A Web-Based Introduction to Programming: Essential Algorithms, Syntax, and Control Structures Using PHP, HTML, and MySQL

A Web-Based Introduction to Programming keeps the focus on the need for beginning programmers to learn essential syntax and control structures with minimal complexity. Each chapter focuses on a single topic and related material is provided in appendices. Students learn to convert requirements into algorithms, and then develop small Web-based applications using a combination of PHP and HTML.

The chapter code exercises are designed to improve skill and confidence step-by-step: fixit exercises provide small programs that include a single error of some kind and help students develop their problem-solving abilities and debugging skills; modify exercises provide working programs that must be modified to perform a somewhat different or additional function (these exercises test students' ability to read, understand, and adapt existing code); code completion exercises allow students to apply all concepts and tools covered in the chapter by developing new applications; and all required software is provided and can be installed quickly and easily in minutes under Windows, Macintosh OS X or Linux. The software can be installed entirely on a USB drive so that students can carry their complete work environment with them (no need for special classroom installation).