3 comments about Wicked Cool PHP: Real-World Scripts That Solve Difficult Problems.

1. 'Wicked Cool PHP: Real-World Scripts That Solve Difficult Problems' is a fantastic PHP cookbook that is written exactly the way I like books to be written:
   
   - it's fun to read and learn from
   - content is broken up logically at the right points
   - layout and design is a joy on the eyes and brain
   - length is around 200 pages which is within the 2-3 (hundred) range that I like most books to be
   
   Content is broken up over 12 chapters:
   
   01. Basic script stuff
   02. Configuring PHP
   03. PHP Security
   04. Form Fun
   05. Text & HTML
   06. Dates
   07. Files
   08. User and Session Tracking
   09. Email Excitement
   10. Image Tasks
   11. Using cURL to talk to web services
   12. Other Stuff
   
   The audience for this book hits the rare area of ALL developers from the expert to the newbie to the weekend hacker. There are 76 scripts contained within that nearly anyone could find useful in any project.
   
   I love No Starch books because they don't feel like reference materials, rather they package it in a fun way from the glossy cover to smart design. No Starch gets 'it' when it comes to what geeks want and PHPites you will WANT this book!!
   
   ***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



2. I saw this book on a friends desk and shamelessly took it before he had a chance to read it. I have many php books on my bookshelf, too many. I can now remove quite a few and replace them with this book.
   
   When I first glanced through this book, I was intrigued by the way it was laid out. There are 12 chapters covering many topics that php programmers should know about their language and how browsers interact with a web server using php. Each chapter has many sections that cover a specific topic and most have very useful code examples. The extra feature is a part labeled: "What can go Wrong?". This is a great time saver on how to deal with common issues that might come up when you are working on your php script and implementing the example code. Most of the issues have really good explanations of how and why something could go wrong. What makes this book a real keeper is that they have the "why" explanations. I've always hated it when books tell you to do something a certain way, but never go into any depth on WHY you should do it one way or another. This book has the WHY covered very well for a great number of the examples.
   
   The style of the book makes it easy to read and learn from the examples. In my case, it makes it easy to pickup, read a few pages when I get the chance and then put it down again. I find it easy to pick up right where I left off and keep reading right on to the next example. I like the humor level too. Often authors can get a little too cutesy with their wit and humor. I find that to be a real turn off. William and Brian (The authors) do a great job of keeping the humor light and laughable.
   
   I just made some room on my busy book shelf for this book of 76 time-saving, problem-solving php scripts. I hope my friend doesn't ask for it back...



3. PHP is an easy scripting language for creating web features, but like any software it has its quirks. That's where WICKED COOL PHP: REAL-WORLD SCRIPTS THAT SOLVE DIFFICULT PROBLEMS comes into play. It's for those who have some experience with the scripting program but need more specifics to tweak applications. From scripts to process credit cards, template HTML and serve dynamic images to tracking visitors with cookies and editing images and text, WICKED COOL PHP is packed with tips and comes from two experienced PHP developers: perfect for any computer collection catering to PHP users.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Programming Python.

1. Programming Python by Mark Lutz was surprisingly high level. Unlike the other O'Reilly "Programming ...." books (like Programming Perl) it gives only complex examples. The reader is assumed to have considerable experience with Python to begin with. In that perspective, it is an excellent book, but it will disappoint the newcomer who expects something starting from the from ground up.



2. I bought this book a few years ago, and I think I have finally given up getting anything of use out of it. It has been with me through my entire Python learning experience, so you might think there would be a point at which I would have found it useful, even if that may not presently be the case. Unfortunately, I can say that this is easily the least useful Python book I own. In fact, out of the 6 or so Python books I own, it is the only one I wouldn't miss a bit.
   
   It's just that it never seems to have anything even close to relevant for me, when I'm working on something. I can remember several times where I thought to myself, "What's a good way to solve this problem in Python?", or, "Where can I get some background on why Python does things this way?". Invariably I have either found the answer in one of my other Python books, or on the web. It's not that I haven't tried to like the book, in fact each time a problem comes up, I think "well ok if the book can shed some light on this for me, I'll consider it a value", and yet after 3 years... nothing.
   
