Being highly flexible in building dynamic, database-driven web applications makes the PHP programming language one of the most popular web development tools in use today. It also works beautifully with other open source tools, such as the MySQL database and the Apache web server. However, as more web sites are developed in PHP, they become targets for malicious attackers, and developers need to prepare for the attacks.

Security is an issue that demands attention, given the growing frequency of attacks on web sites. Essential PHP Security explains the most common types of attacks and how to write code that isn't susceptible to them. By examining specific attacks and the techniques used to protect against them, you will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the safeguards you are about to learn in this book.

In the much-needed (and highly-requested) Essential PHP Security, each chapter covers an aspect of a web application (such as form processing, database programming, session management, and authentication). Chapters describe potential attacks with examples and then explain techniques to help you prevent those attacks.

PHP is a powerful and full-featured programming language used by millions of Web developers around the world. PHP Essential Training is a comprehensive guide to learning and understanding an open-source solution to your Web programming needs. Whether you want to use a little PHP functionality or you want to create a full-blown Web site, this tutorial will start you on the road to mastering PHP. It covers the essential features, syntax, and flow of the language, and provides instruction in creating interactive and dynamic Web pages. Whether you are a designer new to programming or a developer coming from a different language, you will be learning PHP as it was intended to be used. You can easily follow along with real world examples and expert tips and tricks

Programmers love its flexibility and speed; designers love its accessibility and convenience. When it comes to creating web sites, the PHP scripting language is truly a red-hot property. In fact, PHP is currently used on more than 19 million web sites, surpassing Microsoft's ASP .NET technology in popularity. Not surprisingly, this surge in usage has resulted in a number of PHP books hitting the market. Only one, though, takes the language beyond traditional Web programming and into mapping, graphing, multimedia, and beyond: PHP Hacks.