP and MySQL
    • Some chapters are dense
  2. Best for beginners

    Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript: With jQuery, CSS & HTML5

    4.6/5 $35-$50

    Teaches dynamic web development from scratch with practical examples.

    • Beginner-friendly
    • Covers JavaScript too
    • Well-structured
    • Slightly outdated in some areas
  3. Best for advanced developers

    PHP 8 Objects, Patterns, and Practice

    4.7/5 $40-$60

    Focuses on OOP, design patterns, and best practices for professional PHP developers.

    • In-depth OOP coverage
    • Design patterns
    • Best practices
    • Not for beginners
  4. Best for modern PHP

    Modern PHP: New Features and Good Practices

    4.4/5 $30-$40

    Covers modern PHP features, namespaces, closures, and best practices.

    • Focuses on PHP 5.4+
    • Concise
    • Practical advice
    • Short book
    • Not comprehensive
  5. Best quick reference

    PHP: The Right Way

    4.3/5 Free (online) or $20-$30 for print

    Community-driven guide covering best practices, coding standards, and modern PHP techniques.

    • Free online
    • Community-driven
    • Up-to-date
    • Not a step-by-step tutorial
  6. Best for Laravel

    Laravel: Up & Running: A Framework for Building Modern PHP Apps

    4.5/5 $40-$50

    Comprehensive guide to Laravel, covering setup, routing, Eloquent, and testing.

    • Hands-on Laravel
    • Covers latest version
    • Well-written
    • Laravel-specific only
  7. Best for visual learners

    Head First PHP & MySQL

    4.2/5 $30-$45

    Uses an engaging, visual format to teach PHP and MySQL fundamentals.

    • Visual approach
    • Engaging exercises
    • Good for beginners
    • Less depth than others
  8. Best for problem-solving

    PHP Cookbook: Solutions & Examples for PHP Programmers

    4.4/5 $40-$60

    Collection of over 250 recipes for common PHP tasks with practical solutions.

    • Practical recipes
    • Time-saving
    • Broad coverage
    • Not a tutorial
    • Some recipes outdated

Buying advice

Consider your skill level: beginners should start with Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript or Head First PHP & MySQL. For mastery, choose PHP 8 Objects, Patterns, and Practice. If focusing on frameworks, Laravel: Up & Running is essential. Always check the publication date to ensure modern PHP features (7.4+) are covered. For value, PHP: The Right Way is free online.

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