Book: PHP Pocket Reference

Overview

PHP Pocket Reference presents a concise, hands-on compendium of PHP essentials aimed at web developers who need fast, reliable answers. Authored by Rasmus Lerdorf, the book condenses language syntax, built-in functions, configuration notes, and common usage patterns into a compact format that favors quick lookup and practical application. The tone is direct and utilitarian, reflecting the needs of developers working on dynamic web pages and server-side scripts.

Structure and Content

The book is organized as a compact reference rather than a tutorial, grouping material by language constructs and functional areas. Core topics include basic syntax and data types, control structures, functions, arrays, string manipulation, file and directory handling, and error reporting. Sections also cover web-specific features such as form handling, cookies, sessions, and embedding PHP within HTML, along with notes on server interfaces and common configuration directives.

Practical Examples and Reference Style

Examples are short, focused, and chosen to demonstrate typical patterns rather than elaborate applications. Sample snippets illustrate common tasks like processing form input, reading and writing files, manipulating arrays and strings, and interacting with databases. The reference-style presentation pairs terse explanatory text with example code and compact summaries that make it easy to scan for syntax and usage patterns during development.

Extensions, Libraries, and Interoperability

Attention is given to the most useful built-in extensions of the era, describing interfaces for database access, basic image handling, and network operations. Coverage includes practical notes on the PHP runtime environment, directives that affect behavior, and how extensions are enabled and configured. Interoperability topics cover how PHP interacts with web servers, common back-end databases, and the implications of server configuration on session management and file uploads.

Audience and Use Cases

Designed for web developers, system administrators, and anyone who needs a compact, authoritative reminder of PHP features, the reference is particularly useful as a desk companion for rapid problem solving. It supports both newcomers who already understand web development concepts and experienced programmers who need a quick refresher on specific functions or language details. The compact format makes it suitable for quick consultations while coding or debugging.

Historical Context and Relevance

Published at an early stage of PHP's evolution, the book captures conventions and best practices relevant to the period's PHP releases. It reflects the practical concerns of building dynamic web pages when PHP was rapidly gaining popularity, and it benefits from the author's intimate knowledge of the language. While later releases of PHP introduced new features and deprecations, the reference remains useful for understanding foundational concepts and for maintaining legacy codebases that follow the patterns documented in the book.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths include clarity, brevity, and an emphasis on practical, immediately applicable information, making it an efficient tool for developers needing quick answers. The compact format sacrifices deep conceptual exposition and advanced architectural guidance, so readers seeking comprehensive tutorials or up-to-date coverage of newer PHP features will need supplemental resources. As a snapshot of early PHP practice, it excels as a quick-reference guide and a compact reminder of the language's core capabilities.