The PHP OO Candy Store – Part I
PHP 5 Object Orientation and SPL in Practice

By Tobias Schlitt and Kore Nordmann

With PHP 5 the often-mocked object orientation features of PHP 4 have been widely improved. A real scope model for attributes and methods, automatic dereferencing, interfaces and many more typical OO features have been introduced. But in actual PHP versions, there is even more. PHP offers some quite unique and very handy features to help you creating really convenient APIs. The article throws the spotlight on the cutting edge technologies introduced in PHP 5.[Read More]

Don't Do it Yourself
Build Automation with Phing

By Stefan Priebsch

If you have developed software in compiled languages, you will probably have used a build tool that helped you in transforming your source code to an executable file. With a build tool, one can also automate various other tasks while developing software. But why should we need to use a build tool when we develop in an interpreted language like PHP?[Read More]

Freelancer's Corner
Keeping Yourself on the Cutting Edge Without Falling Off

By Elizabeth Naramore

It can be a daunting task to be ‘in the know’ on every PHP web development topic out there. There are new projects, frameworks, software releases, security alerts and other developments being unleashed every day. As a freelancer, your time is precious, but you're also expected to keep track of what's new, because you're the expert. Working it all in can be a tricky proposition, but I'm here to help you cut to the chase and separate the wheat from the chaff.[Read More]

Working with PHP and SAP
How to Use PHP to Connect to a SAP System

By Stoyan Stefanov

The article shows you how to integrate SAP with PHP. Are you building a web site or intranet for a company that has SAP installed and you want to integrate the data this system has? Or you are a PHP developer and you want to expand your knowledge of what you can do with PHP in the "enterprise" world? You'll probably find this an interesting read.[Read More]

Beginner’s Guide to PHP
Your First Lesson

By Marc Isikoff

Needs-based learning will not generate the next greatest PHP program. Needs-based learning will simply allow point solutions when the needs arise. Structured, professionally taught PHP leads to better, more well-rounded programmers, who can tackle larger projects at a quicker pace than if they had utilized needs-based education. In this column, I will teach, as it would be taught in a formal educational setting.[Read More]

Open Desktop Strategy
To Adopt Open Office on Linux or Windows: Analysing the Better Option

By Venkata Mantha R.M.

Microsoft Office on a Windows operating system is the most popular office productivity tool on personal computers. However, it is not the only option available in the current Open Source environment. Linux is fast becoming a fierce competitor to Windows and Open Office is turning into a viable alternative to Microsoft Office. This article examines the strategy to adopt Open Office wether on Linux or Windows operating systems, covering the analysis and migration phase in great detail.[Read More]