I have been doing web programming for the past 4 years now. However one language which I have yet to fully grasp is PHP; arguably most widely used in content management systems (CMS) today. Though I have been working a lot with WordPress themes, looking deep into each one used on my blog, I want to be able to move to working with plugins instead of just themes alone.

I am currently serving NS, and instead of just passing each day and wait for my Operational Ready Date (ORD) on the 9th of October 2009. I figured: “Why not take the time to learn something?”.

Over the last few days, I have been to the National Library and Borders hoping to find a good book to advance my understanding of PHP. I have taken a liking to a book titled PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide by a certain Larry Ullman. I have flipped through his previous books and compared to his competitors, they really stand out. Really in-depth, right down to the details and clear explanation.

On top of all that, did I mention that he actually provides downloads of the scripts and SQL codes used in the book together with course materials to enhance the learning process?

You would imagine that an author who has written 14 successful books would have his publications widely available in libraries and book shops. That isn’t the case in Singapore. The book titled PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide published in 2005 is the most recent one in his series found in the National Library catalogue and Borders. That is 5 books which they have missed out.

How is one to keep up with the progression of programming languages in Singapore if learning resources are not readily available? I am looking to Amazon as the source to get my hands on this book. Currently, it is priced at SGD $51 (USD $36.37) which includes the shipping fee. it is a good SGD $30 cheaper than the publication sold in Borders. The only downside is the 2 weeks duration I have to wait before the book arrives at my doorstep. In any case, it beats paying more.

There isn’t a need to put up with outdated or overpriced books when we are able to explore a much more realistic option like Amazon. I will most definitely be buying this book.