A Web-Based Introduction to Programming: Essential Algorithms, Syntax, and Control Structures Using PHP and XHTML

A Web-Based Introduction to Programming is designed for use in introductory programming, programming logic and design, or Web programming courses, and for anyone seeking a painless way to learn the basics of programming by developing small Web applications. The book is clearly written, using consistent examples in every chapter and step-by-step descriptions of standard programming procedures. Each chapter follows precise learning outcomes that are accurately tested by the end-of-chapter quizzes and exercises. A Web-Based Introduction to Programming keeps the focus on the need for beginning programmers to learn essential syntax and control structures with minimal complexity. Each chapter focuses on a single topic and related material is provided in appendices. Students learn to convert requirements into algorithms, and then develop small Web-based applications using a combination of PHP and HTML. All required software is provided and can be installed quickly and easily in minutes under Windows, Macintosh OS X or Linux. The software can be installed entirely on a USB drive so that students can carry their entire work environment with them (no need for special classroom installation). Significant changes to the second edition include: the latest version of the standalone Web server; even more code examples; additional code exercises for each chapter; flow chart examples to help explain control structures; more in-depth coverage of associative arrays and Web sessions; more extensive discussion of include files; additional references to emerging technologies. The Web site www.mikeokane.com/textbooks/WebTech/ includes all materials found on the CD, and also provides access to Flash tutorials, additional exercises, test banks, slide presentations, quiz solutions, code solutions, and other instructional resources. The textbook blog (http://introtoprogramming.wordpress.com/) allows students to get help with common questions related to the software and the textbook topics.