JavaScript Bible: 5th Edition (Ebook) Wiley, 2004
See the print version entry for a review of the contents. |
JavaScript Bible: 5th Edition Wiley, 2004
Danny Goodman's JavaScript Bible is, without doubt, the most comprehensive treatment of JavaScript you could wish to find. It's part tutorial, but mainly a reference book, with copious examples of JavaScript in action. In fact, that was the major complaint with previous editions. The book had grown so big, you had to flip backwards and forwards between the printed book and the accompanying CD-ROM, which contained hundreds of pages (and were not printable). For the new edition, Danny Goodman has slimmed it down (it's still more than 1,200 pages!) - what you see is what you get, although there's apparently some bonus material for advanced readers on the accompanying CD-ROM. Nevertheless, bringing all the core material into the main body of the book will, no doubt, be a major relief to most people. Danny really knows his stuff, and he writes in a very straightforward style about what can, at times, be a confusing subject. The new edition has also been brought up to date to cover the latest browsers (the fourth edition stopped at IE5.5 and Netscape 6, before the emergence of Safari or Firefox). I've got quite a few books on JavaScript, including Danny's "Dynamic HTML", so may not rush out to buy the new edition, but for anyone with a serious interest in the subject looking for the book to buy, this is probably the one. It's also available as a ebook (listed separately). |
Foundation ActionScript for Flash MX 2004 friends of ED, 2004
Many of the examples in this book are the same as in the previous edition. At first, that was a disappointment. Then I realized just how useful this was, because all the ActionScript has been rewritten to the much stricter data-typing standards of AS2. By setting the old book and the new side by side, I was able to see immediately how to convert from the old to the new. For new readers, of course, everything is new; and learning to code correctly from the start is a massive bonus. Let's make no bones about it: AS2 is more difficult to get to grips with than the older version. But one thing I've learned with all programming languages is that learning to do things the "easy way" is always a mistake. Unlearning bad habits later is far more time consuming and frustrating than getting it right in the first place. On that note, I must make my only real criticism of the book. In the first printing, at least, there are a lot of careless errors in the code. They're printing errors, mind you, not bad code. Most of the typos are pretty obvious, and shouldn't put off an intelligent reader. What's more, all the correct code is available in the download files. Still, it's a shame, because it spoils what's otherwise a great book. What appeals to me very much about Sham Bhangal's style is that he makes learning a complex subject fun. A lot of the examples are game-based, but there's plenty of serious material in there, too, for anyone planning to use Flash to develop rich internet applications. The final chapter covers Flash MX 2004's new version 2 components, and listener events - crucial to anyone developing a business-oriented application. Equally, the Futuremedia case study that runs throughout the book demonstrates that Flash is not just for games or quirky animations. It's an elegant and sophisticated website interface driven by some pretty impressive scripting. This is very much a hands-on book that teaches you through practical examples. Athough everything is presented in a logical manner, it's less useful as a reference book. Sham's not ignored that side, though. He's currently working on a new version of the Designer's ActionScript Reference, which should be out some time in late 2004. |
PHP Web Development with Dreamweaver MX 2004 Apress, 2004
Allan Kent kicks off the book with three chapters offering a broad overview of the three main technologies being used: PHP, MySQL and Dreamweaver MX 2004. Then Rachel Andrew of the Web Standards Project takes an in-depth look at designing with web standards, something made considerably easier by many of the improvements in the latest version of Dreamweaver. Using CSS and valid XHTML is not just a fad as far as dynamic websites are concerned; it's a necessity. Server-side languages like PHP are very fussy about correct coding. One comma or quote out of place, and your website can come crashing down like a pack of cards. Yes, you can build a PHP website without CSS or a valid doctype, but it makes your life a lot harder, and any time "saved" by using outdated methods is usually lost many times over in increased site maintenance. Then it's down to business, building database-driven pages. Allan looks at the various server behaviors built into Dreamweaver MX 2004 that make this process much simpler. I follow up with a detailed look at code reuse, utilizing Dreamweaver templates and library items, but most importantly building your own code library and creating your own custom-built functions in PHP. I take a hard look at the pros and cons of templates, and compare them with PHP includes, a subject that can be difficult for beginners to grasp, but which offers considerable benefits - and which Dreamweaver, incidentally, makes a lot easier to implement. Allan then offers advice on other Dreamweaver time-saving devices - extensions, telling you not only how to install those created by others, but also showing you how to build your own. It's not as difficult as it sounds! My second chapter deals with the less glamorous, but nevertheless essential subject of what to do when things go wrong - not only error detection and troubleshooting, but plenty of tips on how to avoid errors in the first place. Finally, the crowning glory of the book (well, I think so, because I wrote it!) - a really detailed case study, looking at how a real-life content management system is put together. It's a mini-book in itself (120 pages long), showing how to plan the database tables, and building the administrative back-end with solid procedures to ensure that only valid content is entered into the database. In the process, you build several new server behaviors that can be used again and again in different sites. When putting the front-end together, I look at some advanced SQL queries drawing information from four separate tables. The finished site could be used as the basis for a club, an online product catalogue, or a personal blog. |