   Anyway, I don't want to be all negativity, so to anybody reading this, here are the other Python books I have gotten more value out of:
   
   The Quick Python Book by Harms/McDonald (Old, and yet, still really valuable beginning book)
   Python Essential Reference by Beazley (A great reference book)
   Python Cookbook by Martelli et al (what Programming Python seems like it wants to be, but in half the size and twice the value)
   Python Standard Library (I don't use this much, but it still has some value)
   Python in a Nutshell (I think that's the name, it's at work right now. Another decent reference)
   
   Finally, it pretty much goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. This is just my experience. I am sure this book has been right on the money for other readers, and that's great, but for me, I think I may be donating this behemoth to my local library soon.



3. One thing I really wish O'Reilly would have made clear on the cover is the version of Python which was current at the time of publication. In this case, it's 2.4, so if you're looking for information on things like function decorators or the new generator abilities that 2.5 brought along, you're going to be as disappointed as I was.
   
   Aside from the fact that some of the information is dated, it's still a good overview of practical solutions to realistic problems which can be solved in the language. It does tend to spend way too much time developing TkInter GUIs (which I do not personally care about one bit) and overusing the usual array of extremely unfunny Monty Python references (which I personally stopped caring about around 1984). If you cut out both of these things the book would probably require about half as much paper per copy, and it'd be a good deal more digestible to boot. There's also lots of Windows-specific silliness and the author continues to operate under the assumption that OS X does not exist (every mention of the Mac platform refers to information that hasn't been accurate for nearly 10 years at this point).



4. This is not a terrible book, but I don't know what it's good for. The code examples are too long. This reminds me of the old programming tomes from the days before CD-ROMs and the Internet, where all details had to be shown in print. There is just too much code. If you find a chapter that matches exactly what you are trying to accomplish, then maybe this book is good for you. It is vastly improved in readability over the first edition, but The Python Cookbook is a much smarter purchase (even though part of that is available online).
   
   If you are just trying to learn Python, then Lutz's other book, Learning Python, is an excellent choice.



5. Whenever I try to look something up about Python with this book, I end up using Google. this book is *horrible*. Lutz must be the ultimate geek nerd.
   Instead of things in the table of contents like "strings", "regular expressions", "maps" - you have "Here's Looking at You, Kid!" or "Roses are red, violets are blue". Does this guy put flowers in his hair and dance barefoot in a park?
   Instead of short examples, he starts writing a program; you have to study it and keep reading in order to keep up. A total disrespect for one's time.
   The topics he presents are obscure, unnecessary, or have no consistent audience: What's OOP?; moving stacks to C modules; and endless discussion about GUIs.
   This book has 1 readeeming quality: FIREWOOD.

5 comments about MCPD Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-536, 70-528, 70-547): Microsoft .NET Framework Web Developer Core Requirements.

1. Unfortunately, there really isn't much material out there that covers the MCPD certifications. In fact, based on my brief search, this was the only book that covered it. So it was either get this book or just go off the list of material posted on the Microsoft website. The book does provide three 15% off vouchers and a program of test questions. And for that, it gets the +2 stars.
   
   After that, the material is pretty weak. It's written as-is (kinda ben stein-ish) and the code is confusing to read. I often times have to look at the MSDN equivalent material to get a better understanding of what the author was really trying to say and/or code. But again, what are you going to do? The list that microsoft presents on their certifications page is too vague, you need direction.
   
   You're going to definately need more material to look through outside of what's in the book, but it's a good place to build from. So far I have just taken 1 out of the 3 tests, but I passed on my first time. If you were to use the book as a guide, shouldn't be a problem to do the same.



2. Very helpful for taking Microsoft exam. I have passed successfully due to these books. But experience is still necessary.



3. I'm currently studying to get my certified professional developer degree. Its a good deal and it comes with everything i need for the web developer certification.



4. Hey, you may not be going to go take the tests, but at the least find some time (if you can) and read these books.
   
   I am currently trying to find time to get through these books. While I know a fairly good amount of concepts, I want to be polished and complete to make my job much easier and increase my free time at home because of that. That leads to why you would want to read these books.
   
   These books explain things in a very straight forward manor. They at least in my opinion, side-step any jibberish and tell you the basic "why" for a lot of things. I feel that the author did a pretty decent job covering the subject in each book.
   
   Also, if you notice that most programming books typically use a smaller font, or just so much information or so much bold or what not, that your mind is just trying to process the formatting of one page. What I like about this book is Space. There is larger text and space. Makes you really focus in and read carefully page by page.
   
   Anyway, definitely decent books in my opinion here.



