PHP Books & CSS

[Slogan]

Hello, I've finally decided to 'step away' from the Dreamweaver and go in search of something a little more exciting and impressive on the eye than bog-standard HTML.

I understand there are many good websites out there that would possibly cater for my needs, however, I'm someone who would probably benefit more so from a book - somehow everything on my computer becomes more interesting when reading an online guide to any sort of coding.

I'm decently designed minded - but trying to fit any sort of a design into HTML is a bit like trying to fit square pegs into round holes - to use the classic expression.

I'm sort of edging towards php and as I plan to add a news based website onto my forum - it would probably need to be databased. Thankfully I picked up: "Build Your Own Database Driven Website Using PHP & MySQL"

However, are there any books that would help me begin my quest with PHP?

Secondly, would CSS be worth looking into? I doubt I would want to take this (coding/design) path in terms of a career - but I'd like to be able to make professional-ish sites and put the cringeworthy HTML rubbish firmly behind me - even though I know it'll require a good bit of effort and hard work.

Thanks.

 

[Dj_Jestar]

O'Reilly books are winners, so grab a copy of "Learning PHP and MySQL"

or if you feel you are above that, "Learning PHP 5" which has the description "For bloggers and website makers who wish to learn how to make their site dynamic". (assuming of course you have a php5 enabled host at your disposal)

For CSS I've never really found it a worthy subject for buying a whole book for, but they are out there.

 

[Sic]

you're probably already completely aware of this, but you're still going to be using HTML for website structure (or XHTML) and you can still use dreamweaver as an environment - just use the coding panes, not the design ones.

also, SAMS books are always good. and PHP5 for dummies, PHP/MySQL bible etc.

 

[Chaos]

A good php book which I would recommend -

PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites (Visual QuickPro Guides S.) (Paperback)
by Larry Ullman

 

[Slogan]

Thanks for the replies - contacted my host and their said : "Yes, it runs as a fast cgi"

And the details on how to enable it are very simple as well.

Think I will go for the Larry Ullman book that Chaos suggested - going solely on reviews it seems to be the ticket.

Sic, I was aware of that - I just meant to put the DW history of coding everything in DW behind me - and move on a bit.