Flash MX 2004: Training from the Source Macromedia Press, 2004
Like "Foundation Flash MX", this book is aimed at teaching Flash from the ground up - no previous knowledge is required. Everything is very clearly explained, and the accompanying CD-ROM contains all the necessary files in both "before" and "after" state, so you can take them apart and see where you may have gone wrong. The book's approach is the construction of a complete website, introducing you to important aspects of Flash site construction as you go along. It's aimed very much at the serious end of the market. Although there are some little touches of humour in the design, you're learning how to create a business-like site, not how to create a space invaders game. That's probably my main criticism of the book - I missed the sense of fun imparted by the "Foundation Flash MX" authors. Nevertheless, I have found it easier to use Jen deHaan's book when I need to look up a technique that I've forgotten. There are also some nice design techniques, so I'm happy to have both on my shelf. |
Foundation Dreamweaver MX 2004 Friends of ED, 2004
The friends of ED Foundation series takes a hands-on approach, and the book teaches you all the ins and outs of Dreamweaver MX 2004 through a case study that builds an online photo gallery. Although readers are expected to know the basics of web design, the book is aimed at the beginner to intermediate level. Even if you're completely new to Dreamweaver, you should have little difficulty in following the detailed instructions. If you're familiar with earlier versions of Dreamweaver, this book will quickly introduce you to the new features, particularly the way the program is now almost entirely CSS focused. I promise you - there's not a single font tag in the book, and tables make only a brief appearance. If that worries you, don't let it. We don't preach. We guide you through the steps, and help you feel just at home with CSS layout as you may have been with old-school designs. The second half of the book is devoted to the dynamic capabilities of Dreamweaver MX 2004. Rather than skirt over a little of each of the server-side technologies, we chose to concentrate on PHP and MySQL. There are full instructions for installing them on both the PC and Mac OS X (not difficult - honest). We also decided not to dive straight into MX 2004's automatic code generation. That approach may give you quick results, but leaves you banging your head on the keyboard because you don't understand what's happening behind the scenes. Instead, you learn all the basics of PHP through a series of practical examples. By the end of the book, the static website created in the first half is converted to a database-driven version. You will also have learned about sessions, user authentication and dynamic navigation bars. What's more, you'll be able to dig into MX 2004's code and tweak it to get things to work just the way you want. If you plan to buy online, support one of the authors by purchasing through this site. |
© 2002-5, Japan Interface. All rights reserved.
Problems finding what you want?
Try searching Computer Manuals (UK)...
| Get Books On: |
... Amazon UK...
... Amazon USA...
... Amazon in Canada...
...or Amazon Japan
This is the ebook version of the latest edition of Danny Goodman's classic work on JavaScript. What's unusual about it is that it's printable, although at more than 1,200 pages, you'd certainly want to think twice before printing out the whole lot. The format is Adobe Reader 6, which is fully compatible with Windows, but requires Mac OS X 10.2 or higher to run. It can also be transferred to PalmOS, but not PocketPC or Symbian devices.
I first learned ActionScript from this book's predecessor (Foundation ActionScript for Flash MX), and wondered whether it was worth getting this new edition. But since the publishers offered me a free copy, who was I to refuse? I'm really glad I got it, though. What's important about this revised edition is that it covers ActionScript 2.0, the new standard introduced in Flash MX 2004 and compatible with Flash Player 6 and upwards (in other words, the vast majority of Flash Players already in use). Although I've had Flash MX 2004 since it first came out in September 2003, I've been so busy writing my own books about PHP and Dreamweaver, I hadn't bothered to upgrade my ActionScript skills. Now was my chance to do so.
This is my second foray into writing about creating database-driven websites using PHP/MySQL and Dreamweaver. Like my earlier book (Foundation Dreamweaver MX 2004, published by friends of ED), this book assumes no previous knowledge of either PHP or MySQL. Where it differs is that we assume readers already know the basics of building a static website, so we can concentrate on the main subject - putting PHP to work.
I've been trying to get to grips with Flash for some time. It's much more complex than building a website with (X)HTML, and not having a graphic design background puts me at a distinct disadvantage. I first learned from "Foundation Flash MX", which certainly got me off the ground and interested in learning more. That's why I turned to this book when Flash MX 2004 came out.
As one of the authors of this book, you'll understand if my review is slightly partial, but I think Craig Grannell, George McLachlan and I have put together something really special. I wrote the second half of the book in conjunction with George, all about building dynamic websites with MX 2004 and PHP/MySQL. I also created some of the JavaScript for Craig's half of the book, which is a thoroughly enjoyable and in-depth tutorial on building a static website, using MX 2004's standards-compliant XHTML and CSS features.
