Create Your Own Database Driven Website Using PHP and MySQL

Introduction

The book «Build Your Own Database Driven Website Using PHP & MySQL» (4th edition, 2012) by Kevin Yank is a classic practical guide that has already helped thousands of aspiring developers master creating dynamic websites. Despite the fact that more than ten years have passed since its release, the fundamental principles of working with PHP and MySQL outlined in the book remain relevant today. This is not just a textbook — it is a step-by-step journey from a simple static HTML page to a full-fledged web application with authentication, forms, and content management.

What is this book about?

The book is structured as a sequential guide, where each new lesson builds on the previous one. The author starts with the basics: what PHP and MySQL are, how to install a local server (XAMPP/WAMP), and how HTTP requests work. Then the reader gradually immerses into the world of dynamic pages, learns to connect to a database, execute SQL queries, process forms, and protect the application from hacking (SQL injection, XSS).

Special attention is paid to practical examples: creating a guest book, a content management system (CMS), and a simple blog. Each chapter contains ready-made code that can be immediately run and modified.

Who is this book for?

The book is ideal for:

• Beginning web developers who know the basics of HTML and CSS but have never worked with server-side languages.
• Students studying web technologies and wanting to gain practical experience.
• Self-taught learners who want to quickly move from theory to creating real projects.
• Freelancers in need of a clear and structured reference on the basics of PHP+MySQL.

What will the reader learn?

After reading the book, you will be able to:

• Install and configure a local web server (Apache, PHP, MySQL).
• Write dynamic PHP scripts that generate HTML on the fly.
• Design and create MySQL databases using phpMyAdmin.
• Execute SQL queries: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE.
• Safely process data from forms (POST/GET).
• Protect the site from SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
• Create a user registration and authentication system.
• Implement a simple CMS for content management.
• Understand the principles of MVC (Model-View-Controller) at a basic level.
• Work with sessions and cookies to maintain user state.

Strengths of the book

Practical focus. Each chapter contains ready-made code examples that can be immediately run. The author does not overload with theory, but provides just enough to understand the current task.

Step-by-step explanation. Kevin Yank comments on each line of code in detail, explaining why it is needed and how it works. This is especially valuable for beginners who often get lost in syntax.

Emphasis on security. Already in the second chapter, the author talks about SQL injection and shows how to use prepared statements — this is rare for books from 2012, but makes the material timeless.

Good structure. The book is divided into 10 chapters, each ending with a summary and exercises. This makes it easy to revisit the material.

Accessible language. The author writes in simple and understandable English (in the original), and the Russian translation (publisher «DMK Press») is also high-quality and adapted.

Who is it recommended for?

The book will be useful for anyone who wants to take their first steps in backend development with PHP. If you are already familiar with the basics of programming (variables, loops, functions), but do not know how to apply them to create a website — this is your ideal start. The book is also suitable for those who want to refresh their knowledge or switch from procedural PHP