5. I am an experienced developer, and used this set to pass the MCPD Web. It should be all anyone really needs.
   
   Everyone is different, by my recommendation is to use the books only for reference. Take the tests on the disk. Then for the questions you get wrong or find yourself guessing - look up the topic. Study for your weaknesses, otherwise anyone with experience working with this stuff is going to be rehashing everything they already know.
   
   I read people complain about how the books don't cover everything, and am at a loss to know what they could be talking about. If you know everything contained in the books or even possess about 85% of that knowledge, then there really is no way you can fail the tests.

3 comments about Learning Autodesk Maya 2008, (Official Autodesk Training Guide, includes DVD): The Modeling & Animation Handbook.

1. it is a great reference book!! I'm a student at animation major.. this is helping me all the time.. Also you can use this book for learning the software by yourself.. it is explaning and then give you assignments so you can understand the lesson well..
   
   good luck!!



2. This is the ideal guide for those who want to perfectionate his or her modelling skills. Extremelly usefull step by step tutorials. Highly recommened. Another score for Autodesk!



3. This is a really cool learning guide. It is geared a little more towards people who have a basic understanding of the Maya universe. If you have never used maya at all, it may be a little confusing. I suggest playing with the interface and going through the "Getting Started" lessons included with the Maya software before getting into this book.. The dvd contains support files for the lessons in the book. It would have been nice if it had some video reference. The pictures in the book aren't the best guides, so unless you understand the text, you may find yourself using more creative freedom to complete the models than actual tutoring. Still, it is a great reference and gives you all you need to create some complete models to practice building and animating. Hope this helps.

5 comments about LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT-G Programming Guide (Technology in Action).

1. The book consists of 26 chapters plus 1 appendix.
   
   The first 2 chapters cover the questions of "What is a robot" and "What is a program" and introduce the topic of pseudo code. There are many different methods when it comes to pseudo code, but this method will hopefully help teachers, parents, and students to understand how to take an idea for a program and turn it into actual NXT-G block code.
   
   All 36 blocks are covered (the book is useful for both the retail version software and the educational version), and each block has its own chapter with the exception of a couple of blocks that share a chapter (such as the Random block and Number-To-Text block that share chapter 14).
   
   There is a chapter dedicated to the concept of data plugs and wires (Chapter 7). This can be one of the more confusing elements of NXT-G, so this chapter uses a simplified method of showing how data types (number, text, logic) are passed between blocks.
   
   Another chapter provides a walkthrough on creating a My Block. My Blocks are powerful methods for simplifying NXT-G programs, and this chapter shows how the ability to re-use My Blocks can be helpful.
   
   Finally, the appendix covers some basic math such as converting back and forth between degrees and rotations. It also explains the LCD screen's resolution and how the X/Y coordinates work.
   
   Teachers, parents, coaches, and kids should find this book useful. It's written in a very friendly and easy-to-read style and provides plenty of sample programs in each chapter to demonstrate how to use the blocks. Also, coverage of each block's configuration panel is also provided. Overall, the book can be used as an additional source of information on the NXT-G programming language to supplement the Help files included with the software.



2. There's no other book out there that covers the NXT-G programming language. Jim Kelly covers the subject thoroughly, in a clear, friendly and encouraging style.
   
   The book not only covers NXT-G, it's also a primer on what programming is and how it works. With this book, teachers, students and beginners will have everything they need to understand how NXT-G works and how to use it. Advanced users will learn a thing or two as well, particularly with respect to some of the lesser known blocks within the NXT-G program.



3. When it comes to wanting to do Lego Mindstorm NXT-G, this is the first book you should get. The book shows the reader what different blocks are and how they work. The book also reads in terms that middle school students can understand and follow. Programming is the most difficult item that you have to do with a roboit. This book shows is a great resource for people that are in to lego roboits.



4. We bought this book for our nine year old son who had recently received the Mindstorms NXT for Christmas. He could not put the book down - read it from cover to cover and thinks it is a great book. Highly recommend.



5. This book covers a lot of ground on NXT-G programming and is a must have resource for anyone serious about programming in NXT-G as the on line help included with the NXT set is not adequate.
   As a professional programmer and a robotics hobbyist, I would recommend that anyone wanting to bring out the full potential of their NXT creations move to a text based language like Robot-C instead. While NXT-G is good for simple programs, it is just to difficult to create anything of any complexity as the graphical elements and all those connecting lines distract you from what you are trying to accomplish.
   I am giving this book 5 stars because it does well at what it is, a reference / guide to the NXT-G programming language. It is NXT-G itself that I would only give 2 stars.

