Foundation PHP for Flash [Illustrated] (Paperback)

The advantage of combining these technologies is that Flash movies can interact with data on the Web server. A simple example, explained in the first chapter, is a user registration form. On the Flash side, ActionScript is the key ingredient that makes this kind of interaction possible. The author begins by showing how to send and receive external data from Flash movies. Next comes an introduction to PHP, from the basics of variables, statements and operators, through to functions, string handling, and regular expressions. There is also a chapter on cookie handling, often a vital part of a Web application. A mailing list example illustrates how to access external files from Flash and PHP. Finally the book introduces MySQL, showing how to get started with a system for serving up dynamic news items. That leaves space for three extensive case studies: online voting, an event planner, and a discussion forum. An appendix covers installation, and offers a brief guide to object-oriented programming.

With its friendly approach and practical examples, this is an excellent book for Flash designers looking to get started with dynamic content. It is not so good for existing PHP developers, as much of the material will already be familiar. Flash and PHP are a great combination, and this title offers plenty of ideas that you can take up in your own projects. --Tim Anderson

Book Description
PHP and Flash were made for one another.

Sure, Flash can impress us solo, but to create a changing, adapting Flash web site, you need to add some power behind the scenes, and put simply, PHP is the free and easy way to do it. With a list of functions as long a piece of string, there's always going to be something there to add dynamic sparkle to your Flash sites, and this book is your diving board into the sea of possibilities server-side scripting offers.

Foundation PHP for Flash will part that sea, and escort you through at your own speed.

This book is aimed at designers, and specifically Flash designers, although my main aim is to teach you PHP in a friendly and designer-focused way. For that reason I've assumed for the purpose of the case studies that you'll know the basics of Flash and will be learning PHP to improve your Flash sites, but whether you're a Flash master or a novice, I'll nevertheless fully explain the Flash that we use throughout the book.

I believe in simplicity so here's what we'll cover in each chapter:

The basics of a particular aspect of PHP scripting

A powerful reusable and adaptable Flash-integrated case study

The emphasis here is not on teaching you a ton of theory and then leaving you to figure out how to get some use from it, but rather to show you how PHP can make your life as a Flash designer better and easier.

I'll show you from start to finish what PHP is all about and, more importantly, how to use in increasingly exciting web applications. Throughout each chapter we'll be working through simple code examples, working towards building everything your site could possible need, from registration and login movies, to a full Flash forum - a grand total of 12 full sample applications.

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