5 comments about Microsoft® Office Word 2003 Step by Step (Step By Step (Microsoft)).

1. Fast shipping. Book received in same great condition as described on website. All in all, an A+ transaction.



2. This book is for everyone, novice, intermediate and experts (who need a refreshers course). Its plain and to the point. There was one section of it that was not quite right, however, this is no fault of the seller but the writers of the book. Once you over look that it works just as stated in the book. The book got to my freight forwarder quicker than I expected.



3. This book tells you exactly what you need to know for the exam. I was able to concentrate on the proper information without worry. I passed the exam first time :D



4. I've been using Word 2000 for years. I was finally able to get most of thr functions I needed to work, but it was a "try & try again" approach. The on line manual is helpful, IF you know what questions to ask. And most software has features you might not be aware of, and therefore can't use.
   
   The Word 2003 Step by Step manual is wonderful. You can find what you want to do easily in the index, then get step by step instructions on how to do the project. You can just read the index and/or manual, and learn of the many features available that you never knew existed, and so hadn't tried to use.
   
   It's like having an instructor on hand, any time you want one. I expanded my use of Word greatly, just by learning about new features, on learning how to do things I knew existed, but couldn't figure out how to access.
   
   I highly recommend this book.



5. Well laid out manual for learning some of the finer secrets of using Word 2003.

5 comments about Managing Humans: Biting and Humorous Tales of a Software Engineering Manager.

1. I am still reading the book and I find the information useful. I am a bit let down though because I found the book's and its chapter titles to be very funny. However, the stories are not as funny.
   
   Overall, the book has useful information and is very easy to read. Just not as funny as I thought it would be.



2. I and a Flash Developer and stumbled across Rand's blog and read the nerd handbook. Man, he had be pegged on more things than I would like to admit. From there I explored some of his other popular articles and eventually I was sold on buying his book.
   
   I found his writing to be very insightful, educational, and witty. It was a pleasure to read and I feel that I am more prepared for my future business endeavors.
   
   If you have any doubt, please check out his blog. Many of the chapters can be found there.



3. This book is not usual management book for managers, it's more about how to survive in organizational hell: how to cope with people, processes and yourself. It is equally useful for managers, developers, testers, whoever works in IT environment. There are interesting stories about finding top talent, keeping your job in layoff or outsourcing, how to resign and etc. Fun book to read.



4. I've read a couple of Rand's posts on his blog and thought it'd be nice to be able to read the edited, reviewed and improved paper version... I should have saved my money. It's not that the book is useless, but it doesn't adds to much value to the blog posts. Also, not all chapters are worth reading, so you pay for a lot of bad stuff too.



5. This book was recommend to me by an engineer I trust. The idea was "read this, because this is what a software/systems engineer thinks managers should be more like".
   
   I found the book witty, intelligent and an easy read.
   
   Also, through most of the chapters I took some great notes and "gotcha's" about management and have been applying them as much as I can.
   
   Recommended reading for any manager who has a group of "individuals" and rock stars working for them in a fast-paced software environment -- OR -- for anyone who likes funny, management self-help books.

No comments about Microsoft Office Visio 2007 Step by Step (Step By Step (Microsoft)).

5 comments about Pro InfoPath 2007 (Expert's Voice).

1. This book is just great. Good coverage in around 300 pages. I totally dislike huge development books that just harp around. This book covers all the necessary topics with examples... A++++++++++++++++ for Philo Janus



2. This tiny book, in comparison with other technical manuals, is a fantastic way to get up to speed with InfoPath in a very short time. I'd never had the opportunity to work with InfoPath before, until my company decided to implement MOSS 2007 with InfoPath Forms services. I bought this book and in a few short days we were churning out InfoPath business solutions.
   This book is an easy weekend read and then you are ready to go!



3. Microsoft writes a lot of sales hype about how terrific a product is but rarely explains what a product can and cant do. After days of asking I have yet to find out what Infopath exactly does and what it is capable of. We have documents in our office. It would be a blessing if people could go to our website fill out a form and then email the data to us so that we could then merge that data into a word document. Simply recieve an email in outlook after a client has input data on our website and then merge the data into word.
   
   It looks as if Infopath might do that function but most people have never even heard of the product although it has existed since 2003.
   
   After days on the internet I have yet to discover if this product can do that or exactly what product could do that. Infopath is not a popular product because of just that reason it is a mystery full of mis-information. Why is it we have to buy a book or buy a product to determine whether or not we need it??? I wish that the author (and Micro soft) would explain exactly what Infopath does and what we would be taught. I wont buy the product or read the book if you cant determine what I am about to learn, what it offers or why I need it.



4. There are all too many technical books that are heavy on theory and light on "how to", or start out in an introductory fashion and then suddenly venture into highly technical territory without including the necessary background information needed to understand the content.
   
   In "Pro InfoPath 2007", Philo Janus neatly avoids these pitfalls. Since he's writing about a product with whom most readers may not be familiar, he first answers the vital question, "What IS InfoPath?" with a comprehensive introduction to the product. Then Janus carefully outlines the capabilities of InfoPath and walks the reader through the steps necessary to create InfoPath forms in all kinds of environments; how to meet business needs in a myriad of situations; and most importantly, includes possible issues and limitations that one might encounter when using InfoPath and provides the necessary workarounds.
   
   My own company has InfoPath installed but despite an enterprise-wide need for exactly what InfoPath does, is resistant to its use because of a fundamental lack of understanding of the software and how to best deploy it. A read of this book would convince them that they have a good product sitting on the shelf that would meet their needs and interface neatly with Sharepoint and other applications already in use.
   
   Thumbs up to Philo Janus for a job well done.



5. I wanted to learn InfoPath, I am having to learn alot about computer languages and formats. I thought this would help, yeah, no so much.

5 comments about Introducing ZBrush.

1. This book really helped to open me up to all that ZBrush has to offer. Iv'e been working in motion graphics, and now gaming for the last few years, and really only came into contact with ZBrush as a sort of
   appendage to Maya. Not really realizing how much it stood on it's own two feet. I really didn't bother to learn much past what it could do for my Maya models, so I'm really glad I picked up this book. Because I only knew a very narrow vision of Zbrush, it was interesting and informative right from the get go. The first tutorial alone touching on aspects I hadn't ever dealt with. I must asume it would be great for beginners as well, as the tutorial are very detailed, and progressively build on each other. Anyhow, it's a great investment for someone who wants to learn ZBrush, and has never used it. Or for someone who uses it as a "plug in", but has never really gotten to know it. It's also worth the price just to get your hands on the great harryhausen Medusa head that's on the DVD. Oh, that's another thing, the DVD is more then a bunch of Zbrush scenes saved at various stages. There are movie files that actually show the sculpting process, macros that play back within ZBrush, as well as a trial version of Zbrush.



2. I've been wanting to get into Zbrush for a very long time. I even downloaded the trial version and surfed the web for tutorials. However, the lack of results were frustrating. Not only this book has helped me with the learning curve but also opened my eyes to zbrush REAL potential... it's very exciting. Now I can enjoy this wonderful piece of software.



3. This is a solid book for anyone using Zbrush. I'm an intermediate user mainly bringing in models from another program and exporting them back out. I've rarely had a chance to play with the 2.5D or a lot of Zbrush's little nuances. Eric has written a book that gets down to the basics is and simple to understand. It's setup in a linear fashion but is still very easy to look up what you are having trouble with and get right to the info you want. I've found that it's a much better source than looking for help or using the Zbrush help. This book is essential for beginners. Straight forward, easy to read and well worth the money no matter what skill level you are with Zbrush, Introducing Zbrush is a worthy choice.



4. First of all this book is so boringly non-visual. Black and White except for the small insert in the middle. The projects need a better step-by-step approach. I found myself having to reread the wordy steps most of the time to find the "key" word I was missing to complete a step. It didn't help that the first tutorial was so incredible boaring and goes on for 139 pages. By the time it was over I lost most interest in continuing. Shorter projects to the point please. YAWN...wake me when this is over. It was nice to have something written down for a change but that was its only benefit for me. I am looking for a book to tell me where things area and what they do period. A Zbrush manual needs to happen.



5. This book is a great reference book even for someone that is familiar to Z brush. There are so many features in the program that his book goes into detail describing. The step by step tutorials will help you get started with Z brush. It also touches on the 2D capabilities of the program, something that is often over looked.